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I've known people to upgrade to double-din nav units. There are some really cheap, crappy ones out there, but there are also some really nice ones out there. Installation of these units is definitely more involved. If you are familiar with installing aftermarket radios to begin with, you should be ok as long as you follow the instructions. If this is all foreign to you, I would recommend leaving the installation to a professional.
For an overall view of the radios out there, check out crutchfield.com. Sometimes you can find prices cheaper elsewhere, but for reviews and videos and the like, crutchfield is tough to beat.
I put a Pioneer AVIC X850BT in my car. Between that and the installation kit, it was around $900. Labor to install was going to be another $600, so I decided to do it myself. Installing the radio itself is fairly easy if you have an installation kit that gives you the harnesses you need, then you just splice the wires together. The hard part for me was connecting all the ancillary stuff, the GPS sensor, alarm sensor, microphone, iPod cable, etc... and making it all look factory. That's what took the majority of the time.
That's exactly why I am willing to pay someone to install it for me. I am going to stop by a local shop today and ask about it. I wonder how they react if I want to bring my own receiver.
If I'd had no experience doing this sort of thing, I'd have definitely paid someone else. I used to work for a car audio store a long time ago, so I've done a lot of installs for myself and others. If you know what you're doing it's a good way to save money, but doing it right takes time. Installing the microphone for the bluetooth phone was probably the hardest part, putting it in the factory location was a bear.
That's exactly why I am willing to pay someone to install it for me. I am going to stop by a local shop today and ask about it. I wonder how they react if I want to bring my own receiver.
Some places will allow it and some won't. It can't hurt to ask. I know that some places will offer free or really cheap installation if you buy the unit from them. This can be nice because if you have a problem with the unit, you can take it back to them. If you buy a unit elsewhere and have this shop install it, they won't really be able to help you if you have problems. They might even charge you to have it taken out so you can return it for repairs. Sometimes paying a little more can have its benefits and peace of mind. Of course, it depends on how much more it really is.
just my .02 for brands to stay away from.
Pyle
Jensen
Audiovox (don't even know if they make nav units)
Boss
Kenwood (the cheaper ones - I've heard good things about the higher end ones)
Clarion (just like kenwood, the higher end ones are fine)
This can be nice because if you have a problem with the unit, you can take it back to them.
Excellent point. I just stopped by the place. They were the nicest they can be. He said you can bring in your unit and he'll install it for just a 100 bucks, and that includes all adaptors and hook ups to my satellite radio antenna. Well worth it. He carries Kenwood and if his markup is not crazy high I will let them handle the whole thing. No need to inject myself into the process for a few bucks.
Just put down a deposit for a Kenwood. Something like this. Decided to let them get the unit and other bits and pieces themselves. Has camera hook up too. It is gonna set me back $1200 out the door but hey I don't do this everyday.
I put a Pioneer AVIC X850BT in my car. Between that and the installation kit, it was around $900. Labor to install was going to be another $600, so I decided to do it myself. Installing the radio itself is fairly easy if you have an installation kit that gives you the harnesses you need, then you just splice the wires together. The hard part for me was connecting all the ancillary stuff, the GPS sensor, alarm sensor, microphone, iPod cable, etc... and making it all look factory. That's what took the majority of the time.
I also put in a double din Pioneer into my truck myself too. Took around 1-2 hours. Hardest part was figuring out how to take off the dashboard (I had to remove the whole thing). The harnesses that came with the stereo made installation a piece of cake, I think it was all plug and play.
OP: If I didn't have any knowledge of taking electronic stuff apart then I think $100 is a great deal for installation. I know you said it has camera hookup, but does that price actually include the installation of the camera? It's pretty labor-intensive to wire it from the rear bumper/trunk all the way to the receiver. I'd be scared the installer will take the lazy route at that price and route the wire under the car instead of underneath trim pieces inside the car.
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