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Step 1
We needed a completely new car stereo system with HD Radio, IPod, WMA, MP3, USB port and bluetooth. You need speakers, antenna and installation. All for under $400.00 because you new used car is 12 years old.
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Step 2
Go to a major electronics store, or department store or discount retailer. The prices at a specialty store will generally be higher. Shop for features, brand, price and warrantee.
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Step 3
When you compare the HD Radio and CD player with the features you want make sure they do not add the words ready to the feature. For example bluetooth vs. bluetooth ready. Bluetooth ready requires an additional kit that generally cost more than it would to have an HD Radio with bluetooth. The same with IPod, WMA, MP3 or USB. If the radio says ready you may have to buy a cord, run it to the back of the stereo into the glove box and control the device through the device. If you have a front plug in the device is controlled through the radio.
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Step 4
You need to buy two sets of speakers, front and back. Some vehicles have another set of speakers on the doors. Determine the condition of the existing speakers before you purchase each set. You may have good front or good back speakers already.
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Step 5
The radio and the speaker sets will all require installation kits to match the size of your car. The HD Radio and CD players are a generic size and the installation kits match them to the size and shape and face your cars interior.
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Step 6
Installation is rarely cheap. But unless you are skilled and have the tools I would suggest you pay for the professional installation. The total cost of our system was $245 plus installation kits totaled $48 and the actual installation was $95 totaling $398 tax included.
Comments
Ladybugblue said
on 3/10/2009 This is a great article and really useful! Thanks! 5*****