We finally found a replacement for the car that was totalled in my accident. It's a 2005 Saturn VUE. It has a single CD player/radio and The Chef is used to a CD changer in "her" car. Saturn wants $1,300 for an installed replacement. Even they said to go to Best Buy. Any recommendations for models or dealers?

A salvaged OEM won't get your windows knocked out, might cost less.

quote:

Originally posted by sar4937:
A salvaged OEM won't get your windows knocked out, might cost less.

+1
I am a big proponent of factory stereos for just that reason.

quote:

Originally posted by sar4937:
A salvaged OEM won't get your windows knocked out, might cost less.

I'm having a little trouble locating a compatible OEM replacement. Also am concerned about electrically locked out radios.

In my area the "Circuit City" stores have the best prices for installed car CD systems.

MOONDAWG

The salvage yard should clear it and stand behind it for 90 days. Very little ever goes wrong with an OEM radio now days. A larger salvage yard should have no trouble finding you one. After market radio installers can really butcher up your car. Some insurance companies will not cover aftermarket radios. And, where I used to live your window would be broken out or worse first time you parked in the wrong place. Also setting the new theft deterent code will flash a light that can deter theft. Some GM's have speed sensitive volume control which is a nice feature if you drive with your windows down. That code does not destroy the radio, alot of trade ins are taken in without the code through auctions. The dealer simply resets the radio. Chi-town is the salvage capital of the midwest, your not trying.

I got one on eBay for a low price.

crutchfield.com is a good place to go.

Get an aftermarket changer installed at a big box store (Circuit City, Best Buy, etc.). They will guarantee the installation, and can put it in the rear cargo area out of sight. They will hook it up to work with your factory stereo. No one but you will know it is not factory.

Personally, I've had nothing but trouble with the "factory" unit that was installed in my Mercury when it was a year old. Go aftermarket with a good warranty on both the unit and installation.

Thanks for the input.

quote:

Originally posted by truckemup97:
Get an aftermarket changer installed at a big box store (Circuit City, Best Buy, etc.). They will guarantee the installation, and can put it in the rear cargo area out of sight. They will hook it up to work with your factory stereo. No one but you will know it is not factory.

Personally, I've had nothing but trouble with the "factory" unit that was installed in my Mercury when it was a year old. Go aftermarket with a good warranty on both the unit and installation.

I'm going to +1 this, the aftermarket changers are great, they can mount it where it will never be seen, it plays through your FM radio so all your factory radio has to do is play a station, no alterations or anything. You can even get them with wireless remotes to control them.(otherwise it WILL have a cord going to the changer...)

quote:

crutchfield.com

+1

CD changers are on their way out. The newest in-dash units have a "line in" jack on the front to plug in an iPod. Your CDs stay home after you load them into iTunes on your computer and transfer them into the iPod. You can then make up playlists of the stuff you like best rather than have to listen to the whole CD.

quote:

Originally posted by ttpete:
CD changers are on their way out. The newest in-dash units have a "line in" jack on the front to plug in an iPod. Your CDs stay home after you load them into iTunes on your computer and transfer them into the iPod. You can then make up playlists of the stuff you like best rather than have to listen to the whole CD.

I like that idea.

I think Crutchfield sells and adapter for your existing radio to create an mp3 jack. You can also run an add-on satellite radio through this jack.