Car stereo installs....tough or easy?

[Hav0k99]

I got a 2003 Saturn Vue and want to get a new stereo for it. I'm pretty tech savvy and want to know if it pays to buy one at like best buy and have them install it or do it myself. I like that Crutchfield includes the mouning kit, harness and instrucitons. Any advice?

 

[ballmode]

Dpends on car, don't dont get the double bin CD players, they are tacky

 

[Maximus96]

crutchfield gives you step by step instructions and all necessary hardward to install.

 

[ballmode]

crutchfield is good but if you can risk finding a new one on ebay I would save the cash there and buy a kit someplace else

 

[iamaelephant]

There are some cars where installs can be a huge PITA but in about 80% of cases it's a straight-forward job that almost anyone can undertake.

 

[notfred]

Easier than an engine swap, harder than changing oil.

 

[b0mbrman]

To replace just the deck is very easy...even replacing speakers isn't much of a problem.

Adding amps and such is where it starts to get tricky

 

[vegetation]

If you have the wiring harness and any necessary mounting hardware then it's easy enough. Just make sure you get all the necessary items when buying, even at a premium.

 

[oogabooga]

Originally posted by: notfred
Easier than an engine swap, harder than changing oil.

Pretty much. I heard the crutchfield manuals that they give you upon install make the job pretty simple. I only had my deck, the short manual thing, and a wiring harness.. had no problems for my deck and car (infin g20)

 

[Zugzwang152]

very easy. i bought speakers and a stereo from them back in 2003. good customer service, and free lifetime tech support, though i've never used it. I still get catalogs every couple months from them, and I'll be buying from them again when I get a new car.

 

[Injury]

Originally posted by: b0mbrman
To replace just the deck is very easy...even replacing speakers isn't much of a problem.

Adding amps and such is where it starts to get tricky

ehh... not so much tricky as it is time consuming if you've never done it. With your basic setup you don't have to do much more than run cables under panels and stuff. Sometimes you gotta put a hole in the firewall, but that's not too bad.