OK, I've had the lecture from other sites about not to but the base model, so don't waste your breath please.

I bought a base model 2011 MDX (dealer got me with a bait and switch before I realized the age of the bluetooth tech on the 2011)
I really just wanted Bluetooth with A2DP to allow my phone to play music over Bluetooth instead of a wired system. At the moment I have to have a dongle to with a wire to play play and one to charge and then a ground loop Isolator to remove the buzz and that's a lot of wires and hassle.
There is no screen for Nav, the stereo is ancient, and I am an Apple guy so I want CarPlay if I can get it.
I cannot use NavTool as there is no display for it to use. I can't afford to sell the car to get upgraded tech package.
I don't care about resale value as I don't sell cars until they are scrap. (Last car was 97 Rav4 and I had carplay on it and almost 300K miles)
I see a Metra kit for a double din stereo online at Crutchfield. (Metra 95-7820B Dash Kit)

I've seen exactly one person try to add an aftermarket stereo with complicated home made brackets and insane rewiring of the system to remove the Nav panel and replace with a stereo that looks like it covers half of the windshield. Please explain why I can't pull the stereo and put in aftermarket equipment. Siri and iPhone will run hands free controls and nav for me so I don't need steering wheel controls for the stereo. What am I missing?