I've used cassette adapters to get my iPod into car stereos for the last few years. The cassette adapter does provide the teensiest bit of 'hiss', but it eliminates the 'squeal' that I get using line-ins when also using a car charger for my iPod.

Is it going to be well-nigh impossible to get a good price on an RX-8 with this option, or is this something that the dealer can install?

Cassette is dealer installed. Buy one yourself from one of our sponsors - Trussville or Rosenthal Mazda for less and install it yourself. There are diy's on this forum. The dealers have a nasty habit of scratching the piano black when they take the dash apart.

There might also be some owners selling their casssettes from time to time as they upgrade. Look on the forum.

That's how mine came... I used the cassette adapter for my mp3 player for a while, but now have the PIE Aux-in mod.

Spend the extra money that you would have on a cassette and get the neo/dension adapter. I only listen to my 40gb ipod in the car. This adapter that I have had for 1 week plugs into the cd changer port of the stereo.

The adapter plugs into the bottom of the ipod and allows you to play and charge at the same time. In addition, when the car is off the ipod will charge. When you turn on the car the ipod powers on. Also, you can use the steering wheel controls for next/prev track. The head unit will also allow you to fast forward or reverse.

The unit works flawlessly and is well worth the $189.00 plus shipping. I do believe however, that you need firmware 9.67 on the head unit.

PM me if you want more info.

You can always go to the Apple store web site and buy an iTrip. It plays your iPod through an FM radio station. I use it and it works fine. They are about 30 bucks and plugs in on top of the iPod with no wires. Sounds just as good as the tape deck if you find a clear fm station.

You can always go to the Apple store web site and buy an iTrip. It plays your iPod through an FM radio station. I use it and it works fine. They are about 30 bucks and plugs in on top of the iPod with no wires. Sounds just as good as the tape deck if you find a clear fm station.

and that's the biggest problem with FM adapters, often you won't find a clear FM station, especially in urban areas.

the Itrip is miserable, get the PIE adaptor, ICE link (needs pie), or get the new PIE ipod adaptor, thew from rx8garage.net is going to sell them for a nice price too

then you get crystal clear audio and you can control the ipod from the steering wheel AND it charges it...

tape adaptor? buying whole tape deck for crummy sound and paying for dealer installed, dumb move...HUGE mistake

What's the PIE adaptor? I'm clueless here, sorry.

I'm going to buy a new car next summer or fall, and the RX-8 is currently high on my 'lust-list'. Fixating on the details keeps me from losing my mind in the meantime and keeps me working toward paying down my debt and getting a big down payment saved up. Sorry if these questions have been asked before. I should have STF'd first.

What's the PIE adaptor? I'm clueless here, sorry.

I'm going to buy a new car next summer or fall, and the RX-8 is currently high on my 'lust-list'. Fixating on the details keeps me from losing my mind in the meantime and keeps me working toward paying down my debt and getting a big down payment saved up. Sorry if these questions have been asked before. I should have STF'd first.

hey no problem...get the 8 :) :) :) you will LOVE IT

talk to thew at rx8garage.net he'll sell it to you...if you want just rcas he's got it, if you want the PIE plus control of your ipod through the steering wheel and HU and charging...he will have that too, its just not on his website yet

he just got back from SEMA and is catching up :)