Adding AUX input to older car?

[apfhex]

My 1998 Camry with stock stereo system has a tape and CD player — but no aux input. Right now I'm using a tape adapter with my iPod Shuffle, but it sounds like crap compared to the radio or CDs.

I'm wondering what my options would be if I wanted to add aux input. Would i have to replace a bunch of components? Could I do it myself? How expensive would it be? I don't want or need anything that integrates with iPods (such a feature would be useless with my Shuffle anyway).

Also, if there's a really active/helpful car/Camry forum that any of you know of that I could go ask this at, that'd be cool too.

 

[c-Row]

I went the easy way and bought myself a new car stereo with an AUX input for 80 €. Works fine and is compatible with every portable mp3 player.

 

[todd2000]

Assuming your radio has CD Changer controls, this http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundauxtoy1.html will work perfectly for you, and its easy to install once you figure out how to get your stock radio out that is

 

[apfhex]

Assuming your radio has CD Changer controls, this http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundauxtoy1.html will work perfectly for you, and its easy to install once you figure out how to get your stock radio out that is

Right, I saw that (or something like it) when Googling... I guess by "CD changer" they mean like a multi-disc thing? I don't have the setup for one of those, at least no option on the stereo interface.

 

[katie ta achoo]

Depending on the price, it may be cheaper to get the $100 stereo from best buy with free installation. Yeah, your stock radio will need a cage to fit it in, and that's about another $20(?).
What I did to my hyundai, but we got her used and she already had an after-market stereo.

 

[apfhex]

Yeah, that's probably what I'd have to do. What do you mean by "cage"?

 

[Bill Gates]

Yeah, that's probably what I'd have to do. What do you mean by "cage"?

By cage he means an adapter so that your radio will fit in the stock slot. Check out crutchfield.com for all the information you need and friendly staff to boot. Forget retail stores. Overpriced and underhelpful.

 

[apfhex]

That's what I figured, but I had to ask. Thanks for the link.

 

[apfhex]

Crutchfield is definitely a good resource for this! Alright, so something like the Kenwood KDC-135 seems to fit my needs (no reviews yet since it appears to be newish) and doesn't have a totally ridiculous interface like some of the other units I've seen.

I'd also have to get a Toyota Pocket Kit, Toyota Wire Harness, and I'd probably want the Crimp tool too... adds up to almost $125... not too bad I guess. I'll have to wait until I can afford it though.