I just want to make sure before I go to purchase this car, what comes standard is IPOD plug-in capability, correct? So I can get an adaptor and plug my IPOD into my stereo? This may be a stupid question, but I just want to make sure before I go spend this chunk of change.

 

Yes the Scion xA it's already Ipod capable all you have to do it's buy an Auxiliary cable which will cost you about $2.99 and that's it your hook up.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

You can plug any MP3 player into the AUX in port, and the sound will generate from the headphone jack and play through the speakers. You must control the sound using the unit itself.

In order to control the iPod through the factory stereo controls (besides volume) you must either purchase the CD changer upgrade, in which case you will get a second "iPod" jack, or you must get an aftermarket adapter that connects to the CD changer port on the back of the head unit.

 

where can i get this cable at

 

It's a 1/8" to 1/8" stereo in cable. Monster makes one in their ipod products line, that's what I've used to wire into my car in the past. check www.ilounge.com for a zillion online stores that will have it.

 

I got mine at target. Any radio shack, ciruit city, best buy, walmart, etc. will have them. Don't bother paying shipping and waiting. Just go pick one up. It's essentially a cord with a headphone plug on each end.

 

go to Fry's stores they have one for $1.99 and up, if you want good quality sound get the RCA for $14.99 with gold plated.

 

Just to clarify, the stereo upgrade for 2006 is the iPod compatible radio which adds, as you said, a 2nd port for iPods only that allows you to charge the iPod and control the iPod from the head unit itself. There is no longer a CD changer option for the Scions, it was available for 2004 & 2005 only.

 

So is it better for me to get the stereo upgrade, or just stick with factory and get the adapter?

 

Basically the factory upgrade is just the pioneer adapter plus someone installing it and integrating the jack for you...when I ordered my car I priced it out and it came out about the same, so I figured I'll let someone else do the work and get the factory integration look. It's really nice to just plug the ipod in to it's dedicated jack and just haveit work.

if you're a do it yourselfer, by all means get the adapter and have some fun. If you're more like me, and like the ease of having someone else install, the price difference is not so great that it makes just getting the factory upgrade an unreasonable option.

Fundamentally, they're the same pioneer part, really.

 

anybody know about switching to an alpine with the iPOD connector? I got one for my last car and i really dont want to eat the $400 for the stereo. I will if i have to but i would rather not.

 

waste of money, stick to the auxilairy cable mate.

 

so you're saying to just get the iPOD connect through the dealer? Oh, well looks like my wife-to-be gets my alpine, huh. At least its not a total waste.

 

The factory upgrade is an entirely new headunit that controls the ipod. WHile everything you all said about the stock unit is correct, it is hard to argue with the $260 add on for an entirely new unit that is designed to control an ipod. Personally, I'd spring for the new radio, it just a plug in, then your radio takes over rather than always messing around with your ipod while driving.

 

Alpine did just release three stereo systems with their new FullSpeed iPod setup. The head units come in at $400, $650, and $1100 for the double din with 6.5" touchscreen.

the ipod connects directly to the back of the stereo with a $30 cable and you can browse, search, play all, and shuffle through all your music. Similar to the functions of the factory upgrade, but in either a much smaller single-din unit with the aftermarket looks and advantages, or in the case of the double-din, a full-color TFT touchscreen compatible with a docking navigation system.

something to consider if the budget is not really tight and you're a fan of the alpine stuff...I am seriously considering saving my $260 and living with the aux jack for a few months until I can buy the full double din kit which is frankly amazing.

 

Agreed, I'm using the single din Apline because it has the video pre-outs and I already have a 12" screen in my dash. But atm those are propably some of the sweetest units available and well worth the cash.

 

thanks for the alpine news champagne. will prolly get stereo upgrade, and save for the alpine.