A New member

[stevethemusicma]

Hi All,

Just joined this forum. For the first time in my many years of cars (I'm in my 60's) I haven't leased. I bought a Subaru Forster and a Jeep Liberty and I want to put in a better radio/GPS system myself.

I'm pretty sure I have the ability to do it but I figured that this would be a good forum to help me find out if I can really od it myself.

I'm a retired/disabled computer professional/musican and veteran living in Monmouth County New Jersey. Can anyone point me to the best places to buy a radio/GPS/DVD unit and where are the best sites to get basic instructions on installation so I can see if I really am able to do it myself.

Thanks,
Steve

[Team TH (Donny)]

Hi, welcome to caraudio.com! What year is the Subaru Forester?

[Bettr n' Revrse]

I think your forum status as a "Junior Member" is a little misleading hahaha... Just kiddin welcome to the site!
I would try here first- Car Audio Stereo - Car Subwoofers - Car Amplifiers and Speakers They have good prices and now a good way to see what will fit in what car like Crutchfield does...
If you are fairly confident in your wiring skills you should be able to knock out a GPS deck no problem... espicaly with the help from here

[disturbed471985]

Hello, best place to find a HU is still going to be ebay or amazon. As far as hooking it up. Depends on what unit you get. Does your car have factory upgraded sound?

[Team TH (Donny)]

I saw on your profile that your Jeep Liberty is a 2011. Turns out I fought two videos that you can watch below to better help you with the install.. In video they replaced stock head unit with the Sony XNV Navigation System which I would actually recommend. Also below I will include the cheapest Sony XNV-770BT Navigation System available on Ebay. Hope this helps you out and I will try and give you some information about install of the Subaru once I know the year. Good luck!

Video Install Part 1..


Video Install Part 2..



Sony XNV-770BT Navigation System..
Sony XNV-770BT In-Dash Navigation Receiver - eBay (item 120705049090 end time Apr-04-11 00:12:23 PDT)

[Heeltoeclutch]

Welcome to the forum sir! woohoo Subaru.

[stevethemusicma]

Hi, welcome to caraudio.com! What year is the Subaru Forester?

Both the Liberty and the Subaru Forester are 2011's.
Thanks,
Steve

[Louisiana_CRX]

welcome to the forum....

[stevethemusicma]

Hi Again,

Well, watching the video confirms that I'll have no problem putting in the Liberty. I'm sure it will be as easy with the Subaru (hopefully). Now I have to decide what to get. The sony looks real good but I bust spend over 40K on two cars and have no money left. I have to conserve. Can any of you recommend a less expensive that works and sounds as good as the Sony?

If not I will have to wait about a year to get up the money. I'm disabled and on Social Security disability. I can hardly make ends meet with the new cars and every dollar saved is a good thing.

So if anyone can suggest a less expensive solution, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,
Steve

[Team TH (Donny)]

As far as the Subaru goes I didn't get lucky in finding any videos, but some following information that might be of use for your removal of the stock head unit. Using these steps in reverse would complete the install. I'm sure you will catch on to the install as you proceed into the process. I will list 4 steps as I found to help remove the stock head unit. Also for both vehicles as far as wiring gos you will need wiring harnesses which I will list links to Ebay for the both of the necessary product. What this wiring harness will do is connect easily to current OEM connector, thus leaving color coded wires exposed. These color coded wires will color-accordingly match with the exposed wires of the after-market head unit (navigation system) you will be purchasing. The head unit I recommended the the previous post for your Jeep will be great for your Subaru as well.. Good luck!


Steps for 2011 Subaru Liberty in Head Unit Removal..

1. Pull the hood release lever to open the hood and move to the front of the Forester. Lift the hood and loosen the bolt that secures the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal post with the adjustable wrench or pliers. The negative cable is black and connects the negative battery lead with the frame of the vehicle. Remove the cable's clamp from the post and set it aside to avoid shorting the Subaru's electrical system during the installation. Return to the inside of the vehicle.

2. Remove the trim panels that surround the gear selector lever and stereo assembly. Pry the panel from the center console (around the shifter) with a trim panel removal tool. Grab the bottom edge of the trim panel that surrounds the stereo dock and pull it away from the dashboard.

3. Remove the two bolt screws on either side of the factory stereo bracket with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Keep the screws for any planned installation.

4. Slide the factory stereo from the stereo mounting dock and unplug the stereo wiring and antenna cable connected to the rear panel of the stock unit.

2011 Jeep Liberty After-market Head Unit Wiring Harness..
Radio Stereo Install Car Wire Wiring Harness Cable 9 - eBay (item 330536500611 end time Apr-29-11 06:14:47 PDT)

NOTE: On the sale page of the Ebay item it doesn't mention that it fits 2011, but it IN FACT does.


2011 Subaru Forester After-market Head Unit Wiring Harness..
Radio Stereo Install Car Wire Wiring Harness Cable Q - eBay (item 220728071322 end time Apr-21-11 06:27:06 PDT)

NOTE: On the sale page of the Ebay item it doesn't mention that it fits 2011, but it IN FACT does.

[Team TH (Donny)]

Honestly, any double din head unit will fit the same as the sony. You can find just as good as well for cheaper.. typically don't want to spend less than $300 for a double din, unless you happen to find a great deal on a quality head unit. I will keep my eyes open on head units for you and will post a cheap quality alternative for you.

[Team TH (Donny)]

This is what I came up with for you to think about as your head unit purchase with quality and price in consideration...
Clarion VX400 Double 2 Din CD DVD MP3 Bluetooth Stereo - eBay (item 400205428832 end time Apr-02-11 15:13:32 PDT)

[stevethemusicma]

This is what I came up with for you to think about as your head unit purchase with quality and price in consideration...
Clarion VX400 Double 2 Din CD DVD MP3 Bluetooth Stereo - eBay (item 400205428832 end time Apr-02-11 15:13:32 PDT)

I've never used Clarion. Amazon has it for 299.00 delivered (I'm a prime member and I have about 75 dollars worth of free Amazon dollars from using their charge card). I use my Amazon card for everything and get a lot of points. The clarion they are showing is as follows:

Amazon.com: clarion vx400

Since it would cost me about 225.00 delivered and my birthday is next week, I might be able to talk my wife to give me a birthday present

Thanks,
Steve

[Team TH (Donny)]

Awesome, cant beat some points earned for future discounted transactions. Happy early birthday! Hope you'll be trying out the new stereo.