kweenshaker

Hello! This is my first post here. Hopefully I've chosen the right topic....

I have a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. I don't know the technical specs, but when I bought the car brand new, I opted for a $600 stereo upgrade. The sound is quite good and the stereo has given me no problems, BUT I am sick and tired of listening to my ipod through a crackly FM transmitter. Especially living in the city, there is constant static and interruptions. I noticed there is an AUX button on my stereo control panel, but no input. Grr. Soooo....I'm looking into replacing the deck. I'd like something with an AUX input for sure. Other things that I'd really like are bluetooth and USB port. I don't know much about this stuff though, so I'm wary of just walking into a random store and having someone install one for me. I don't want to compromise the quality of the sound. Is there a way I can replace the deck by just wiring into the existing system? Any recommendations on decent brands? I'm hoping to spend no more than $200 + installation.

Thanks!

SQmonster

iTrader: (2)

You could pick up a used deck and buy the adaptors and have installed for about that.
A new deck with those options usually start at $250.00 plus $75.00-$100.00 for installation, plus around $50.00 in parts.
IMO spend the extra at a local independent shop where you can get extra service and quality information for free. The box stores may give you a better price up front, but afterwards can be sketchy.

wvince

Kenwood has some nice decks that will fit the bill for near the price you are aiming for. Their new stuff is good I hear. And most install places will have the adapter to hook the new deck up to your existing wiring so nothing will need to be cut. If you feel up to the challenge, you may install it yourself. Check out youtube or google DIY installs for your car. It's really not that difficult.

SQmonster

iTrader: (2)

I beg to differ on this car. Most people, especially newer people to car audio will not have the correct tools to get this job done. Most installers have years of experience to be able to dismantle that dash and do the correct wiring for it. It's not like the older cars where all of the wires are behind the deck.

Spend the money at a reputable shop. Get a guarantee that if anything breaks or isn't working that it'll be fixed. Installers are not perfect. Mistakes happen.

jalat

iTrader: (6)

This is on sale at Best Buy right now:

JVC MP3/WMA CD Car Deck (KD-R310) - Best Buy Canada

It has front AUX input, and would be around $230 installed in your car

SQmonster

iTrader: (2)

There's no bluetooth in that deck.

RomanticMoments

http://www.canadiancaraudio.com/onli...ead-units.html

Or if you find the BT adapter:

http://www.canadiancaraudio.com/onli...x891-head.html

Or opt for a nicer deck, no BT like this one:

http://www.canadiancaraudio.com/onli...ead-units.html

All on this site... What you're looking for is (I'm almost willing to bet) not available in the price range you have listed when you consider the rest of the install. If you go used, you can usually get higher end decks for much less than retail... That D3 I listed is a good example, you just have to look.

jalat

iTrader: (6)

good observation...

its within his budget. he wont find anything with BT built in in his price range of $200