Toyota/Dealer installed Bluetooth, any experience?

[Super Blue]

My dad is picking up a 09 CE tmw. This will now be his 5th Corolla, the man can't seem to get away from these. I'm thinking of getting a bluetooth put in there for him from the dealership as a gift.

I have a question or two for people here.
Has anyone (in Canada) had the Toyota bluetooth installed from the dealership? How well does it work? Does the stereo mute when a call comes in? Would you recommend it?

I've looked into a few aftermarket systems and the Parrot sytems from Crutchfield are not too far off from the toyota price. Anyone have any experience with those? That's the main reason why I don't mind paying for the Toyota system if it's a seemless install and works good.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[tlk23]

In the fall, when I bought my 09 corolla, Toyota Canada was selling a rebranded version of the Motorolla IHF-1000 (IHF-1500, I think). The cost was around $600! I think you can probably find a Parrot solution for about half that.

In my view Parrot and the Toyota (Motorolla) both have the same problem. That is, where to mount the control panel? Almost all of the bluetooth kit is hidden behind the dash, except that there is a small ( 3 cm by 6 cm) control panel that must be somewhere on the console or dash. The Toyota install instructions say to place it below the heater control. Trouble is in winter when you are wearing gloves it is difficult to turn the heater control without hitting the bluetooth control. I have heard dealers may place it in different locations, but in my opinion there isn't a really great place to locate it.

Just recently I spotted another kit called the BLU Logic Hands Free System. It seems to be available from Toyota in the US. In this kit the control panel fits in one of the switch knock outs in the car making the whole thing look a lot more factory. You might ask your dealer whether they can install that rather than the Motorolla.

Regardless of whether you go with the Toyota, Motorolla or Parrot kits they all work basically the same, the phone and car pair up automatically when you get in, the stereo mutes when talking on the the phone. It all just works.

If you are considering the $600 Toyota install you might consider just replacing the stock stereo with one that has bluetooth already built in.

[Super Blue]

Thanks for your reply tlk23. I've started looking into the BLU Logic system and it doesn't seem that bad.
How did your install of the Motorolla system go? How do you like that system, and can you post any pics.

Thanks