I went to my local dealership today and checked out a new 2013 GT with the tech package. The problem I ran into is that it took over 5 minutes for the system to finishing "reading" my iPod before I could do anything with it. Then I was surprised to see that there wasn't a way to search by artist. Most vehicles allow you to input at least a letter, for example "J" so you can find Elton John or Journey. No such luck. Also, it didn't appear to support my playlist info either, and when pressing the playlist button nothing came up.
I was using a 120 GB iPod classic with about 9,500 songs. I know that's a lot of songs, but in all my other vehicles plus the several I've been test driving recently there didn't seem to be the problems I saw in the CX-9.
I absolutely loved the rest of the vehicle. The iPod issue was a deal breaker because most of the music I listen to is via iPod.
This leads me to a larger question: Has anyone added an aftermarket head unit to the new 2013s? I did a search with negative results. Crutchfield shows they have a custom kit for the 2007+ CX-9 but it appears to me that the 2013 is a different size unit, and I'm generally leery about getting installation information from Crutchfield anyway. I'm quite the DIY-er when it comes to installs, and replacing a head unit isn't a big deal to me (nor is swapping out speakers, amps & wiring on a Bose system). But I wasn't sure how integrated the 2013 infotainment system was with the rest of the car's systems. It appeared the HVAC and other controls were separate, which is a good thing. I see that the 2012 CX-9s seem to be quite easy to do a head unit swap and was hoping the 2013 was the same.
Tony
I was using a 120 GB iPod classic with about 9,500 songs. I know that's a lot of songs, but in all my other vehicles plus the several I've been test driving recently there didn't seem to be the problems I saw in the CX-9.
I absolutely loved the rest of the vehicle. The iPod issue was a deal breaker because most of the music I listen to is via iPod.
This leads me to a larger question: Has anyone added an aftermarket head unit to the new 2013s? I did a search with negative results. Crutchfield shows they have a custom kit for the 2007+ CX-9 but it appears to me that the 2013 is a different size unit, and I'm generally leery about getting installation information from Crutchfield anyway. I'm quite the DIY-er when it comes to installs, and replacing a head unit isn't a big deal to me (nor is swapping out speakers, amps & wiring on a Bose system). But I wasn't sure how integrated the 2013 infotainment system was with the rest of the car's systems. It appeared the HVAC and other controls were separate, which is a good thing. I see that the 2012 CX-9s seem to be quite easy to do a head unit swap and was hoping the 2013 was the same.
Tony
