I just bought a 2002 IS300 SportCross and the CD player doesn't work which I understand is common. If the CD player worked I could live without an iPhone connection but since it doesn't I really want to figure something out. I have been reading the message boards and have realized that it is too much trouble to replace the stereo since their are issues with the rear speakers and amp.It looks like something from Grom or Vaistech would be my best bet and likely the most economical.
I would like to be able to be able to hookup my iphone and get decent sound, better than the cassette thing I'm using now anyway, I would also like it to charge my phone while its hooked up and it be simple to install. Bluetooth would be nice but not mandatory. I was leaning towards Grom but have heard they are not as reliable as Vaistech.
Are there any suggestions?

 

You can get any aftermarket radio to work fine with a kit from amazon. Part #TOYO 01. I bought the jbl brand and it plugs directly into old harness in car and then you plug RCA cables into aftermarket radio. Cost me $52. It also has a volume **** i turned up to 90%

 

I went with Grom audio and have not had any issues. I also purchased the auxiliary cable from them and ran it below the compartment where the heated switches are. I just traded in my sportcross so no pics of what the install looked like.