greg002

I have a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire, whose factory-installed LCD display (for the radio/clock) recently died. I've been wanting to replace it for a while since it only plays CD's, and i'm looking for something to hook up my iPhone to (usb, aux, whatever).

I saw an acquaintance of mine (from 5 years ago or so) working in the FutureShop car-install section, so I had a chat with him. I told him I wanted a new stereo, and he gave me a price breakdown:

(keep in mind I do not understand what these parts are or what they do, i have no background in audio or cars whatsoever-- all I want is a new stereo that has a USB connection so i can charge/play music from my iPhone)

Deck - Approx $100 from futureshop, or he told me I could get my own from ebay, etc, but told me it would be better if I bought from futureshop, as I could get a warranty with it, incase anything happens..
Harness - $150 (he told me this is a computer of some sort, that deals with controlling airbags, etc, and that I would have to replace mine since it's a GM model)
Dashkit - $30
Antenna - $20
Install - $70

Since we knew each other whatnot, he told me he could give me a deal. So he went and spoke to his manager and came back, and offered me all the things listed above for $200, plus the price of the deck (if i buy it from FS, or i could get my own and give it to him).

Basically, I just wanted some feedback from you guys (since this is an audio related forum, after-all) of whether I am getting ripped off, if it's a good deal, or if it's fair. I'm just a little suspicious of FutureShop in general, after I looked at their computer-installation services (I am fairly knowledgeable with computers), and saw that they charge outrageous prices for minimal tasks (crazy prices to install ram, etc, when all it takes is sliding the ram-stick in place..).

Thanks for your time!

Athanatos

this is the harness you need

METRA GMOS-01 HARNESS Car Stereo Radio GM OnStar Wire - eBay (item 400145999536 end time Feb-16-11 13:35:36 PST)

greg002

Thanks for the quick response, Athanatos!

So basically, I am getting ripped off? 150$ at FS vs 70ish on ebay? What about the other parts, etc?

ToxicAcoustiks

Provided your vehicle is equipped with onstar, you will need that device.

greg002

Nope no onstar

Athanatos

the addon isn't just for onstar, keeps all chimes and provides interface with the built in bose amp

if you don't have onstar and/or bose amp then you need this interface, for the chimes

Metra VT-GMRC-01
you can buy it here

http://www.crutchfield.ca/GM_VT_GMRC_01_GM_Class_II_Data_bus_Interface_p/120gmrc01.htm (free shipping as well)

greg002

Thank You Athanatos, for the link.

What about all the other things listed above? Fair prices or should I look elsewhere?

Dilatory

iTrader: (1)

$100 for a deck is a great price if its brand name, I'm assuming it's a budget pioneer H/U as thats typically what FS carries, which are decent, it'll have your aux connection.

$20 Antenna adapter is reasonable, you'd pay the same on Ebay after all the various fees

$70 for an install is perfectly reasonable so long as it is done correctly as you'll see here there's quite a few horror stories from other members about FS and BB

Edit.. I thought $150 for the harness was really expensive but apparently not. The MSRP for the Scoshe one is $99, However you should be able to get it on Ebay for $50-70, which is what I would do. Buy the rest from Ebay, tell him you're supplying your own Harness.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Scosche-GM09SR-2000-Up-GM-Radio-Interface-w-Chime-/390193034377?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ad951 3489 (Hopefully I don't get impeached for an Ebay Link but that's what you're looking for.)

greg002

To Dilatory: Thank you for all the info, much appreciated!

Just another quick question regarding the harness though.. You provided me with the link for a GM09SR, whereas 2 other posters above suggested I get the Metra VT-GMRC-01. Again, i'm no expert, but i'm wondering if there is a difference between those two, or if they are equal? I'm just curious whether my car can only accept a specific type of harness, or whether either of those 2 would work?

Thanks

(ps: what exactly does the harness do? Just the chimes you hear when the door is open, seat belt isn't on?

and also, the "antenna" that is listed above that i gotta buy.. will that replace the one on the rear of my car (like this one http://www.autoservicecentre.ca/cars/2004PontiacSunfireGT1.jpg )

Athanatos

i think the antenna your installer is referring to is an adaptor connector to fit factory to the unit, not sure what deck you are installing but from my experience with pioneers/clarions in gm/chevy vehicles factory fit in with no probs, unless its a 90 degree connector to make extra space to fit in the wire harness modules

as for the harness module (class 2 data bus) provides communications through the data bus, gm in all their newer vehicles have all the electronic functions going through the BCM (body control module) including controls for seats/HVAC/mirrors/engine sensors and also the radio, without installing the interface your can cause many issues for keyless entry, check engine lights, xm radio (if equipped) and other issues for the cluster information center (the digital display under the speedometer)

as for the brand prob can go either way, in the end it's just price (and if it's compatible)