I know there are some really proper solutions for interfacing between the base model radio and iPods, which guarantee full control from the steering wheel. However, there are some inexpensive solutions now available with the correct "12 pin" plug - these appear to allow at least track selection and volume (also supporting iPod/phone charging). Anyone have any experience ? Yes, I know the really easy way out is through the AUX input, but I wonder if there is a halfway house here ?
I used a GROM unit on a then new 2011 Tacoma and it worked well. One caveat, the Tacoma had two non-navigation head units, one a single cd and one a 6-cd changer. I forget, which, but one worked, one didn't. Before buying, contact Grom (or whomever you are looking at) and confirm it will work. Grom support was good for me, but that was a couple of years ago and I have no more recent experience.
My advice would be to feed your audio through the aux jack. This can be done with a patch-cord or a Bluetooth dongle. For USB power, a USB adapter for the lighter socket.
