Carpodgo T3 Pro for Japanese Cars. Super fast Linux solution.

So it seems like it's one of those external CarPlay screens for cars without. It uses the stock head unit for Bluetooth audio but everything else is on its own screen.

If it does radio when you only have Japanese FM then I could see that as an advantage, but otherwise it seems not much different from using your phone in a holder. Maybe the CarPlay/Android Auto interface has bigger buttons than the regular phone that make it easier to use?

(I have been discovering that some of my regular apps don't do Android Auto, or want a subscription to enable it. So a phone has its advantages too)

Yeah, that is basically the concept.

It is a CarPlay or Android Auto box with its own screen, and it piggybacks the factory head unit mainly for audio.

On Alphard or Vellfire imports, that is often the least painful route because you avoid fighting Toyota proprietary wiring, CAN integration, and the “everything is in the factory screen” problem on higher spec cars.

Where it can be genuinely better than a phone in a holder is the integration side of things, assuming the kit is decent.

Audio routing is one of the main things to check. Many of these units can feed the factory unit via AUX or FM, not just Bluetooth. AUX is usually the best quality and has the least lag if your Japanese unit has it. Bluetooth is convenient, but it can introduce a tiny delay and sometimes lower quality depending on codec support.

Steering wheel controls and microphone support are also worth checking. Some units support steering wheel control pass-through and an external mic. That is a big usability jump compared with having a phone in a cradle, especially for calls.

Reverse camera and front camera support can also be useful. Some units can accept camera inputs and overlay guidelines, which can be handy if your factory screen is Japanese only or awkward to interface with.

Boot speed and stability is another point. Linux-based ones can be quicker and less crashy than Android screen units, but you are trading flexibility for simplicity.

On the radio point, it is worth being clear that most of these add-ons do not magically convert your factory Japanese FM band. They usually just provide internet radio apps through CarPlay or Android Auto, or they include a separate DAB module if you buy that option.

If you want proper UK FM and DAB integrated like OEM, you are still looking at band expanders, converters, or fitting a UK-spec head unit, and each option has compromises.

If anyone is considering one for an Alphard or Vellfire, the practical checks I would do before buying are:

How does it connect audio to the factory unit? AUX would be my preference, then Bluetooth, with FM last.

Does your car actually have AUX in? Some JDM setups hide it or do not have it enabled.

Does it support steering wheel controls and factory amp systems, especially JBL?

Where is it going to mount without blocking vents or looking too aftermarket?

If Ldrego has it fitted, it would be useful to know which audio method you are using and whether there is any noticeable lag on navigation prompts and calls.

It would also be interesting to know how it behaves on JBL-equipped cars.

Sorry for the length.. brain dump

Oh, that's an interesting one! I've seen a few of those external CarPlay units popping up. The idea of keeping the original head unit is quite appealing, especially if you don't want to mess with the car's existing setup too much.

I'm really curious to hear more about how it performs. Does it feel seamless with the original Bluetooth audio, or is there a noticeable lag or difference in quality? And you've hit on a good point about the radio if it can somehow tap into the Japanese FM bands and translate them, that would be a huge plus for those of us with imports. Otherwise, like you said, it does feel a bit like a fancy phone holder!

What do you think the biggest advantage would be over just using your phone?

thanks, Tango