Less Expensive alternative for using Onstar as Bluetooth Handsfree setup

[2kwik4u]

So the wife has started driving the Yukon as her daily driver. She needed the space for a change in job positions (now a field marketing agent - sort of), and space to tote the baby around. Anyway, this has her looking for some of the features that her Audi A4 had. Most notably heated seats, and Bluetooth hands free integration.

I've got the heated seats covered, and will be ordering a retrofit kit here soon. However the Bluetooth has me a bit stumped.

Since our truck is an '03 the analog Onstar system is outdated and no longer works anyway, so I thought that would be the place to start. I found a few solutions to replace the OnStar module with a bluetooth module. Seems simple enough but at ~$300, it seems a bit pricey. Are there any other alternatives out there for using the factory mic, and stereo speakers to integrate in a cellphone via bluetooth?

Here is an example of what I've found, and like the functionality of it, but the price seems a little steep.

http://www.costartech.com/pb/products/bluestar.html

We've also ruled out a headset/earbud setup, as well as those tacky looking things that stick to the dash with keypads. We want something that is seemlessly integrated, but doesn't cost a ton of cash. $300 goes a LONG way to getting a new double din NAV system off Amazon, and that might be more her speed in the long run anway, but thats another story.

Any help or thoughts?!?!?!

 

[ezdaar]

motorola roadster

Works very well. Find it cheaper on amazon.

 

[Splatmaster527]

I think you would be a lot happier in the long run with a solid new headunit with Bluetooth integration. Anything from a $150 single din to a full on Double Din Nav/DVD/Bluetooth/Satellite Radio all the bells and whistles type. You can integrate it with the steering wheel controls and alarms and not lose any functionality but gain a whole lot of features and useability.

The Kenwood DNX5160 would give you the options to add Bluetooth, HD Radio, Satellite Radio, iPod connection, Reverse camera, Traffic Reports and Steering Wheel controls.

Just a thought. Might be out of your price range but I think you will get a lot more out of your money with something like that rather than just patching something into the old system.

 

[DJ Starr]

I bought the new Pioneer DEH-6400BT from Crutchfield for $139.99. They have free shipping through the 12th. Got it Tuesday afternoon and took all of 20 minutes to install. It's got a lot of flashy stuff the kids like but I didn't really need. Regardless, the BT is fantastic and the price is great too. I highly recommend looking into it.