I would like to connect my iPod to the stereo in my 2004 non-Bose stereo'd RX-8, but of course I have the 9.53 firmware version. I've investigated aftermarket, but after I buy the stereo, Metra kit, steering wheel control adapter, etc., needed to have the same functionality as the factory stereo, it's really far more than I want to spend. I'd really rather just find a used stock radio of the correct firmware version and swap it with mine and add the Xcarlink iPod adapter.

That being said, has anyone ever charted the firmware versions vs. the model year of the car? That way I could start hunting down the stereo from a particular model year car via MazMart, wrecking yards, etc.

The descriptions for many of these iPod adapters exclude 2004-2005, which then leads to the question - are all 2006-2008's fair game, or is it more complicated than that?