Crutchfield and getting a new stereo..

[Lazza]

Have any of you guys used Crutchfield to get a new stereo (/speakers)? They claim to provide for free all the kit you need to install a single din or double din unit. I just wonder if this would still enable you to use steering wheel controls?

I used Crutchfield several years ago to install a double din unit in my 2004 Nissan Xterra. I suppose if you knew what you were doing it would be a one hour job. But for a novice like myself it took at least two hours. So many damn wires and connectors to fiddle with. The end result was awesome, especially considering the OEM stereo was a POS. However the Sonic stereo isn't that bad.

Is installing a stereo (head unit) in the Sonic a relatively straightforward process? Does the dash pop out easily enough?


_Lazza

 

[Wakadaka]

i was looking into this recently as well. you have to replace the plastic trim to replace the head unit, and its about 80 bucks for the part. crutchfield doesn't include it as part of their mounting hardware so you have to buy it seperately.

i used crutchfield for my old car, but make sure you shop around. i just bought a subwoofer from amazon for 145 that crutchfield had listed at 280. crutchfields service is very good though.

 

[Lazza]

Thanks. I didn't know about the $80 hit, but I think I can absorb the cost. The JVC stereo I bought for my Xterra was $250 at the time. Now a similar unit goes for $150. All I need is a good basic double din unit with USB support. I don't care about Bluetooth and iPhone connectivity.

Yes, Crutchfield is a great seller. Their phone support is excellent.


_Lazza

 

[sonic007]

There is 2 different kits available. The basic one is around 80 bucks and all it retains is chimes. The more expensive one closer to 200 retains factory bt, usb, sw controls, etc.

As far as install goes its fairly simple. I can do one now in about 15 min for a single din and 30 min for a double din w/ gps, bt, sw controls.

 

[Lazza]

Thanks. I called Crutchfield. It seems their web site is a bit misleading. When it lists the stereos that fit the 2013 Chevy Sonic it doesn't talk about an installation kit. Only when you click to purchase it leads through what needs to be purchased to complete the installation. They offer installation kits for about $140, which seems to be comparable to the Metra kit I see elsewhere. It supports SW controls, etc.

Not pleased with this sort of deception. When I purchased the JVC for my Xterra some years back it clearly listed the installation kit, which was either free or very low cost.

Sort of sucks that the installation kit costs nearly as much as the stereo I want to purchase. I'll hold off on making a decision. Still, a nice stereo makes a world of difference. But then when you purchase a stereo it leads to replacing the speakers, and so on. Gets really expensive quickly.


_Lazza

 

[sonic007]

Your mostly paying for the wire interface for the vehicle. Theres not much of a data system in older Xterras so the parts are usually cheap.