Hey guys, well heres my scenario:

Currently have a Stock 04' Mazda 3 GT.

I'm looking to hopefully upgrade to a double din + maybe upgrade speakers and amp?

Now the main thing is I'm probably looking to take this to a shop (either Burlington Radioactive or Selective Sound) and I'm wondering whether I should look to get the parts online first or just do it all at the store?

Doing it myself is out of the question since I'm a huge noob lol.

Also wondering as to how much I should expect to spend and whether anyone has any recommendations in terms of a an entry level double din + speakers + amp. I'm looking to keep costs low but also have something nice looking (not that much of an audiophile). I'm hoping Selective/Radioactive should be able to keep my steering wheel controls right?

Thanks!

 

Buying everything from a local dealer will make it very convenient for you. If anything, bring an online quote with you when discussing prices (print it off).

At least give the independent shops a chance to negotiate. They're usually able to give you a break on other things, balancing out the price difference.

Also, buying from a local shop will give you better service in case there are problems with the product etc. You won't have to ship anything out yourself and will most likely have a quicker turn around on product.

Hope this helps!

 

Since you're in Hamilton go down to EHR and check out what they have on sale. They carry good products and have great customer service.

 

Ok thanks guys, does anyone know the rough cost of installation of a double din on a Mazda 3 if I bring my own in? Looking to keep steering controls too.

 

lol you won't lose your buttons or wheel, what'd you mean?

X2 on EHR, they have the largest selection of car audio products in Canada, and they're also cheaper.

 

If u feel like going on a real road trip u can bring it down to welland and i got a buddy who runs a shop

 

Is soundwaves open on Saturdays?!

 

I don't remember seeing where the OP asked for other shops...

OP, the cost truely depends on your level of install/expectation of install. If you want 'glassed amp racks, custom pods or speaker locations, or other similar things, you're paying for the time it takes to do that... It's not as simple as picking something off of a shelf, as I'm sure you know, so giving you a price is nearly impossible. It sounds like you want simple tho, so using a pre-fabbed dash kit/wiring harness/antenna adapter, mounting the amp to the back of a seat or something very simple like that, and utilizing the factory speaker holes is going to be the most cost effective. You need to ask the shops in question so they can give you an idea of how much time is involved in what you want, then at least you can get a rough quote.

 

I say learn how to do it your self so if anything does wrong you can fix it your self. Do some proper research, spend time with it and enjoy it. There is tons of guys/gals here that would be more then happy to answer the questions you have along the way.