Is the Kenwood DDX7015 still a decent navigation/head unit?

[Joey Link 10+ year member]

One of my clients recently upgraded his navigation system in his truck so he could get XM radio. He had the Kenwood DDX7015 with the navigation, iPod, bluetooth, 10 disk changer, and backup camera add-ons. I believe this head unit is from 2004. The unit has received great reviews, but almost all of them are from 2005. He needs me for an 6-8 hours tomorrow and can only afford to pay for 5 or so, so he wants to give me this will all the accessories in trade. I know technology has come a long way since then, especially GPS, so I wanted to know if this is still a decent head unit/navigation system.

If I decide to use it, I'll be putting it in my 2000 Toyota 4Runner, which I've been looking at navigation head units for (but can't afford for a long time). It currently has a DDIN Kenwood that's just plain UGLY, and nothing special in general. I've heard these cost a ton have them installed (around $600), which I don't think would be worth it. Is this something I can install myself? I've installed a few head units over the years but nothing with this many accessories. I am pretty well versed when it comes to removing and installing vehicle trim, but my car audio installation skills are as basic as there are.

I appreciate your help //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Click to read more...

 

[2002XLT 5,000+ posts]

Do it, have you looked at the value on ebay, im sure the kenwood alone is worth more then 8 hours of your day...

and yes, install yourself FTW.

 

[DD_Dave 10+ year member]

they are pretty nice units....

 

[Joey Link 10+ year member]

I'm definitely going to do it, as it'll be doing a favor to this client and he's been good to me over the years. According to eBay pricing, it's worth about 3-4 hours of my time, and that's fine with me. I love trading my time for cool stuff I normally couldn't or wouldn't buy.

My big questions are:

How difficult is this going to be for me to install, and where should I look for how to do it? Does it have that info in the owners manual?

How will the navigation compare to the nav units of 2008? Are my maps going to be horribly outdated? are there updated CD's available for the KNA-DV4100?

 

[2002XLT 5,000+ posts]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kenwood-DDX7015-Monitor-DVD-Reciever-Navigation-ipod_W0QQitemZ250257069466QQihZ015QQcategoryZ79834QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Joey Link 10+ year member]

I get paid well //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

Unfortunately, I only work maybe 10-15 hours per month.

 

[DD_Dave 10+ year member]

I think it can be upgraded through an SD card from Garmin...but I'm not sure...It most likely has GPS updates if needed though....Try it out first you can always update maps later it may be fine like it is

 

[2002XLT 5,000+ posts]

I get paid well //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif
Unfortunately, I only work maybe 10-15 hours per month.

I see, well then i guess its just a matter of what you want to do and how much you feel your time is worth, what exactly do you do if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Joey Link 10+ year member]

I'm definitely going to take the unit //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

I'm a tech consultant, mostly with home and small business PC's. Just started out on my own in November and business is slowly growing //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[Joey Link 10+ year member]

So I got everything, and it all appears to be in great condition. The only problem is the KNA-DV4100 is missing the power adapter that plugs in the back. Where can I get a replacement?

How difficult is it to install all this stuff, compared to just a head unit. It seems like I'd just run the additional cables for the iPod adapter, Navigation, and CD Changer and the rest would be the same, right?

 

[Joey Link 10+ year member]

Oh, also, where do you guys mount the DVD Nav unit? Under the seat?

 

[IA2 10+ year member]

I will not build subs at IA for less than $125 per hour //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

just being a smart ass........sorry //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif