So it turns out that I don't have the heart/guts/***** to cut apart my brand new car for my audio install. I've done full installs on other cars, but can't for some reason on this one. Can't even start to look at it!

So I got a quote from my local Best Buy while I was there to see what they would charge to install the first stage of my system (components in the stock location, amplifer, and an AudioControl LC6i -- which they had never heard of). They said I'm looking at $300 plus all wiring, fuses, etc.

Seems like a pretty straightforward install, do you think I'm overpaying or is that reasonable?

 

That sounds about right from best buy. They quoted me about $250, went to a local audio shop , only cost me $140 and it only took them about 2 hours.

 

Yeah that number sounds like a 'I don't know what youre talking about but I could spend 1-2 hours reading about it' quote.

 

No way I would let them touch my Boss. But I went to UF and UM and apparently you are a Seminole, Sooo we probably don't agree on alot of things, lol.

 

Yeah, that was my thought, too. They definitely didn't seem comfortable with the job. There are a couple shops in my area I would like to take it to, but I wanted a baseline price before I get quoted out by them, I didn't want to get screwed with a high quote from a high-end shop.

Well I'm a lawyer too, so I'm sure we can both argue about anything! Great job edging out Bowling Green State btw, nicely done

Best Buy will not be touching the car though, we can agree on that. As stated above, I just needed a baseline price, and I figured they would give me a cheap price. I was just surprised that they wanted that much to put in some components and an amp.

 

I don't think the $300 price is high. Things are alot more expensive then they used to be, and to take on the liability of working on an attorney's car is certainly not worth it to the installer. But, once someone screws up your car the stress and time you would have to put into getting it fixed would not be worth it, even if you file suit (been there done that). My experience has taught me if you can do it yourself, you should do it yourself. Unless you are willing to pay someone who is like an artist when they do that stuff, I think you will be unhappy in the end. And the "artist" will charge lots of money for the work....but you will be happy with the result.

Also, I hate to say it, but everyone has to make a living and everything is expensive. The reality is it makes it easy to justify our fees in relation to everything else. Some people look at it as an hour of your time (when you bill hourly), but if there are problems it will certainly be more than that, not to mention the stress.

 

I had best buy do a stereo install back in the day. Never again....

 

While I do understand, and somewhat agree, with what you're saying, it's really not kosher to charge people different rates depending on what their profession happens to be. Add on to that the fact that none of those employees would personally be involved to a large degree in any litigation between myself and Best Buy, which takes the headache out of it for the guy quoting the work. He doesn't know what I do anyway.

I think that you're right though, I will probably end up doing this myself. I can't see any reason why it would take me more than a couple hours to do it, it would be fun to do it again, and you're right that unless everything is perfect I would not be happy with the install. You see right through me . . .

 

 

 

I hear ya. $35k+ car, I'll be taking mine to a professional. Not where some kid is installing stereo's in the morning and delivering appliances in the afternoon.

 

I was talking more about the cost than about Best Buy doing it, lol.

I ended up getting a quote from the local shop I wanted to do it, and they are about 25% lower, with much bigger builds & more skilled people behind them.

We decided on going with a downward-firing MDF box in the spare tire well for 2 10" subs, that way I can still utilize a good portion of the trunk and fold down the rear seats. We'll see if that all happens according to plan, but it sounds good . . . in theory.

 

I hope it all turns out well. I was a car stereo installer for a number of years and a manager of a store that installed stereos for a couple of years after that. I would make sure and get references for any custom type work. Any hack can do a basic install. I would ask to see the install before the doors were reattached. Check for crimp on attachments of wires or soldered joints. I prefer soldered but that is just my preference.