I have the chance to buy an AVIC-F90BT for $400 shipped. I've seen a lot of comments on slow startup times, and some problems with these, are they enough that I should steer clear of this deck? What are some things, other than the pico fuse, that I need to ask the seller?

Basically I'm open to whatever input you guys have on this unit.

I've also heard that even with the pico fuse being good that there is still some hiss coming through the speakers, have many owners of this had that problem?

I recommend that you stay away from that unit. It will almost certainly go bad on you.

You should be able to find an X710 or X910 for around the same price and those have a much better track record.

Gah!!! He's lowered the price to within the range I'd be spending on my other choice. (Kenwood KDC-X994) Down to $375 including all cables and iPod cables.

So tempted to take the chance.....

Edit: Are these really that bad?

I wouldnt risk it.

Despite Newman's naysaying, the units aren't awful, they work quite well for a lot of people here.

However I do find even $375 for a 2 year old unit to be a bit more then I'm comfy with, but that's more your choice on money, not on the quality of the unit. I'd be looking at a new X910 for about $599 if I were in your shoes, bought with the right credit card you can double the warranty up to 2 years, and it's new, you know no one else has messed with it.

My F700BT has been all but flawless since day one, daily for almost 2 years it's been playing movies, music, and answering calls for me, I view it as well worth the $400 I spent for it.

Its true that not everyone has problems with the F-series but I work for an electronics shop that installed dozens and dozens of F-series navs. we probably had a 50-75% failure rate on them. I personally had an F700 in my car that worked for 6 months then died, then I had an F900 that worked for 1 month then died. We didnt sell the F90, but It seems like the F90 may have had a better track record than the F700, F7010, and F900 so you may get lucky but as a I said before, I wouldnt risk it.

I have a F90BT right now and absolutely love it. I have had it for about 18 months and I have never had any problems with it at all and with Diaftia's mods it is amazing.

Well, I'm giving it a shot. Sent the guy the money today, I'm in Canada so the shipping cost him $40 Meaning I got the unit for $330+shipping. The good news is if I don't end up liking it I can likely resell it locally for nearly double what I paid. There's one listed for $700 near here.

What was actually changed on the X910's? I thought they were basically just a software update of the F series.

The F-series had defective flash drives so I am pretty sure the that was changed with the X-series. The F-series was actually developed by an outside 3rd party whereas the X-series was done completely by Pioneer because of the F-series debacle. It would make sense if more things were changed but I was only told about the flash memory.

The F-series had defective flash drives so I am pretty sure the that was changed with the X-series. The F-series was actually developed by an outside 3rd party whereas the X-series was done completely by Pioneer because of the F-series debacle. It would make sense if more things were changed but I was only told about the flash memory.

You have some kind of documentation on this?

I thought there was a difference in modding. Is it true you cannot mod the x-series?

I thought there was a difference in modding. Is it true you cannot mod the x-series?

The software most people are using to install 3x firmware on their F series models is sourced from an X910. Exact same stuff. All hacks from one work on the other.

F Series/X*10 series are the same. X*20 series are completely different.

F Series/X*10 series are the same. X*20 series are completely different.

That I wouldn't hesitate to believe. Thanks for the clarification.

Thank you all for the replies, a couple more questions....

Am I've heard these don't come with the din cages, true? If I need one do I have to get the Pioneer one or will a cage from another company work (ie. JVC or Kenwood)?

Hopefully I won't have too much trouble getting this in my dash, all the websites say it won't fit in my '94 Mazda 626 but I have two single din spaces with just a very thin piece of plastic at the front separating them.

If you're using an iPod and just leave it plugged in will the VR have to update everytime the car is turned on, or is it just when the iPod has been reconnected? I'm looking for a iPod Classic to just leave in my glove box for media.

What are the best mods to do, in your opinion? Not sure of firmware, but if its 2.xx is it worth upgrading to 3.whatever they're up to now?

The F-series had defective flash drives so I am pretty sure the that was changed with the X-series. The F-series was actually developed by an outside 3rd party whereas the X-series was done completely by Pioneer because of the F-series debacle. It would make sense if more things were changed but I was only told about the flash memory.

You have some kind of documentation on this?

no documentation. just going by what someone inside pioneer told me last year.

 

If you're using an iPod and just leave it plugged in will the VR have to update everytime the car is turned on, or is it just when the iPod has been reconnected? I'm looking for a iPod Classic to just leave in my glove box for media.

 

What are the best mods to do, in your opinion? Not sure of firmware, but if its 2.xx is it worth upgrading to 3.whatever they're up to now?

the VR only needs to update whenever you make changes to your ipod (ie add songs or remove songs). however, the unit WILL automatically update the VR catalog every single time the car is turned on unless you go to AV SETTINGS and turn VR CATALOG MODE to "OFF". The best way to do it is to turn it ON to start, let it update, then turn it OFF until next time you make changes to your ipod. at that point turn it back on, let it catalog once, then leave it off until next time you make changes.

yes it is worth it to update it to the 3.0 software. you will get newer maps and you will have better/faster functionality.

Nothing wrong with the F90BT...I've had mine for over a year and its been flawless... However, I remember only paying around 400 back then though.

So, did you get it? If so, post some pics...

BTW, the AVIC wasn't suppose to fit my vette either.

Scott

Bought and paid for, I've known the guy for a few years on several different forums. Told him not to rush shipping it out as I will likely need to order the ADT-VA133 kit for it. Near as I can tell my car has just a small piece of plastic separating the 2 single din spots, should just be a matter of trimming that out. Will post pics as I can.

And as an extra little bit, found a couple for sale in Canada. They are asking double what I paid for this one, sucks being into car audio up here. When I bought my amps I went into the kicker dealer and was told a SX1250.1 was $1200, bought mine for $185 shipped in mint shape off a car audio forum.

Glad it all worked out for you--welcome to the forum. Let us know if you need anything.

Scott