I would like to use the free version of Pandora in my 2001 Lexus LS430. I have an iphone 6. I know I need to download the Pandora App to my phone. I have a cassette adaptor that works great with my antiquated Ipod shuffle with playing my itunes playlist. It sounds great as well. Shouldn't I be able to use Pandora with the cassette adaptor and keep my iphone pluged into a port to keep it charged at the same time? I assume it's a fairly large drain on the phone. How much concern should I have with data usage if I use it once in awhile, a few hours a week? I'm not sure of the phone plan I have, but I could look it up if necessary. There is nothing on the radio to listen to and CDs are useless these days. Any suggestions would be helpful. I've also heard that the sound quality is diminished, but is it that noticeable?

 

In terms of data there are enough unlimited plans out there now that that should not be a concern, t mobile for example you can get plans at around $35 a month for unlimited data that even includes things like netflix and what have you.

Streaming music is not typically battery intensive on the phone. I installed a bt45 bluetooth unit, didnt do the hands free mic yet but just the basic unit took about 35 mins start to finish and the sound quality is very clear.
if you already have a cassette adapter you can try streaming through it now tonsee how you like it with a youtube video or something. If it's not clear enough then consider a bluetooth adapter?

 

UPDATE: I tried the Pandora setup in my 01 LS430 last night and it works great! Crystal clear with the same good quality I get on the CDs. . Just shows that even with old technology and compatability options, we can still manage to enjoy newer apps and entertainment that is available in the brand new cars. Thanks all. PS...I will be calling AT&T to check on Data usage but I believe I'm in good shape with the plan I have.

 

Which cassette adapter are you using? I have one in my LS400 and it sounds very mediocre. Wondering if there is variable quality to the adapters or if they are all the same.

 

I purchased it years ago from Walmart for 5 bucks. I'm not kidding when I say the sound quality is excellent. No hissing or distortion. Maybe I'm lucky. I'm sure they are all about the same. Price might be a little higher but it's the same basic design. It's certainly worth a try if you have a use for it.

 

You might want to look into the products that use the FM retransmit function instead of the type that use the cassette deck.

I have used both the type that have the ear bud jack and Bluetooth to attach to the iPhone and then retransmit an FM signal to your FM radio; you just have to find an un-used frequency in the FM spectrum. Some of these products have charging ports as well to allow for charging the phone and have holders. Typically these are around $20 and several types are on Amazon.

 

What may help, is checking the volume on the device you're using with the adapter. If you have the phone volume cranked, it can come out sounding distorted. I try to set my device to half volume when using a cassette adapter, and that gives me good results.

 

Going to pass on those FM transmitters. I have tried a half dozen in years past and they were all equally bad.