2006 Tacoma + iphone SE + stock stereo = what do I do?

[mntlion]

basic info.

2006 stock tacoma, with factory stereo in it. I have added an "isimple" charger/cord, but it only works with the older iphone 30pin.
http://isimple.com/catalog/isimple-a...r-gateway-11ft

I'll be getting a iphone SE soon, with the lightning end, and of course ispimple doesn't make just a new cord for this (simplest option)

So, What is the best / cheapest option for me? I'm not a huge music/sound geek, just need to play podcasts on roadtrips

1) add a new stereo with a USB port?

2) add a new stereo with a line in jack?

3) add a new stereo with bluetooth?

4) remove the ispmple stuff from the back of the stereo and buy something else that hooks in similarly?

5) buy a new 2016 tacoma?

6) something else that I"m missing, cuz I'm a dumb ass?

[mntlion]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Car-Stereo-US...dUUl0N&vxp=mtr


would that do what I need? And how much a bitch is the dash/stereo to remove?

[sethschmautz]

You might be over thinking this. I had a setup from a company called USA Spec and when I got an iPhone with lightning, I just bought this:

http://m.target.com/p/apple-lightnin...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds

[geomorph]

A simple radio transmitter would be the easiest and cheapest option but also most ghetto. Sound quality is not great and you might have to change channels on long road trips. I say get the new Tacoma.

[mntlion]

You might be over thinking this. I had a setup from a company called USA Spec and when I got an iPhone with lightning, I just bought this:

http://m.target.com/p/apple-lightnin...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds

I tried one before and it didn't work. But maybe a newer iphone, and newer adaptor might work? I should try.

[sethschmautz]

What iPhone do you have now? Was the adapter an apple branded adapter?

My understanding is that the apple adapters actually have a chip built in that converts the lightning audio to 30 pin audio. The off brands do not.

[mntlion]

What iPhone do you have now? Was the adapter an apple branded adapter?

My understanding is that the apple adapters actually have a chip built in that converts the lightning audio to 30 pin audio. The off brands do not.

I tried my wifes iphone 5, but good to know about the "apple only"

[El Chupacabra]

On Mrs C's former Tacoma (2005), I first added an adapter to the stereo that allowed for a line in jack. Worked fine, as far as audio quality. Later, replaced it with an aftermarket double DIN head unit, which was nicer all around. They're also so cheap now that is the way I would go. And definitely not an FM modulator, those sound terrible.

Look at Crutchfield or Sonic for kits including the surround trim. Easy to do. If you want to preserve steering wheel controls, PAC has an interface that will do it - worked fine, a bit of a pain to program, but was a one time issue.

[spknmike]

#3 works out well for me. Bluetooth only decks are cheap, add the benefit of making calls and usually also have a USB port for charging/playing.

[Meadow Skipper]

I've got this for the stock stereo in my 2003 4Runner, and it's great. Crutchfield sent good instructions on pulling the dash (not hard at all), it's unobtrusive, the steering wheel controls operate the unit...pretty much tits. I like it because it charges and runs the unit with just one cord. Very clean setup, I've had no trouble in like 7 years or so.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_581PA20...or-Toyota.html

[matt]

Mntlion: PM me your addy. I've got an apple 30 pin > lightning I'll send you to try.

[creaky fossil]

Yeah, Crutchfield's pricing may not be the cheapest but they give instructions that are easy to follow, and they are familiar with model year specifics on what size head units fit your vehicle. They're good with speaker fit too (choosing what size/shape, and footnotes to describe mods required).

I've got a friend who's used that radio-transmitter-iPhone deal and it sometimes fades out or finds signal interference, but maybe his is an older model?

I would get a whole new head unit with whatever options you like. As others said, car stereo stuff is relatively cheap now, especially the simple low-frills head units.

[Skistack]

I replaced the stock head unit in my 04 4 Runner with a used Scion unit w/ aux cable I found on eBay. Still have to control music from the phone and have have a separate charging cord, but it was a cheap and easy solution. Scion is a Toyota brand, so all the speaker and antenna plugs are the same.

There's alot of info about these swaps at http://www.toyota-4runner.org/toyota-4runner-forum/

[oftpiste]

I did one of these in my 2003 Land Cruiser. Works great.
http://gromaudio.com/store/all-toyn.html

installed inside dash with microphone hidden in ceiling pod.

used one of these with the cable holder

http://www.proclipusa.com/dashboard-...837-15378.cmsv

It all is pretty and pretty seamless. Phone charges with the cable when int he cradle, bluetooth music and handsfree phone.

[sethschmautz]

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_581PA20...or-Toyota.html

This is the unit that I had in my tundra. Worked well including when I used the apple adapter from 30 pin to lightning. Occasionally ran into an issue when the head unit needed to be "rebooted" when meant turning the truck of and then on again. Otherwise worked great and excellent sound quality. The only other thing I wish it had was the ability to make telephone calls through the stereo.

Can be found on eBay pretty cheap and installation is very easy.

Seth

[Meadow Skipper]

This is the unit that I had in my tundra. Worked well including when I used the apple adapter from 30 pin to lightning. Occasionally ran into an issue when the head unit needed to be "rebooted" when meant turning the truck of and then on again. Otherwise worked great and excellent sound quality. The only other thing I wish it had was the ability to make telephone calls through the stereo.

Can be found on eBay pretty cheap and installation is very easy.

Seth

Yeah, they're cheaper than Crutchfield lots of places, but the Crutchfield installation instructions - how to take apart the dash and console - were worth it for me. YMMV

[sethschmautz]

Yeah, they're cheaper than Crutchfield lots of places, but the Crutchfield installation instructions - how to take apart the dash and console - were worth it for me. YMMV

I actually think I bought mine from Crutchfield also for the same reason. Great instructions.

[LiveLarger]

#5 Seems like a no-brainer? or maybe even wait for the 2017 Ford Raptor?

[beer30]

crutchfield is great, 80 bucks and you can have a new deck with all the features your looking for and a easy to use install kit. Get a couple new speakers for your front doors for an extra 25 and youll be set for years to come

[eshed]

FM adapters suck. Unless you only drive in the middle of nowhere. I recently got a Bluetooth compatible head unit and it's rad. So easy and sound quality is great.

[Cocximus]

Lightning > 30 pin adapters that have audio exist. The pins are there, no "chip". Apple sells it http://www.apple.com/ca/shop/product...30-pin-adapter ... try a few from the dollar store.

6) Get an Audi

[Jack Burton]

this may be recommended above but it works well on my '08. I got the second link with it to pull the radio out for install, I'm no mechanic and it was still only a 1 beer job.

http://www.amazon.com/Moonet-Interfa.../dp/B00P0O3PPS - $30 on amazon

http://www.amazon.com/KINGLAKE%C2%AE...HSAYG1T0NQ9658

[406]

A simple radio transmitter would be the easiest and cheapest option but also most ghetto. Sound quality is not great and you might have to change channels on long road trips. I say get the new Tacoma.

Removing the antenna from the truck helps cut down on radio station interference.