New RX350 owner with a couple of A/V queries
 

G'day..

First of all, great forum, love the amount of personal insight on here! I recently purchased a 2008 RX350 Sports/Luxury with ~67,000kms (42,000mi in your terms) from a family friend, and I am damn happy with it.. Just a quick query, however:

Regarding the varied A/V addon packages, is there a preferred option? From what I've seen, the two key products are from GTA Car Kits and VAIS Technology.. Does anyone have experience with either, or another alternative? The key thing I'm looking for is to play audio over bluetooth, whilst maintaining the vehicle's existing handsfree capabilities. iPod connection would be a nice bonus. My car has the Mark Levinson audio/navigation system.

Cheers :)

I really like the Grom products.. I had good luck with them and very easy to install. Their support is top notch. I've installed at least 7 modules for myself and my friends.

Cheers! Had any experience with http://gromaudio.com/store/vline/lexus_2006-2009_grom_vline_infotainment_system.html ?

Preferred depends on who you ask as requirements,priorities, preferences, etc are not all identical from person to person. There are numerous options out there will do what you're looking for and many prior threads with info about some of them. FWIW, we've been happy with our USA Spec. What's your budget?

Does the iPod not have Bluetooth? If your device is Lightning are you willing to use a Lightning to 30 pin adapter?

Cheers.. Makes sense that varying experiences and needs will lead to varying preferences. Was really just looking for feedback on product quality, reliability and experiences :)

Nope.. I have a 160gb iPod Classic loaded full that I have had connected to a Pioneer head unit in my old car, and wouldn't mind something similar if viable.

i bought the vline for my LS460, but it didn't work.

I don't think it's worth the $500.. I am pretty sure the price will drop to $300-$400 soon. I bought mine for $300 when it first came out.

Didn't work as in, not compatible or just didn't do the touch screen very well or wouldn't load apps or ??

oh.. not compatible (they didn't know at that time)

anyhow.. the reviews are on other areas of the forum.. IS forum and LS forum both have threads on the vline.