After much deliberation, I purchased a new 2005 RX-8 a couple of weeks ago. So far I love it, but I had to connect my IPOD to the car somehow. I purchased the ICruze with LCD display for about $170 online. After removing the headunit and replacing it with the MP3 head unit, I connected the Monster ICruze with the LCD display in the ashtray, and I used the PIE Mazda PC/ALP adapter. While the IPOD would play, it would take 10 seconds or more to change songs. Sometimes while changing songs the head unit would shut off because it took so long for the ICruze to respond. So if there's anyone out there thinking of doing this combination, I wouldn't recommend it.

Following advice found here at rx8club, I then purchased the Denison Ice-Link Plus, and it works great, especially when it's in IPOD mode. Random play off the Mazda head unit works so much better when the ICE-Link is in IPOD mode. So I didn't get my display in the ashtray that I wanted, but the ICE-Link is well worth the purchase.

As for the RX-8 itself, I am having a blast driving it around. My RX-8 is a titanium gray manual GT, with Navigation, aero package and rear wing. I got it for the S-Plan price minus $1,000 with financing through Mazda. Other than the peculiar way the Bose radio handles random play (when you advance to the next song manually random play stops) I have no complaints. The gas mileage is above what I expected (~19MPG).

Having fun,
Franco

 

Hey,

I use the Maz/Alp adapter along with the ice-Link, and it works great. I was considering getting the iCruze - glad I didn't now! Sorry about your experience though - must've been annoying.

I got my 8 a couple of weeks ago, too - Titanium Grey manual 6-speed, with nav and appearance stuff - take a look at my picture! I love my 8 too -it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

 

Cool RX-8! I'm assuming that stripe was added on after you purchased it? No big deal on the ICruze...I'll put it on EBay.

Franco

 

Does your icelink start if you leave the radio on after stopping the engine? Mine gets stuck so I have to turn of the radio, disconnect the ipod, reconnect it and then turn the radio back on.

 

It always gets stuck. I just turn the radio off and on automatically now.

 

I haven't been shutting off the radio, and my IPOD has not been getting stuck. Doesn't mean that it won't happen...

Franco

 

I turn my radio off and on automatically too. But if I don't drive my car for a day, it still gets stuck so that I have to disconnect and reconnect.