Hi,
I've got an iPod, and at the moment I use a radio transmitter to play music through the radio. Reading the instructions for the radio, I get the vague hints that it's possible to play iPod music through the cars stereo direct, and possibly even control the iPod from the console.

Using the radio to receive the iPods music is passable - far better than the old cassette adapter I had in the Skoda. The stereo on the car is much better than anything I have had before, so I can’t complain that much. However, as it’s radio, I can get interference and there is nothing more distracting than random pops and crackles. The other problem is the practicalities of the iPod connector. It holds the iPod in a cradle which plugs direct into the “cigar lighter”*. This probably works in other cars, and would work on a left hand drive Crossfire, but for me, it obstructs controls. Any other options involve trailing wires.

Are there any kits which will let me have a direct connection to the car's stereo system? I’d much rather have the iPod out of the way in the glove compartment.

I know that there are stereo systems which can take an iPod directly, but I don’t really want to buy a whole new system - I’d rather use what I have and spend my money on a holiday - something that we both need here.

*Yes - the manual calls the cabin power outlet a “cigar lighter” - which gives me an idea of the car’s perceived audience.