Cars Audio Folks should buy!

[Oak244 10+ year member]

Well I got a new job, and my salary increased greatly. I will be looking for a new car within the year I am sure. Things I miss are electric windows, keyless entry, inter whipers ect. The car I have now is VERY basic.

Anyway, I have been into car audio since about 1991, and have installed a system in every car I have owned. I have to say my 1989 Mazda B2600 was a very friendly car audio truck, and my now 1991 Geo Prizm has been a good car as well. Bad were my 1990 Dodge Dakota that spent more time in the shop then I drove it, and my 1993 Ford Probe GT, which was a huge pain in my you know what....

So I will say, I am the kind of person who realizes cars are the biggest waist of money ever!! So I will never buy a brand new car. But I will probably be looking in the 2000-2004ish year range. I want a car I can live happily with for another 10 years.

So being a car audio guy, I always look at how easy a car is to work with. I would like a car that can fit 8" drivers in the door (custom install).

I would also like a car that can handle a large stereo. Meaning its easy to get a HO alt for it, without troubles.

It needs to sound good, meaning able to make a nice sound stage.

It also needs to be a dependable car, and one that will not nickle and dime me with small repairs every 5000 miles. (my Probe!!!)

Basically it comes down to a good car, that is great for us Audio folks.

What would you buy?

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[atsaubrey 10+ year member]

I have no idea what your budget is but I have to admit my Chrysler 300 is the best car I have ever owned. Matter of a fact I had my first one stolen and got it back 18 days later. traded it in 2 days later for a SRT8 version. The standard 300's used with roughly 12000 miles (2006 models) can be had all day long for $22,000 and 90% of those have 22" wheels already and I think everyone would agree they look *****in with 22's! I would imagine in a years time they could be had for mid teens pricewise. If I had to make a choice between my 300 or my 06 Vette (regardless if it was the SRT8 or not) I would have to keep the 300, that is how much I am in love with these cars. As far as stereos go, 8" subs in each door with a little mod is doable, the trunks are huge, battery is located in the rear of the car, kick panels may not be the greastest location for mods though, but they do have massive dashes in them. I am currently doing a install in mine and i will have to keep everyone posted once I start tuning it and figuring out if I can get it to stage decent. (mine is a sq car) If in a years time these can be had for $15,000 and in my opinion they are some of the best cars on the road today. for me (not bragging by anymeans) i had a $60,000 budget on a new car and still choose the 300, they are incredible.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/yumyum.gif.0556df42231b304b9c995aefd13928a8.gif

 

[Oak244 10+ year member]

Thanks. I do not know my budget either. It all depends wether a year from now I want to pay cash or make payments. I am just looking for ideas, and then will start searching for the best option for myself. Its just alwasy better to hear stories from folks who actually use the cars, rather then doing a small test drive and taking the dealers word.

 

[denim 5,000+ posts]

Uaually the cheaper/older/basic models are the most simple to install.

 

[OnYrMrk 10+ year member]

2004-05 Harley Davidson F250-350 4x4.

#1 Powerstroke Diesel...will run forever...10 years would be a snap

#2 Heavy Duty Alternator already installed

#3 Large cabin with plenty of space for system

#4 Know from personal knowledge that with a bit of modification, you can get an 8 easy...if not a shallow mount ten

#5 You won't be a dime a dozen ricer driver.

#6 Will pull a boat, a car hauler, a tractor, and drive over nearly everything.

You won't be alone cause I will be getting mine in the next 6 months or so.

 

[jet 10+ year member]

I have no idea what your budget is but I have to admit my Chrysler 300 is the best car I have ever owned. Matter of a fact I had my first one stolen and got it back 18 days later. traded it in 2 days later for a SRT8 version. The standard 300's used with roughly 12000 miles (2006 models) can be had all day long for $22,000 and 90% of those have 22" wheels already and I think everyone would agree they look *****in with 22's! I would imagine in a years time they could be had for mid teens pricewise. If I had to make a choice between my 300 or my 06 Vette (regardless if it was the SRT8 or not) I would have to keep the 300, that is how much I am in love with these cars. As far as stereos go, 8" subs in each door with a little mod is doable, the trunks are huge, battery is located in the rear of the car, kick panels may not be the greastest location for mods though, but they do have massive dashes in them. I am currently doing a install in mine and i will have to keep everyone posted once I start tuning it and figuring out if I can get it to stage decent. (mine is a sq car) If in a years time these can be had for $15,000 and in my opinion they are some of the best cars on the road today. for me (not bragging by anymeans) i had a $60,000 budget on a new car and still choose the 300, they are incredible.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/yumyum.gif.0556df42231b304b9c995aefd13928a8.gif

I just may get one of these next year. I like their looks. Thanks for the info.

 

[Team Hammer 10+ year member]

Do what I did and Buy a Truck or Car off E-Bay for half the price of Retail.

Then Take all the stuff you don't need out and design around the space you have left. You would be surprised at what you can do with all that new space.

Also the money you save on the Truck or Car, You can mod all the speaker locations for great sound.

The only thing I buy new are Crouch Rockets. Why throw money down the drain to some Finace Company as Dave Ramsey would say

 

[Boulderguy 10+ year member]

Jeep Grand Cherokee 99-04. Not sure about the newer ones.

Has two good amp spots under the rear seats & room for a sealed 18" if you lose the spare & get crazy. JL has a Stealthbox made for it that'll take a 10w7.

Doors will take 6.5's easily or 8's if custom with dash mounted up-firing tweeters. Room for a double din if custom work is done. Tow package come with a 140 amp alternator I think.