Labor and parts for installation could easily bring the total cost of adding a CarPlay/Android Auto compatible head unit to $1,000. At least it did for me, and that was 3 years ago.
I bought one which cost under 200, ran full Android (a slightly older one, to be fair), and I was able to self-install with no real issues. Just unplug old stereo, and plug in all the same things into the new one. I have a 2013 Golf.
Mind you - it's a little janky after 5 years, but an awesome value for what it cost. I know what you're thinking: Yes it has Netflix and Retroarch. No, I don't ever use those.
Totally different. Android Auto is a passthru. Sort of like a docking station. Not having a separate OS/set of apps/data is the point. It's your device, not the horrible old thing in the car you grudgingly live with.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6283607.p?skuId=6283607
Labor and parts for installation could easily bring the total cost of adding a CarPlay/Android Auto compatible head unit to $1,000. At least it did for me, and that was 3 years ago.