I'm looking to upgrade my STREAM to incorporate phone (via Bluetooth) - essential - and satnav - highly desirable. The cheapest option seems to be to buy separate systems - eg Parrot and Garmin - but this just makes the dashboard look pretty cluttered. The optimum solution would be to stick with OEM HU and phone integration- eg the Columbus/Bolero and Skoda bluetooth. But even second hand thats going to be in the £650-800 as far as I can see. So the middle route seems to be a 3rd party HU that integrates satnav and bluetooth, such as something from the Kenwood range.

Having missed one on here a week or so ago :-( I've been browsing on flea-bay,and there seems to be a huge number available at various prices - but mostly from Lithuania. Anyone got a clue as to ehy this might be? Is there a huge market for second hand car parts in Lithuania that the rest of Europe is missing out on? Or do they have some murky links to the manufacturers?

Does anyone have any experience of buying from there, or are there any other pitfalls I should be aware of? Any other views on the Kenwood range much appreciated!

Thanks

chris

08 Octavia Elegance estate

Mine came from Lithuania. There was a lot of talk on here about the legitimacy of the units, and the answer is no-one is really sure where they have come from. There is supposed to be a 'factory seconds' outlet and refurbishment option, but there is also talk of thefts on the continent and bypassing of chips, meaning you won't be able to update the firmware without bricking the unit.

My first unit was faulty, which took a lot of communication and ebay threats (not that they were any help at all) to get a satisfactory conclusion. The Columbus is a great piece of kit - I went round Europe last summer and it was perfect, and the ability to store music is great. I think it's far better than other options, but having shelled out £550 for one I would say that.

I agree re. the Columbus - it look a great piece of kit and was planning to buy one until I realised you have to spend another £2-300 to get to use the phone though it - which is the main reason I want to upgrade from the Stream.. Actually the bluetooth is not essential if it were possible to get a cable to connect the phone to the HU - is this an option??

Thx

I have the Balero and added a IO Play now I can stream music from my phone and answer calls. I bought it off Flea-bay for £12 but it had a cable missing so I called the manufacturer and they sent me one for free since they don't sell it separate. And then add the £21 iso convertor from Halfruads

flea-bay link

Darren

Edited 28 November, 201015 yr by DLW

I have the Balero and added a IO Play now I can stream music from my phone and answer calls. I bought it off Flea-bay for £12 but it had a cable missing so I called the manufacturer and they sent me one for free since they don't sell it separate. And then add the £21 iso convertor from Halfruads

flea-bay link

Darren

Is it difficult to fit and set up?

Do you know if there is any write ups as this sounds like a good piece of kit.

I've got a Bolero and looked into getting an OEM bluetooth unit but at £350+ fitted I can't justify that sort of cost to make hands free calls in the car so this seems a good alternative.

Cheers

Gaz