Hello everyone

I have a 2013 VW Tiguan. I am trying to install a sub. I have ordered a custom made box that fits under the floor panel in the back, around the spare tire. Basically, I am wondering what I will need to do to install it. Also, I am new to this and I have never installed car audio before. I am willing to put in the time and do the research if I know that I can do a good job. Otherwise, I will probably take it somewhere and have somebody do it for me. I don't know yet...undecided.

I think I have found out that the factory head unit does not have the proper outputs to work with an aftermarket amp/sub. Therefore, it seems that this will create a few complications. I have done some research and I have come across so many different options that I am a little bit overwhelmed. Here are the options that I have seen so far. In no particular order...

I can purchase a new head unit that will have enough outputs to work with an aftermarket amp. However, then I will need to program the steering wheel controls into the new head unit as well as all of the car's information readings and whatnot. This seems like it is a lot of work to do. Also, I don't know how the existing, stock speakers (there are 8 of them) will wire into a new head unit. Would this be easy to do?

Or, I can work around that and convert a signal that is supposed to go to a pair of speakers and send it to the amp. This method seems rather messy. There are also so many different ways to do this (I have come across the JL cleansweep, or just doing it with a different type of converter, of which I there seem to be an infinite amount of options to choose from). I don't really understand all of the ways that this could be done. And this is a whole nother can of worms itself. Would the speakers all work even after the amp is patched into them? Would the signals be as clean as if I just installed a new head unit with the proper outputs? Would I be able to tell the difference audibly?

If anybody can start to help me out I would be highly appreciative. I apologize for any typos. I didn't really proofread this so bear with me. Thanks again for your help!

 

Honestly I would take this to a shop to do rather than learning on your new car. You will need an amplifier, the cabling for it, and a line level adapter if the amp does not have this ability on it's own. I would not worry about replacing the factory radio unless you are looking for some feature it doesn't already have. Sonically, as far as the sub is concerned, you would be hard pressed to hear the difference.

Anyway, a shop is going to charge $150-$200 to install your stuff and that's really not bad considering the work that needs to be done.