We recently received a question from a woman who was interested in
learning more about how to install a navigation unit into her Acura
RSX. She wanted to know what to look for in a unit and what the
benefits were, as well as how to know she wasn't going to get ripped
off! She was in so much luck and she didn't even know it. It made me
realize there are probably a lot of your women out there who would like
the same tips!
I just installed
a Pioneer AVIC-D1 into my 2005 RSX-S. The Pioneer system I installed is
actually not their most recent one. They have a D2 and N1 as well now.
There are some key things to know about your car when looking to
install a unit.
1) Is your car considered Single DIN or Double DIN? And maybe you just want to do a dash-mounted one or a portable system. Decide this first. Here is a great explanation of what DIN means from LogJam Electronics:
"DIN, DIN-1/2 and Double-DIN refers to the physical size of the
radio’s height when looking straight at the face plate of the radio.
DIN or single-DIN, refers to what would be called a standard height or
single slot radio found in most vehicles from the mid-sixties on, and
is the standard height of most after-market radios. DIN-1/2 (DIN and a
half) sized radios refer to a radio that is one and one half the size
of a standard DIN-sized radio. Most newer GM and Chrysler vehicles now
have DIN-1/2 sized radios installed as their standard factory radio.
Double-DIN radios are radios that are twice the height of a single DIN
radio. Typically, these radios will have both a cassette player and a
CD player in the radio, which is one of the reasons why the extra
height is needed. Many newer Ford, Honda, Toyota and several other
imported vehicles have double-DIN sized radios installed."
2)
Know what you want in a nav system. For example, do you want to be able
to play CDs and keep the navi disc still in the unit, so you don't have
to do the switcheroo all the time?
Do you want a large screen? Do
you want the system to have available XM NavTraffic info? (My AVIC does
and it is great. It tells you traffic reports up ahead on your route,
but you do have to subscribe). Do you want it to be XM or SIRIUS radio
capable?
3) Know your budget. Navi systems
range in price from $400 to $1000s so know what you want to spend there
and look at the options. Remember to keep in mind the cost for any
accessories and installation, unless you plan to do this yourself.
4) Figure
out what accessories you will need for your unit. For example, with
most units, you will need a replacement dash kit (the plate that goes
around the new navi unit so it is flush and blends into your
dashboard). You might also need a separate receiver if you are doing XM
or XM NavTraffic (as I did). This can vary in price, depending on the
manufacturer.
5) Research your products online. Look for forums or head to epinions.com
for consumer opinions on certain products. Or even head to your local
audio system store and talk to someone there about the features you
want. Be sure that what you are getting is what you want.
6)
Installation is just as important as the unit. I live in Orange County,
California and prices here are higher than the moon (for homes, cars,
hair color, you name it!). I paid about $335 dollars for installation
at a local Al & Ed's Autosound. Here is what that included:
- Installation of nav unit
- Dash Kit piece
- Installation of XM /NavTraffic Tuner (they put it under my passenger seat and you would never know it is there)
Cheaper
is not always better. A friend I know installed the exact same unit
into his Honda and paid $250 and the tech left wires out and his
toolbox in the car.
To know you are getting a good deal, check with a few places first and get price quotes. You can always look up companies at Better Business Bureau
to see if they have consumer complaints listed against them. The best
way to find a great shop is to ask a trusted friend who has done
similar work. That is how I found out about my tinting place as well
and I am extremely happy with the results on that, as I am with the nav
installation.
Check out ASE certified shops and see if they
will do the install or if they know someone who will that is reputable.
You can find an ASE certified shop near you by going here.
People sometimes want to sell the stock system and that is okay, just
make sure you let people know it was used and for how long. They can
still fetch a decent price. Also keep in mind that in some cases, if
you ever sell your car, you might get more for it if you still have the
factory unit.
Also check out all the random information LogJam Electronics has on their site, including warranty info, satellite radio options and tech answers.
by Breanne Boyle
eMarketing Manager
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