Opinions on Best Buy for installation?

[PrivatePixel]

I'm looking to replace the JVC Arsenal head unit installed a couple of years ago with this:

JVC KD-HDR50


Here's my dilemma:
Crutchfield (where I purchased the Arsenal receiver originally) has discontinued the pictured unit from its inventory a few weeks ago (I have seen the 2010 models shown at CES, but I prefer the aesthetics from 2009). Amazon sells it for less, but they don't include a mounting kit, harnesses, etc. Other e-tailers show this as backordered and don't include any accessories for installation.

Best Buy carries this model currently for ~$160 and they offer installation. Bottom line is: can I trust them to do a decent job? Assuming that my last installer did a half-decent job when he installed the Arsenal unit, I plan to reuse the existing accessories (mounting kit, etc.) for this install.

I wasn't too happy with my InstallerNet experience, so I'm keeping my options open.

[crackinhedz]

I don't think you should have too much trouble replacing a head unit.

I had bestbuy install my stereo a few years back...but I did a whole setup with ground cables, power cables etc to subwoofer and amps in the back....somehow they managed to break a snap from my middle console so now it is loose and is shakable. But its not obvious unless you try to shake it, and the rest of the job they did was great.

I would say...inspect your dash and anywhere else they may have messed with and be sure no damage was done. Other than that I think you will be ok. And its free.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I would say...inspect your dash and anywhere else they may have messed with and be sure no damage was done. Other than that I think you will be ok. And its free.

Words worth repeating, regardless of who does the installation. I should check to see if they offer any sort of guarantee with their work.

Thanks for the input.

[Jbald87]

I've had best buy install my amp back about 2 years ago, they did an alright job. If you do have any problems with the way the install it they will fix it at any best buy moble area as long as you have the thing saying they did the work.

As far as the job quaility they do. Not worth the money, They ran a 8gage wire to an amp that should have had a 4 gage ran to it and the installer told me I was going to blow my 2 subs with my amp if I left it up.

The subs are fine, the amp is still working and the remote wire they ran is rotting out due to them running it under my gas pedal and brake pedal, where they join two different wires with a butt connector.

Oh and that 8 gage power wire they ran, it was ran next to my air bag system for about 3 feet.

[Uniquely]

I'd say that is DEFINITELY going to differ from location to location. I'm sure there are some very fine installers working in some Best Buys and some very crappy installers as well. It's a crap shoot unless you can get some references from prior jobs. Hang out outside the install bay one afternoon ? And of course the exact same could be said about any and every install shop.

I had a system done at Best Buy, and they did a very fine job. He installed the amp inside wall panel in the back, and he rain the remote gain knob for my subwoofer to a spot inside a cubby hole in my dash to make it easily accessible AND invisible. You would never know that there is a custom system in my car just by looking. I kept the factory head unit because a pretty decent one comes in the Scion tC and I didn't want to pay a bunch of money to keep my steering wheel controls and my remote MP3 jack.

I have been having a few issues with the unusually cold winter weather and my amp not kicking on until it warms up. I think this may be because the way the amp is mounted it actually contacts the external sheet metal/frame of the vehicle so it is fully exposed to the cold. The system was installed in December of '06 as soon as I got the car, and it's the first time I've had temperature issues due to the installation. Honestly I would have had much more concern about the hundred degree heat in the summers. As long as the issues never get worse (the cold has been an extremely unusual for the area) I'd say it's a pretty decent trade off for the complete invisibility of the system.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by robinandtami

I'd say that is DEFINITELY going to differ from location to location. I'm sure there are some very fine installers working in some Best Buys and some very crappy installers as well. It's a crap shoot unless you can get some references from prior jobs. Hang out outside the install bay one afternoon ? And of course the exact same could be said about any and every install shop.

I wouldn't mind hanging out near the install bay if it wasn't in the middle of winter. I figured it would be a crap shoot where the quality of work is concerned, rather than a consensus opinion.

There are a couple of custom installers in my area where the online reviews are mostly positive, but both charge ~$75/hour and accessories (if any) are extra; not unexpected, but it's a bit more than I was hoping to pay. I guess if I want it done right, I should cough up the extra for the (supposed) peace-of-mind.

Guess I'll order the unit through Amazon and have the custom installer take care of the rest. I just don't have much faith in Best Buy's employees.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Jbald87

I've had best buy install my amp back about 2 years ago, they did an alright job. If you do have any problems with the way the install it they will fix it at any best buy moble area as long as you have the thing saying they did the work.

I'm stopping by BB later this evening; I'll check to see what sort of guarantee they offer on their installations, before I rule them out completely.

[Dsella]

If you have a head unit already, then the mounting kit is already in there and you can use your old harness just match up wires and heat shrink them together or even use electrical tape. Save yourself the $100 for installation.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Dsella

If you have a head unit already, then the mounting kit is already in there and you can use your old harness just match up wires and heat shrink them together or even use electrical tape. Save yourself the $100 for installation.

Technically, I could, but it's not something I'm comfortable with. Unlike other vehicles, the only way to remove the head unit is to remove the entire centre console and removing numerous clips before I can get to the mounting kit (based on the instructions that Crutchfield provided). If it was a case of just popping the mounting kit and matching wires, I wouldn't mind, but it's a fairly involved process, plus it's too cold in the garage to do anything.

[Jbald87]

Originally Posted by Dsella

If you have a head unit already, then the mounting kit is already in there and you can use your old harness just match up wires and heat shrink them together or even use electrical tape. Save yourself the $100 for installation.

Believe it or not this isnt true with newer vehicals, Some of the newer vehicals like GM with OnStar* dont have a + remote wire, it is a digital remote wire and you would need a box to convert the info. Some Car makers have their own color code for their stereo wires and dont match up to the head unit wires. This is rare but I've seen it.

What is the make and model of your vehical?

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Jbald87

What is the make and model of your vehical?

It's a 7th-gen Celica (i.e. the last model before the name was discontinued)

I've opted to bypass Best Buy for the unit and installation, and decided to go with a custom installer. I realize that any experience is anecdotal in nature, but I couldn't locate a single positive review on BB's installation, even though they guarantee their work for as long as one owns their vehicle. The installation fee is ~$50 (reasonable), but the CSR mentions accessories that may be needed, which could bump the overall installation fee to $80+.

[Dsella]

Originally Posted by Jbald87

Believe it or not this isnt true with newer vehicals, Some of the newer vehicals like GM with OnStar* dont have a + remote wire, it is a digital remote wire and you would need a box to convert the info. Some Car makers have their own color code for their stereo wires and dont match up to the head unit wires. This is rare but I've seen it.

What is the make and model of your vehical?

Mmm.. true. I have a 2001 Malibu and I didn't even use a harness. My dad had one of those books that was Haynes or something with like every single tiny little itty bitty detail about your car, and I just matched wires up from the diagram in that book.

[mallen600]

Some Best Buys do a great job, and some don't. I work at one in Knoxville TN and our installers are really good, but we see work from other stores that is terrible and we have to fix it. Good news is that if they break or mess up anything, it will be fixed for free.

[Jbald87]

Originally Posted by mallen600

Some Best Buys do a great job, and some don't. I work at one in Knoxville TN and our installers are really good, but we see work from other stores that is terrible and we have to fix it. Good news is that if they break or mess up anything, it will be fixed for free.

I hate to hit the nail that is sticking out but,

You work for BB, you will say anything to get them customers without knowing it. I have yet to see a good job from them yet. They have pictures of their "custom" installs and it looked like a 4 year old designed the wiring.

I had BB install my XM adaptor for my Pioneer DVD touch screen and that same day it fell down behind my brake pedal on the highway I turned around went back and showed that to the installer. He simply picked the xm box up and shook it around and used a single zip tie to hold it up.

Any good custom shop is fully insured for doing work on a car. Some Have guys that are ASE cert'd in auto elect. BB guys go to some "week long" training camp to learn their stuff.

Pvt Pixil, I love the Celica's I really like the look of the 94-96 gen. But when you go to the custom installers ask them for "out the door" price for your car they can do a very good ball park. They know about cars, And 7th gens are a popular one too.

[caliblue15]

Originally Posted by Jbald87

I hate to hit the nail that is sticking out but,

You work for BB, you will say anything to get them customers without knowing it. I have yet to see a good job from them yet. They have pictures of their "custom" installs and it looked like a 4 year old designed the wiring.

I had BB install my XM adaptor for my Pioneer DVD touch screen and that same day it fell down behind my brake pedal on the highway I turned around went back and showed that to the installer. He simply picked the xm box up and shook it around and used a single zip tie to hold it up.

Any good custom shop is fully insured for doing work on a car. Some Have guys that are ASE cert'd in auto elect. BB guys go to some "week long" training camp to learn their stuff.

Pvt Pixil, I love the Celica's I really like the look of the 94-96 gen. But when you go to the custom installers ask them for "out the door" price for your car they can do a very good ball park. They know about cars, And 7th gens are a popular one too.

Best Buy Installers all have to be ASE certified before they can work on cars. It usually depends on the store how good the installers are, but the 3 i've been to for car stuff do great work. They usually do the simple clean look. If you want some extravagant stuff I recommend a real shop again depending on the installer.

[caliblue15]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

It's a 7th-gen Celica (i.e. the last model before the name was discontinued)

I've opted to bypass Best Buy for the unit and installation, and decided to go with a custom installer. I realize that any experience is anecdotal in nature, but I couldn't locate a single positive review on BB's installation, even though they guarantee their work for as long as one owns their vehicle. The installation fee is ~$50 (reasonable), but the CSR mentions accessories that may be needed, which could bump the overall installation fee to $80+.

Its called a harness and a stereo kit, which you will need anywhere you go. Extra parts usually cost $30-$50 depending on make and model.

$50 for an install is a pretty fair rate. Again, get to know the installers, see if they know what they are talking about. If you like them, then do it. If you don't like them, take it somewhere u trust the installer.

[DonRSD]

Originally Posted by caliblue15

Its called a harness and a stereo kit, which you will need anywhere you go. Extra parts usually cost $30-$50 depending on make and model.

$50 for an install is a pretty fair rate. Again, get to know the installers, see if they know what they are talking about. If you like them, then do it. If you don't like them, take it somewhere u trust the installer.

great point about talking to them.
the problem is some people are too lazy to drive to another shop or even worse some people dont know how to say NO even when their gut tells them to say NO.

[caliblue15]

Originally Posted by DonRSD

great point about talking to them.
the problem is some people are too lazy to drive to another shop or even worse some people dont know how to say NO even when their gut tells them to say NO.

Could call them if your lazy, if they know their stuff they are more than likely do a great job, as if it was their car.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by caliblue15

Its called a harness and a stereo kit, which you will need anywhere you go. Extra parts usually cost $30-$50 depending on make and model.

A wiring harness should be relatively inexpensive (I know the JVC unit includes one, and Crutchfield includes one of theirs for free on orders over $130), but the markup on the DYNEX one seems a bit steep (it's priced ~$23, I think, for a Toyota-specific one at Best Buy); the CSR hinted that I may need one of theirs, as a precaution against a possible fire hazard. I plan to reuse the in-dash receiver kit that's currently in place in my vehicle (which should save me ~$20).

$50 for an install is a pretty fair rate. Again, get to know the installers, see if they know what they are talking about. If you like them, then do it. If you don't like them, take it somewhere u trust the installer.

I'll see if I can meet one of the Best Buy installers to get a vibe (good or bad) from them; if he appears to be yanking my chain or won't give me the time of day, I walk.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Jbald87

I had BB install my XM adaptor for my Pioneer DVD touch screen and that same day it fell down behind my brake pedal on the highway I turned around went back and showed that to the installer. He simply picked the xm box up and shook it around and used a single zip tie to hold it up.

It's stories like these that I come across more often than not (where Best Buy is concerned) and no customer should be the beneficiary of such poor service (by the way, sorry to hear that. Did you get things done correctly eventually?)

Any good custom shop is fully insured for doing work on a car. Some Have guys that are ASE cert'd in auto elect. BB guys go to some "week long" training camp to learn their stuff.

The installers I checked are fully insured, and at least one of them has an A+ rating with the local BBB chapter. I'm going to meet with both to see who earns my business.

Pvt Pixil, I love the Celica's I really like the look of the 94-96 gen. But when you go to the custom installers ask them for "out the door" price for your car they can do a very good ball park. They know about cars, And 7th gens are a popular one too.

I'll see if I can get some sort of quote in writing. I'm not sure I'll ever be ready to give up my car (even my parents want to take it off my hands to replace their drive, but I've declined). The only car I have my eye on at the moment (as a replacement) is the FT-86 concept, but Toyota hasn't made any formal announcement regarding possible production.