Is my garage overcharging for stereo?

[mudrubble]

Hi guys, I’m a total novice with cars and car stereos. I went to a car audio place that was recommended to install a simple Bluetooth stereo. Just the stereo part – no speakers. The car already has speakers (nothing special).

They quoted me $350 CAD (about $255 US). He said about $250 ($18s USD) for the stereo and $60 - $100 ($45 - $75 USD) for installation.

I wondered why I needed a $350/$255 radio and started looking online and found Amazon sells radios that claim they are compatible with my 2001 Toyota Echo (I only drive a few hours per month, so no reason to get a nicer car, really) that go for around $90 – $120 USD:

http://www.amazon.com/BOSS-870DBI-Double-DIN-Bluetooth-Detachable/dp/B0072LB27U/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1455735420&sr=8-11&keywords=car+stereo+toyota+echo+double+din

http://www.amazon.com/BOSS-BV9362BI-Double-DIN-Touchscreen-Bluetooth/dp/B005EWTKAA/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1455735496&sr=8-21&keywords=car+stereo+toyota+echo+double+din

My questions:

1 - Am I wrong in thinking that just because they say this is compatible with a 2001 Toyota Echo that these stereos would work in my vehicle? Is it really that simple?

2 - Is there any good reason I should not just purchase one of these cheaper models and bring it to the shop to install since that would save me $100-$140 USD after shipping? Is that extra $100 - $140 worth anything? Or better yet is this ordering and bringing the stereo worth the $140 saved, in your wise opinions?

3 - What if I also wanted to replace the two FRONT speakers (that rattle a bit). Is there a CHEAP pair I could buy that you guys could tell me works with my car model?

4 - Is this easy enough for me to install and how could I find out how to do it (esp with the wiring of my 2001 Toyota Echo)?

Thanks in advance. Gotta love the Interwebz.

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[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

id like to first say that installing a headunit is something you should let them handle, for a multitude of reasons. you're new to this so the wiring will literally look like spaghetti and not make sense without the knowledge or wiring chart. on top of this, you'll need the proper tools to crimp and secure the wiring, as well as a double din trim casing specific for your vehicle

the price is reasonable, but you are correct to find cheaper headunits online. boss headunits are generally frowned upon as terrible quality, that's why they're cheap. the shop is also going to have to upcharge a little bit on the cost of a radio just to keep them in stock and warranty them etc, but i doubt they'll sell you a boss headunit (if they know what they're doing). pioneer, alpine, kenwood, and jvc are better by far

you can either buy one and bring it for them to install, or just pay the shop for their radio. but you need to find yourself a good quality double din that fits your vehicle and possibly source the wiring harness for your vehicle.

I would buy the headunit and pay them to install it if i was you. you should be able to find a double din cheaper online

i dont think they're overcharging, though.

you can fix the door speakers yourself by looking up your vehicles door teardown manual and then checking the size, and getting us the size so we can give you a recommendation

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

boss is pure garbage, stay clear away unless you want a doorstop within a week's time of use. Do the install yourself Its pretty self explanatory. Buy from crutchfield since they will include the dash kit to fit your vehicle and wiring harness with your purchase along with instructions. Get some butt connectors for the head unit wiring and you should be fine following color codes.

 

[mudrubble]

Great help guys, thanks. I am a pretty decent DIYer and I have tons of comon sense (not always when I need it) so I'm willing to try. I'll order from this crutchfield, say for example, this: Kenwood DPX501BT CD Receiver and the idea is that it will AUTOMATICALLY be sent with the dash kit for a 2001 Echo or do I also go and search for the dash kit and buy it separate for my car?

Once I buy the stereo (or stereo + dash kit) I can TRY to do it myself but take it to the garage to install for a cool $60 CAD without them needing anything more from me at all?

 

[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

i dont think that comes with the aftermarket double din insert for your vehicle

check here http://www.crutchfield.com/g_112200/Vehicle-specific-Mounting-Kits.html?tp=3121

 

[kr15 5,000+ posts]

Keep in mind that shops are in business to profit. With them losing the margin on the HU, they might charge you a little more on install. In California, seems like the going rate on hu install is 60-70$.

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

Beware the little extra's invloved such as shop rate, installation extra's, etc that may be included in the HU install.

I think it's stupid to rake in the little small fees they can just to make up some $$ the might lose over time or beforehand. Starting to see this everywhere I go not just audio installations, tire places as well.

 

[big scott]

before you buy you better make sure they will install it.

they may not.

i know i would not. especially if its a brand they dont carry.

but putting in a h/u is not hard. but only if you get the right harness.

 

[The_Quiet_One 10+ year member]

Do crutchfield. Generally if you order from them they will include parts and sometimes helpful guides as well. Unless you're color blind and you are able to crimp small wires installing a HU is pretty straightforward.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Great help guys, thanks. I am a pretty decent DIYer and I have tons of comon sense (not always when I need it) so I'm willing to try. I'll order from this crutchfield, say for example, this: Kenwood DPX501BT CD Receiver and the idea is that it will AUTOMATICALLY be sent with the dash kit for a 2001 Echo or do I also go and search for the dash kit and buy it separate for my car?
Once I buy the stereo (or stereo + dash kit) I can TRY to do it myself but take it to the garage to install for a cool $60 CAD without them needing anything more from me at all?

So just choose your vehicle make and model on crutchfield and you should read around whenever you look at a particular head unit and there should be something that says "install accessories" on the page which should state details on wiring harness and dash kit. Its VERY easy to do just connected red to red, blue to blue, etc... as long as the wires are touching making a secure connection, it should all work. As for how to take apart your dash, there should be a video on youtube on how to do so. Try it yourself first.

 

[Kai Winters 10+ year member]

Buying cheap kit is exactly that...cheap...and for a reason...crap parts, tend to not work well, wonky set up and use, etc....but it is your money...if it is all you can afford and want to pull the trigger go for it...just remember when you buy cheap you get cheap.

When buying name brands you generally get quality and a device that works and works for a reasonably long time.

If you decide to do it yourself make sure you have the dash kit, wiring harnesses, antenna connector/if necessary, steering wheel control connectors/if needed, connectors, tools, etc. Plenty of people install their own stuff...just make sure you have everything you need else you will be cursing when that one part you forgot about is several days away when you have to order it...ugh.

Make sure the shop will install a device bought elsewhere and get the install price first...

While I used to do all my own installs and really enjoyed it I have neither the time nor the abilities to deal with today's complexities regarding connecting to the vehicle's systems...I'd rather let the installer do it.

Good luck and keep us informed...

 

[subzero 5,000+ posts]

Also keep in mind the install requires finesse with the tear down disassembly of the dash bezels. I have seen many people break dash bezel interior pieces because they where not prepared. They just wanted to hurry up and slap a radio in. If I was you, I would just pony up the coin and have them do it and make sure you have a good quality headunit that you wont be wanting to replace later. Maybe you will want a amplifier and upgraded speakers, or some more bass so you add a sub. My overall advice is for you to save up a lot of coin and thoroughly think about what the future holds for your upgrade options. Many people upgrade in phases.

 

[lew-e 10+ year member]

Most people on this site started installing stereos at a very novice level. I was 15 and putting a new head unit in my 91 Mazda. Nothing fancy at all. A head unit is a very simple install. If you are a DIYer at all then it will be a breeze. The only challenge could possibly be a Bluetooth speaker setup or a steering wheel control setup. I gave up on my steering wheel controls for the time being lol. But just a head unit? That's super simple. Follow the instructions, solder or use a connector, and match the colors. Don't rush and break anything. Although I've pryed on plenty of interior bits (lol) and never broke anything before. Good luck!

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[mudrubble]

This is great info guys. Most of you seem to be in favour of DIY and I am too mostly because I have an old 2001 Toyota Echo with no digital components. No steering wheel controls, nothing.

The Kenwood stereo I linked to above has bluetooth and that would be necessary. But no steering wheel and no existing bluetooth set up in the car, so I think it's a straightforward thing of connecting the HU to my speakers and power and I imagine it wouldn't require anything more than that.

I can buy the HU, the installation kit from Crutchfield but I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything, like some of you cautioned me to do. If I got:

- THIS stereo ($180 CAD) with

- THIS dash kit ($14 CAD), would I also need

- ONE OF THESE TWO crimp tools ($20-$30 CAD) and if so, which one, and should I be concerned about the low customer ratings? and finally

- THIS hook tool set ($15 CAD)

Do I really need all of these? Is there anything else I need? At this point I'm at $240, which will still save me $80 - $120 over the $320 they quoted me. (I'm taking tax out of all of prices for uniformity)

1 - So, do I need to buy all these pieces?

2 - Do I need to buy any other pieces? I didn't see any wiring harness in the dash kit, for example. Would I also need to buy THIS harness ($11 CAD)?

To save that $100 CAD, would I be spending 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours installing? I'm thinking that if install takes 30 mins, saving $100 is worth it. If it takes 2 hours, then factor in waiting for the parts, etc., it might just make sense to pay the extra $100.

3 - Any advice?

You guys have been really awesome. Thanks!

 

[dev199505]

This is great info guys. Most of you seem to be in favour of DIY and I am too mostly because I have an old 2001 Toyota Echo with no digital components. No steering wheel controls, nothing.
The Kenwood stereo I linked to above has bluetooth and that would be necessary. But no steering wheel and no existing bluetooth set up in the car, so I think it's a straightforward thing of connecting the HU to my speakers and power and I imagine it wouldn't require anything more than that.

I can buy the HU, the installation kit from Crutchfield but I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything, like some of you cautioned me to do. If I got:

- THIS stereo ($180 CAD) with

- THIS dash kit ($14 CAD), would I also need

- ONE OF THESE TWO crimp tools ($20-$30 CAD) and if so, which one, and should I be concerned about the low customer ratings? and finally

- THIS hook tool set ($15 CAD)

Do I really need all of these? Is there anything else I need? At this point I'm at $240, which will still save me $80 - $120 over the $320 they quoted me. (I'm taking tax out of all of prices for uniformity)

1 - So, do I need to buy all these pieces?

2 - Do I need to buy any other pieces? I didn't see any wiring harness in the dash kit, for example. Would I also need to buy THIS harness ($11 CAD)?

To save that $100 CAD, would I be spending 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours installing? I'm thinking that if install takes 30 mins, saving $100 is worth it. If it takes 2 hours, then factor in waiting for the parts, etc., it might just make sense to pay the extra $100.

3 - Any advice?

You guys have been really awesome. Thanks!

Harness isnt required but i makes it a lot easier if i were you i would get the harness

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