Advice, please: iPod connection kit worth it?

[JJWax]

Hi all - I bought my Prius V about a month ago and it was an early production model, so no USB/iPod port installed - only the regular AUX jack. As part of my deal with the dealer, he arranged for a mobile installer guy to come to my place of work and install the newer port once I took possession of the car.

Now I'm wondering if I should even go through with it, after reading forum posts about how clunky the iPod interface is through the car's nav screen, and the fact that the iPod can only be controlled through the nav screen when it's plugged into the car.

Beyond all that, I figure that when I finally spring for the newest iPod Touch, I'll just be Bluetoothing my music anyway. I already use the car's Bluetooth to listen to Pandora from my Blackberry.

Bottom line: is it simple for them to install the iPod interface, no cutting or major/complicated disassembly of the dash required to connect it to the nav screen? I'm a little loathe to mess up my pristine Prius if it's just a subpar upgrade I'm getting in return.

Any and all advice appreciated. Thanks.

[crimsonbrian]

I got mine installed a few weeks ago and it was no big deal. There is no cutting involved but there is some disassembly. The dealership did a great job so nothing was damaged. The interface does have some issues but it is way better than having to try and stare down at a tiny ipod screen while you are driving. The major issues with the interface could be fixed with a simple software upgrade, although, who knows if that will ever happen. I would do it again, though.

[ggood]

All they are really doing is running a cable from a box under the driver's seat to the same place in the console where the current aux port is. As already said, there is some disassembly involved, but I wouldn't be worried about it. You already know it doesn't have great functionality though. Personally, I'll probably just stick with the bluetooth, or using a cupholder/stalk mount, with the aux cable. Also, someone here is about to install and test a new Vais Technology USB interface that may be much better. See this post:

Will an iPhone work with the 2010 USB interface?

[rrolff]

It looks like you will get a warning every time you plug in your iPod - I get this on my aftermarket stereo/navi (I feel better now knowing it is a common issue).

I believe (at least this is true on mine), that after the warning, it will not charge the iPhone (mine doesn't) - but it works fine - and you can change your tracks from the steering buttons (makes it worth it).

[lawboy]

I have been very happy with the kit and the ability to select tracks with the steering wheel and touch screen. One of the secrets to getting around the dodgy interface is to make use of playlists. That way, instead of cycling through 100's of artists or albums alphabetically (playing "The Wanderer" by U2 on the Zooropa album is a pain ), you can select a playlist from the touch screen and get to the desired album/song a lot faster.

I like it so much, I am buying an iPod just to leave in the car so I always have it handy.

[zencat]

I will definitely be installing this when I go in for my 5000 service.

So what exactly do I ask for? iPod interface kit?

[lawboy]

Originally Posted by zencat

I will definitely be installing this when I go in for my 5000 service.

So what exactly do I ask for? iPod interface kit?

Since you have the Nav package, you want to make sure to request the iPod USB integration kit, not the "other" kit that installs in the glovebox and doesn't work with the Nav package. Once installed, the USB kit will be accessed along with the Aux input where the Aux input is now.