I live in NC and am investigating the purchase and install of the AVIC-N1.

I was quoted $1999 for the unit with the voice option and $100 to install. Is this reasonable?

Thanks

 

Compared to the cost in the UK that is good. Unit in the UK is ��1,400 = $2,490
Install in UK is roughly ��150 = $267

We always get screwed!

 

Install is ok price. However you are paying too much for the unit with the voice. I bought both by going to google and getting prices. I paid just under $1600 for the AVIC N1 and the voice control.

When you do install the mic, don't have them do it on the sunvisor, have them mount it up by your drivers side right above the door in that molding up there. If they are good, it will be no problem to do this. I will take a picture for you where my installer put it. I have a bunch more photo's to post that I just have not had a chance to do today. Should have them up sometime later tonight or first thing in the morning.

You can do much better on that price.

 

Thanks for the info. I assumed that the price covered some install costs. Can they really install this for $100 and make some profit. They told me it would take three hours. It seems involved to make all the connections but I know very little about the amount of work involved.

 

If they have the "keys" to get the factory unit out, the right antenna and harness adapters, and are just putting in the head, it shouldn't take 3 hours. Running what extra wires the "dynamic performance monitor" stuff may require could add to that I suppose.

 

Just a few observations.

Fry's Electronics has advertised the unit at $1800 with free installation (voice unit not included). Many shops will do free (basic) installations once the unit prices get over $150 to $200.

The AVIC-N1 is available from several eBay shops for about $1450. The voice units sell for about $40. How much a shop would want for installing an AVIC-N1 that they didn't sell you I don't know.

A smaller shop will have to pay more for the unit than a high volume dealer like fry's or some eBay shops.

Overall it seems the $1999 plus $100 is a bit high.

 

I took my car to an installer I have known for many many years. I used to have a show car back in the late 80's when car stero was just starting to get big, and all this guy does is design an install the massive car stero set-ups.

I bought my equipment elsewhere (so when I told you I paid just under $1600 bucks for the voice unit and head unit that was stand alone for those items less install) and had my installer put the stuff in. I did a bit more than just put the head unit in, if you go to the Topic "questions for you AVIC-N1 folks" that is the thread I started. You can read about what I did there. Cost to do the whole job for my sytem, and that included a speaker upgrade was $400 bucks, and I give him a $50 tip. Job took about 6 hours to do everything. If I just was doing the head unit and hooking up to the factory stuff he told me it would have taken him about and hour to an hour and a half.

 

I'm completely in the dark as to how this unit is installed. When I talked to the installer in NC he said that they're installation provided all the functionality of the unit. But before I have them start I want to be sure that I asked the right questions.

Someone mentioned a basic install. I want an install that turns on all the goodies. What should I ask for in terms that the installer understands?

Thanks again!

 

When they tell you all the functions of the unit will be made available, I am assuming that means the voice function will work, the little speed graphics will work (that is where you can see the little gages pop up on screen), etc...

Basically what they are telling you is that the unit will work as it says it should according to you owners manual. Make sure if you do have this shop install it, that they go over everything with you so you have a comfort feeling before and after the job is done.

I don't know anything about installs either, I just know that I trusted the guy that did it based on my past relationship with him, and his knowledge. Are you comfortable with the shop you are going to?

 

I'm new to the area and know nothing about them. They did say that they've installed these in Crossfires before. Thanks

 

Sticks:

If they told you they have done them in other X-fires, have them give you references not just for our car, but perhaps other customer cars as well.

If they are a good shop they wil stand by their work

 

Sticks,

Doesn't matter what the individual prices cost, just get a firm committment for the out the door price

I paid $1950.00 out the door, with voice command, with install, with all options activated.

I even had them install the wiring for the backup camera feature while I'm waiting on the backup camera to come in.

Camera unit will cost an additional $200 on top of the $1950.00 I have already paid

I elected to go with the back up camera integrated into the license plate frame (really no other good place to mount the camera without lots of cutting)

It's centered, its in the right location, and once it is installed I'll post a pic for all to see

Great unit, well worth the price

Good luck