iPod compatible head units with CD players - still a thing?

LCGuy · Post by **LCGuy** » Wed Jun 24, 2026 4:04 pm

Not sure if this belongs in the ‘Cars’ thread, or here, I guess its tech so I’ll stick it here and it can be moved if necessary.

In my daily I have a Pioneer CD player with iPod compatibility that I bought and fitted in 2011. I’ve noticed the CD player part is getting a bit janky, sometimes it thinks there’s a CD in there when there’s not, and sometimes it has trouble loading a CD and I’m a tad worried about a CD getting stuck in there. The radio/AUX input/iPod/USB functionality all works perfectly. I’ve been looking for another head unit with both a CD player and iPod compatibility (that allows me to control my iPod via my steering wheel audio controls) but it looks like they’ve gone the way of the dodo. Are these still a thing? Not interested in CarPlay or anything along those lines, I’m old fashioned and still use my iPod and my CDs daily.

Post by **obvs** » Wed Jun 24, 2026 8:06 pm

I'd check ebay. There's a good chance you could find the exact same product and just replace your original with it.

ConnertheCat · Post by **ConnertheCat** » Wed Jun 24, 2026 10:42 pm

You could buy a '25 Lexus IS with a CD Player; they just this year finally removed it.

Cheezus · Post by **Cheezus** » Sat Jun 27, 2026 8:07 pm

You can find them of all sorts in thrift stores.

LCGuy · Post by **LCGuy** » Sun Jun 28, 2026 4:49 am

Not here sadly, due to our electrical safety laws

Post by **obvs** » Sun Jun 28, 2026 6:26 am

Ooh, what kind of electrical safety laws? I'm really curious.

Cheezus · Post by **Cheezus** » Sun Jun 28, 2026 3:41 pm

Man, that sucks.

Non sequiter: I found three Apple Airport Time Capsule units yesterday, priced at $15 each. Didn’t buy them but am thinking that an external Time Machine backup might be a good way to divest from iCloud.