Best Buy's "free" install??

grunkster · 08-31-2005, 02:11 PM

Was thinking of ordering the stereo and speakers I want from Crutchfield and attempting the install myself, but I see where Best Buy installs for free with purchase...has anyone done this?? Your thoughts?? THANKS.

BigBlackTruck · 08-31-2005, 02:27 PM

I would venture to guess that you have as much stereo knowledge and care for your vehicle than the 16 year old that would be doing your install at best buy. I would attempt it your self.

afplayboy18 · 08-31-2005, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBlackTruck

I would venture to guess that you have as much stereo knowledge and care for your vehicle than the 16 year old that would be doing your install at best buy. I would attempt it your self.

+1

they are "certified installers" but who knows what that consists of, if anything at all.

i bought a viper alarm from bestbuy and was going to have them install it and put it on my best buy credit card...then i got my head out my *** and realized what a mistake that would have been. i wouldnt trust them to touch my car for any reason. last time they did, the guy said he couldnt install some speakers in the front of my 04 civic...something about the mounts were different.

he was just a moron and didnt know what he was talking about...that was the last time i took something there to be installed. never again.

SmokedTiresITAN · 08-31-2005, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunkster

Was thinking of ordering the stereo and speakers I want from Crutchfield and attempting the install myself, but I see where Best Buy installs for free with purchase...has anyone done this?? Your thoughts?? THANKS.

hey i had a deck installed a while back in my mercedes and the guy at best by hooked up the ground to the battery and it blew my whole alarm system and some other electrical stuff... i picked it up with the alarm going off and the guy told me he couldnt get it to stay off and it would go off everytime i opened the door... so i drove it to the mercedes dealership and the alarm was going off the whole time... cost best buy over 3000 to pay for mercedes to fix it... only good thing out of it was i recieved 50% off my next purchase in the store and it was Christmas time :-) cheap presents last year! but i would reccomend ultimate electronics if you have them in your area.. i have nothing but praises for them with all my cars including my titan

92TripleBlack · 08-31-2005, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunkster

Was thinking of ordering the stereo and speakers I want from Crutchfield and attempting the install myself, but I see where Best Buy installs for free with purchase...has anyone done this?? Your thoughts?? THANKS.

I used to install at a good independent shop for years. We fixed many a mistake made by other shops. You can't tell if a particular shop will or won't do a good job from the name, chain or not, etc. It all depends on the individual installer and if they know their stuff or not. I'd go to the shop area and ask them a bunch of questions. How long have you been installing, How many titans, what kit do you use, what guarentees or insurance to they have, etc. Make sure they know you are particular and meticulous with your truck, and they will usually put some added effort and care into the installation.

Greg095 · 08-31-2005, 04:21 PM

I have installed every stereo I have ever put in my cars (except my 68 VW bug, something about cutting metal dashboards at 16 didn't apeal to my mom). The only time I ever used Best Buy for anything was to purchase an dash kit for a 2000 Honda Civic. You would think that it would be marked on the bag, but it wasn't and the installer that I talked to gave me a dash kit for a Dodge Neon. I would think twice about Best Buy, you may drop off your Titan and pick up a Subaru Brat.

**P's Titan** · 08-31-2005, 05:10 PM

I would go to a independent place and have it done. Those type of places to me seem like that know what there doing. I have some work done and both circuit city and best buy but it was on old cars, they did a good job. When I get ready to do a system install I am going to AL & Ed's or something close to that.

Just my .02

mtbendo · 08-31-2005, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afplayboy18

+1

+2.

I'm too damn picky to let others work on my truck with few exceptions (the place that I bought my cap from wouldn't let me run my own wires and they did a crappy job which I re-wired later).

baseballfanz · 08-31-2005, 08:38 PM

You get what you pay for, in this case "free".

thaimonkee · 09-01-2005, 10:01 AM

i used to work at the install at best buy..i would say do it yourself..its a good chance you'll get a ****head kid who works there and hates his job doing the install...they usually have the least experienced people do headunits. and most are not certified... just thought i would put it out there...do it yourself...if you need help just post up..im sure people on this board would gladly help...

steves · 09-01-2005, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunkster

Was thinking of ordering the stereo and speakers I want from Crutchfield and attempting the install myself, but I see where Best Buy installs for free with purchase...has anyone done this?? Your thoughts?? THANKS.

I certainly won't ever go back to Best Buy for an install ever again.

Long story short: On my 2000 Pontiac they drilled a hole for a power cable directly through the well that drains water away from the windshield.

If you take your time, and work slowly, a head unit and speakers should be easy even for a novice. The hardest part is usually figureing out how to get everything apart.

airrick · 09-01-2005, 12:20 PM

i work at circuit city here in little rock arkansas and it totally depends on the installer. being that am a titan owner, i have done several installs on titans and it all boils down to the installer.....not the company

Iyami-Sama · 09-07-2005, 01:14 PM

still, some companies are more scrupulous than others in who they hire to do installs. Around here, (Dallas), I would sooner drive an icepick through my eyes than trust the local best buy or Fry's Electronics installers. My wife and I have had good luck with the local Car Toys shop (They've done 3 head units in 3 different vehicles we've owned over the past few years). The Titan, though, I'll probably do most of the work on myself - it is far more my baby than my Jeep was.

grunge311 · 09-07-2005, 02:30 PM

They drilled thru my bosses wire harness in his pontiac.

Bassomatic · 09-07-2005, 03:03 PM

I had Best Buy install a Head unit in my '00 Trooper, and it looks / performs great. No problems here.