Self-install HU on 2004 (no JBL/nav/bt) by noob?

Hi all,

I've read through many, many threads on this topic, so forgive me for posting again, but I haven't found one that quite answers my questions.

I want to upgrade my head unit on a 2004 that has the factory unit with no upgrades, but some of the discussions of retaining the A/C, resistors, and such are scaring me off a little. I'm not terribly good at this sort of thing, though with decent instructions I'm capable (I've changed a faucet for example). When I read about testing resistors and splicing pink wires, I start picturing myself sitting in a pile of broken plastic, with no control over the A/C, weeping. OTOH, I had a HU professionally installed on a car a long time ago and they did a sloppy job, plus they charged the earth.

So, wise Priuschatters, here's what I'm thinking:

• A JVC KW-R800BT double-din HU.
• The Axxess steering wheel control unit.
• The Metra dash and wiring harness kits that Crutchfield throws in.

(Sorry, this is my first post so it won't let me hyperlink, but these are all on Crutchfield.)

If I get all that stuff, and spend the $$ on the Axxess kit, can I avoid having to splice wires and do incomprehensible things relating to resistors in order to use the existing power management and climate screens? Or am I still splicing (and subsequently weeping)?

Thanks for any words of advice!

Cate