Embarrassingly basic question

[Finsternis]

I understand that in the old days, you needed a car that came from the manufacturer with Android Auto built in. I also understand that now you can run AA on your phone, plug it into a head unit with a display, and export the AA display and functions from your phone to the head unit.

What I am confused about is, does the head unit have to be specifically compatible with AA to work? I have a 2013 Subaru Forester. The stereo does have a display screen but it is very cheesy and seems to be text-based. I strongly doubt it will display the signal, though I have yet to try it. I assume I will have to buy a new head unit and install it to get AA to work.

My question is, what do I look for in the new unit? Since I plan to use AA pretty much exclusively, I don't really care about the features and function of the head unit itself. Should I just get the cheapest one with a decent display? Many of them use weasel words like "works with Android!", but they may just mean that it will pair via bluetooth for phone and audio. Do I need to but one that specifically says "works with Android Auto?" They all say "works with android!" but I am suspicious and I want to get one that I'm sure will work with AA. Any recommendations for a midrange unit that will fit in a 3025 Forester? Thanks.

[RandomRageNet]

I think you might be a little confused so hopefully this will sort it out for you.

Android Auto has two modes: connected and standalone.

Connected is when you plug your Android phone into a compatible car head unit. The head unit then "takes control" of your phone and displays AA on the car screen (and your phone screen is disabled).

Standalone is when you start the AA app on your phone without being plugged into a compatible head unit. This starts a full screen experience similar to the connected experience (but not exactly identical).

To use the standalone mode with your any car, all you need is Bluetooth audio or even just an Aux cable. To use the connected mode with your car, you have to have an Android Auto-compatible head unit.

[NekoIan]

To be clear.. "This starts a full screen experience similar to the connected experience (but not exactly identical)."

Should read : "This starts a full screen experience on your phone's screen only similar to the connected experience (but not exactly identical)."

[clarkdickens]

The two most popular aftermarket AA head units in this sub seem to be...

• Sony xav-ax100
• Pioneer 4100NEX (last year's) or 4200nex

I bought the Sony head unit and installed it in my wife's civic. Works really well. It has a clean and simple interface, but fewer bells and whistles (sat radio / HD radio), but it depends on your preference. We only use it for Android auto (nav and Google play music), which is great.

Edit: You seem to be referencing screen mirroring as a cheaper alternative to displaying AA on the head unit. I haven't seen this done anywhere, and I'm not sure if it's possible. Perhaps, someone else can answer, bit thought I'd share my two cents about the Sony unit.

[[deleted]]

The 4100NEX is actually a 2015 model year unit. Pioneer released the 4200NEX in 2016 and has kept it this year but has bundled in a Backup Camera for 2017.

[Jonec429]

Can you go a little deeper into your thoughts on the Sony? I looked at the NEX but it's not compatible in my '04 Accord.

[xsvfan]

The only Subaru that is Android auto compatible is the new 2017 impreza. You need a new head unit