Hey All,
Just pulled the trigger on a 2010 Pearl White GT with 33k miles. Looked like a very good deal to me(Thanks helbigtw).
It is fully loaded except for RSES and Roof rails - looking to add rails as soon as possible(I like the look with 'em on).
A quick question - Whats the alternative (to OEM Ipod Integration kit) to play Ipod, old & new generation. There doesn't seem to be a universal cable for this purpose.
Also, what all do you think I can get checked/repaired while still under warranty(3 months/3k miles) ? Anything specific to look out for ?
Thanks !
Hey there and congrats on the new (to you) CX-9!
I have a Crystal White Pearl 2012 CX-9 GT FWD and I love it! I was also considering Used/CPO CX-9s and a Pearl White 2010 GT was exactly what I wanted! =)
I love the 2010 GT because it has the revised front fascia but still has the wheel design from 2009 and earlier GT models. IMO, those wheels look better than the redesigned 5-spoke 20" wheels on the 2011-2012 GT, like mine. It's a VERY sharp looking ride!!!
One of the few things I added to my 2012 is the Roof Rack, just for looks. FYI, you can buy just the side rails if you only want the roof rack for looks and save about $100 by not getting the crossbars. I just have the side rails and it looks great.
Roof Rack w/o Crossbars
Roof Rack w/ Crossbars
I also added the Chrome Rear Bumper Step Plate just a few weeks ago and it looks AWESOME! It adds just the right touch to finish off the rear end and several folks have noticed and commented on it-
CHROME REAR BUMPER STEP
BTW, those links show the products at discounted prices on the website of MedCenter Mazda near Birmingham, Alabama. You may prefer to buy from a local dealer to get them immediately, but if you want to save some $$$ and order online, they are totally legit and a pleasure to do business with! I've been buying accessories and parts from them for about seven years without the slightest problem. They ship free if the order is over $100 and you don't pay sales tax. I always get my order within two business days, but I'm right next door in Georgia, so it may take a little longer to cross the country. Just tossing that out there in case it might be useful to you...
Regarding iPod Connectivity, good question....
Am I understanding correctly that you have already checked out the "Genuine Mazda iPod Integration Module"? If I recall correctly, it costs more than an actual iPod? I also have a 2006 Mazda3 that I purchased new in late 2005. I researched every possible option for connecting my iPod that I could possibly find. In the end, they were all insanely expensive, most offered only basic functionality and I refused to pay $300+ for it! Instead, I used the $300 to add SIRIUS sat radio.
There are two aftermarket iPod integration modules that other CX-9 owners have recommended on various other web forums. One costs $149 and the other is $189, so they're not cheap but the prices also don't cause chest pains like the OEM setup does! Both models state that they only offer 'basic' functionality with the mid-line and navigation radio. The unit they refer to as the mid-line is the Bose system. What I don't know is whether they work with the standard audio system??? So if you have the standard audio, you would need to check with the selling websites to determine if they will work for you!
As for the Bose & Nav units only offering ‘Basic’ functions, I did some digging to learn what they mean by ‘Basic’. Those audio systems “will only be able to support ‘Direct Mode’ with no Text or advanced control.” That certainly clears things up….what the heck is Direct Mode and what are the advanced controls? Their explanation is, as my grandpa always said, “as clear as mud”! =)
Here are the links to the two products that I mentioned. As I said, they were recommended to me by at least one other CX-9 owner who owns and uses them. But I have no personal experience with either one!
Luckily, I don’t need an iPod adapter for my CX-9 or any future car I may own. After my second iPod died (both were the ancient hard-drive based units), I decided to hold a grudge and boycott Apple products altogether. My first iPod crashed just three weeks after the warranty expired and the next one last two months past the warranty…and the Apple Store employees only made me angrier! So I added Apple to my “I’ll die before I ever buy anything from them again” in the #3 spot, right after HP and Ford! =)
LINKS-
iPod Integration 1
iPod Integration 2
Let me know how things go, with the roof rack and everything else! Hope you're enjoying your CX-9 as much as I do mine!!!
