Hey everyone,

I've got a 2005 tC and I just recently got on the ipod bandwagon. I see that the newer tC's stereo has an AUX/iPod input jack and that got me thinking about how I can get my car up to speed with all the ipod gadgetry.

What are your suggestions for making this switch? I've started looking at purchasing the newer stereo unit (used), but those are hard to come by and I want to make sure I purchase the right one (sometimes I'm skeptical about buying over eBay).

If I find a head unit at a good price, I would need to purchase the cable that runs from the stereo to the center console, and the cable from the center console to the ipod, correct? I can probably make the AUX jack modification myself in the console, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Is this the easiest solution, or are there other ones?

Thanks!

 

I purchased an Alpine receiver new from Best Buy about a year and a half ago and it works great. The cable for the Ipod was about $20, but it's not long enough to run to your arm-rest... I had to drill a hole in the left-side compartment of the glove compartment for the cable -- the Ipod can rest in the side compartment with some room to spare.

I don't think Alpine makes the model I have anymore, but even their most low-end models have Ipod connections, so it's up to you how much you wan to spend on a unit. Just keep in mind that navigating the Ipod menu is a little hard when all you have is a line of about 16 characters for a display.

If you're comfortable removing the center console and drilling a small hole, you can have your tC Ipod-ready in an afternoon for under $200!

 

I just helped a friend with an 05 tc do this a few weekends ago. He found an 06 stereo on ebay. It included the stereo and 2 of the 3 cables you need to connect it all up. Some guy on ebay makes and sells the third cable. It took us about an hour to put it all in and I think only ended up costing about $200 total.

 

^^For $200 get a BETTER HU...

Alpine CDA-9883

FREE iPod Cable and FREE SHIPPING!! Also, they will include installation instructions, receiver kit and harness. All FREE!! I have an older Alpine HU very similar to this one and I love it! I strongly suggest going this route.

 

I'ld get an Alpine head unit as I believe they have the best iPod integration

 

thanks for the suggestions guys. i'd really like to stay with the Scion/Pioneer head unit, just because that huge area would look really funny with a single din HU, and I'd like to keep the car looking as stock as possible. I'll look into that though and see if there are any good double din head units....any suggestions there?

i will most likely just keep an eye out for a stock HU for sale w/ cables.

 

I'm seeing these ipod2car adapters as well, which might be a good option.

I do not have the 6-CD changer option on my stereo, but I was wondering if my stereo has the AUX/CD-Changer plug in the back that some of these ipod2car adapters require. My end goal is to be able to use the stereo to control my ipod, so I can hide the ipod in the console or something like that. Does the stock '05 unit have the CD-Changer plug in the back?

Or, if I get one of these PT546-00080 can I purchase the wires to connect from the HU to the console? Will this be a more expensive solution for something that can be done with my current stereo using the CD-changer/Aux input?

Can anyone answer these question?

 

See if this helps

http://www.clubsciontc.com/forum_thr...ded-radio.html

 

It won't look funny...they make kits so the 2nd DIN just becomes a slot. or if you really wanted you could get a double Din HU with iPod support

 

I went ahead and purchased an ipod2car kit on ebay for $100. comes with all the necessary cables. not a bad price, we'll see if it works with my current unit, if not...time for the return!

 

hey i have the ipod headunit for sale $100. i can rip out that other cable missing from the 05 and make you a deal. pm me.

 

You might try this guy for the cable. Even though this auction is over, he may still have some, since he makes them himself.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...150461303&rd=1

 

My 'o5 HU did. When I used an Aux. Adapter on the 'o5 HU (for iPod and Sat. radio) it plugged into the disc-changer port.

*Side note* I don't think a single-din HU looks that bad...

Good luck with the iPod2car kit.

 

you're right, that doesnt look bad, but I dont have the money to spend on a full change, plus I like the stock look.

 

kit should be in soon. any suggestions on where to mount the ipod? I'd like to stay away from the obvious (glove box, center console). I was thinking something a little more creative.

Pics of suggestions would be great! Thanks.

 

Try this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BELKIN-TuneDok-C...QQcmdZViewItem

 

not bad, but then i lose a cup holder.

 

Life is full of compromises !

 

well.. if the headunit can control the iPod.. just throw the thing into the armrest...

as for suggestions... i prefer the aftermarket headunit route.

 

i got the ipod2car today, installed it in about 15 minutes (had to monkey with the dip switches a bit). audio performance is great, so far. control....eh, leaves a little to be desired. i will just have to get used to controlling it and seeing if any bugs arise.