I'm finally getting into the ipod thing, with an imminent purchase of an 80gb classic for my music and video collection soon. So, what's the best way of playing it in my car?
Options are:
1/ keep my old sony cd/md head unit and run a 2 phono to ipod cable - pro's are that's the cheapest way - cons are having to navigate on the move using the ipod.
2/ as above but buy a radio transmitter thing - still having to use the ipod to navigate but no extra cables (is the sound quality any good with these?)
3/ buy a new hu, with ipod compatibility - dearest option - pros, get to leave the ipod in the glove compartment, best sound quality, no extra cables - cons, dearest option by far :(

Budget is the cheapest I can get, but also the best quality (I know, I know, you get what you pay for :))

What would you recommend?
Oh, my03 sti to save you looking at my scooby :)

Or Option 4?

I can't remember the model no - but I bought a Sony ipod adapter, that connects to the cd changer input (bus?) and then into your glovebox.

It charges the ipod while letting you control the ipod through the HU.

Ah, this is it:

Sony iPod adapter XA 110IP 4 car stereo iPod nano on eBay, also Sony, CD Headunits MP3 Players, In-Car Entertainment GPS, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 15-Apr-08 09:33:09 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sony-iPod-adapter-XA-110IP-4-car-stereo-iPod-nano_W0QQitemZ250234647362QQihZ015QQcategoryZ39763 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

As above, it apparently works with post 2006 HUs? How old is yours?

Nice find! Unfortunatly, my hu is rather long in the tooth, and may not be compatible :(
Model number is MDX-CA680. I've tried to find a compatability list, but can't.
However, I did find this on my travels:
Connects2 ASOIPOD001 Sony iPod Adaptor (ID3 + Folder Support) £48.00 including VAT. ASOIPOD001. Buy discounted car audio online at In-Car Express (http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/view_product.php?partno=ASOIPOD001)
and I've mailed the company to see if it will work.
Thanks for that StiX.
If I get no joy down that road, I'll be back to options 1 - 3 I guess :(

I ended up switching to one of these:
Car Audio Direct - Alpine CDE-9880R - CD Player (http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cde9880r-p-6422.html)
I'm still happy with it after a year or so.
Our other car has a jack plug to attach the ipod but by the time you connect a charger to it as well there is a mess of wires and it really is too fiddly to use on the move.

New HU m8, i got one off ebay A Kenwood KDC-4534 c/w the Kenwood Ipod adapter so the ipod is fully controllable from the HU and is on charge whilst plugged in. Works superb and is no more hassle than the other ideas you have as you still need to leave the ipod somewhere with those.

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get a new hu, as that would seem the best long term solution. Although my current hu could potentially control an ipod, it's still an md player when all is said and done, and a bit long in the tooth :)

Thanks again,

Hi CW42

I bought one of those Connects 2 for my old Sony head unit. Works ok as I didn't want to spend too much as it would be a waste of time in a Spec C.

I paid £23.50 for one from eBay. Even if you decide to upgrade at a later stage at least it might make you old Sony head unit a bit more appealing. :)

Btw there one here for £30. SONY car stereo to iPod interface - CONNECTS 2 - NEW on eBay, also Sony, CD Headunits MP3 Players, In-Car Entertainment GPS, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 18-Apr-08 21:41:54 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SONY-car-stereo-to-iPod-interface-CONNECTS-2-NEW_W0QQitemZ160228076776QQihZ006QQcategoryZ39763Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Cheers Robocop, I may just do that, save me spending too much on a full hu setup :)
Oh god! Decisions :)

Robocop, just to let you know, after finally getting my hands on a 2nd hand ipod 60gb video 5th gen for only £70, I took the chance and ordered a connect2 for the old hu in the car. Came today, fitted today. Works a treat :thumb:
Bit slow when navigating through the tracks (slow as I've got loads, not slow on the ipod) but otherwise a cracking bit of kit. I now have my entire lifes collection of music in my car! Who'd have though eh? :D

Owe you a pint mate :thumb: