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I have installed that unit but I wouldn't characterize it as for the "least bit handy". It involves removing all the panels from the screen, center console, and

I have installed that unit but I wouldn't characterize it as for the "least bit handy". It involves removing all the panels from the screen, center console, and shifter, and fishing some wiring behind the climate controls. Definitely do-able, but not for the faint of heart. The wiring is easy to connect, to be sure, Japanese are outstanding at that. Totally worth the money. I just wish I could put in one of the factory backup cameras, neither the dealer nor my trusted local stereo shop will do that for me.

js2 2y ago
That's fair. You also have to update the software first, which is a 45 minute process that requires touching the brake pedal every 20 minutes to prevent the head unit from going to sleep. I've installed it twice: a few years ago in a CX-9 and two-weeks ago in a Mazda 3. There's YouTube videos for it so you know what you're getting yourself into. I found the procedure straight-forward. Mostly you need to know which parts to pull off and where the bolts, clips and fasteners are. If you're someone who'd install their own dash cam, you can probably do it.
briHass 2y ago
Having done this recently, the pro tip is that you can pop out the old USB/SD panel by inserting a hook pick into the holes on the front and yanking. It will pop the plastic faceplate off, and then you can access the clips to remove the entire unit. Mine was actually fine and I was able to pop the faceplate back on if I wanted to reuse it (not sure why I would), but no guarantee. Turned it into a 15 minute job vs probably an hour+ of messing with the center console. Babysitting the software update takes the most time.
- js2 2y ago
  Very much depends on the model, trim level, and generation. Even on the Mazda 3, the location of the USB hub depends on whether the car has a CD player. I did the "drill holes in the front of the USB hub" trick so I didn't have to remove the console. But then I dropped a socket and ended up having to remove the console to retrieve it and it only took maybe 15 minutes. I could do it again in 5 knowing all the steps.

js2 2y ago

That's fair. You also have to update the software first, which is a 45 minute process that requires touching the brake pedal every 20 minutes to prevent the head unit from going to sleep. I've installed it twice: a few years ago in a CX-9 and two-weeks ago in a Mazda 3. There's YouTube videos for it so you know what you're getting yourself into. I found the procedure straight-forward. Mostly you need to know which parts to pull off and where the bolts, clips and fasteners are. If you're someone who'd install their own dash cam, you can probably do it.

briHass 2y ago

Having done this recently, the pro tip is that you can pop out the old USB/SD panel by inserting a hook pick into the holes on the front and yanking. It will pop the plastic faceplate off, and then you can access the clips to remove the entire unit. Mine was actually fine and I was able to pop the faceplate back on if I wanted to reuse it (not sure why I would), but no guarantee. Turned it into a 15 minute job vs probably an hour+ of messing with the center console. Babysitting the software update takes the most time.

js2 2y ago
Very much depends on the model, trim level, and generation. Even on the Mazda 3, the location of the USB hub depends on whether the car has a CD player. I did the "drill holes in the front of the USB hub" trick so I didn't have to remove the console. But then I dropped a socket and ended up having to remove the console to retrieve it and it only took maybe 15 minutes. I could do it again in 5 knowing all the steps.