I recently had a new headunit and XM radio installed at Circuit City. I was going on a roadtrip last minute and they were the only ones who would be able to install the goods in time.

After a couple months, the headunit would randomly lose all power for about a second, then come back on. One day last week I took it in to get it looked at. The kid who worked on it was really nice, and knew what he was doing. He said first they were going to replace the wiring harness. If the problem resurfaced, they would replace the HU.

Good enough, I let them do their thing. After 15 minutes, I take the car and leave. When I got home, I noticed they scratched up my dash in the area just to the left and below the HU. There was no question that these marks were left by the installer, they were not there beforehand. I went straight back and was told to come back and see the manager the next day. In the meantime, there was another fix needed, my sub wasn't working. I watched the kid take the HU out this time, he took the HU straight out of it's kit, and while fiddling with the wiring, scratched up the dash some more, after I made him aware of the problem.

When I come in the next day to speak with the manager, he said "I got some stuff that will take that right out" I didn't think he could since the chips appeared to be through the paint, but he said the chips weren't through the paint, so I gave hime a shot. When he got done, it looked pretty good. After cleaning it a couple days later, whatever he put on there (marker? colored wax?) came right off and it was quite evident what he had done. I am not so upset that the scratches are there as they aren't too noticeable, but now that he lied, he is screwed. I will probably head back there tonight, I'll keep this topic updated.

thus the reason I do all my own installation.....

I'm feeling your disappointment in CC, and hope they'll fix/replace what they've damaged!!! Keep us posted!!!

That is why it pays to have a friend that works at Tweeter. I know that when I get stuff done there it will be done right and my car will be in the exact same condition as it was when I left it there.

I quit using CC and Best Buy after I found out that I had HUs wired up backwards at both places.

I also usually do my own installs, but I didn't want to risk messing up my brand new tC.

Yeah man, I hope they work things out for you. You might
want to look up the part number and replacement cost and
push CC that way.

Yeah man, I hope they work things out for you. You might
want to look up the part number and replacement cost and
push CC that way.

Already done. Lists for $208.12

***Update***

So I went in after work. I asked for Mike, the manager who put "fixed" the scratches in the first place. He wasn't there. I asked for his manager, who also was out, so I got his manager. I explained the problem, and he seemed very receptive, even when I showed him the cost to replace the part. The Roadshop manager, Pete, was out, so I was told to come back tomorrow. The third manager said "He'll take care of you." in a reassuring way.

The manager I talked to did seem a little concerned that Mike had colored in the scratches. I don't know if they will want to pay to replace the whole piece since the nicks are pretty small, but after the "fix" (read: deception) that's all I am accepting.

I used to work at Circuit City for almost 11 years. I started in sales then worked my way out to installinging then Asst. Manager of the roadshop. I really like installing so that is why I never went up any farther. I have seen, and still do, some installers that should not be near a car, for any reason. now this isn't limited to Circuit, Best Buy has their problems too, as do many shops around the nation.
what makes a great shop is how the employees deal with problems to customers cars. If the installer just came up to you whan the scratch occured and said he was sorry and will do whatever you want to take car of the problem, most people wouldn't have a problem and let it go. poop happens to everyone, no one is perfect. but because they tried to cover it up, that's when they failed. demand a new dash panel, don't back down. they'll try to refund you the install or something like that but still demand the dash panel. sometimes you have to make alot of noise for someone to hear your complaint.

I used to work at Circuit City for almost 11 years. I started in sales then worked my way out to installinging then Asst. Manager of the roadshop. I really like installing so that is why I never went up any farther. I have seen, and still do, some installers that should not be near a car, for any reason. now this isn't limited to Circuit, Best Buy has their problems too, as do many shops around the nation.
what makes a great shop is how the employees deal with problems to customers cars. If the installer just came up to you whan the scratch occured and said he was sorry and will do whatever you want to take car of the problem, most people wouldn't have a problem and let it go. poop happens to everyone, no one is perfect. but because they tried to cover it up, that's when they failed. demand a new dash panel, don't back down. they'll try to refund you the install or something like that but still demand the dash panel. sometimes you have to make alot of noise for someone to hear your complaint.

Thanks man. I will not back down. Like I said, had they been cool about it, it may have been different, but I am just ____ed enough that when I'm done they will be happy to just buy my dash. I am usually a calm person, but I take far too good care of this car to have them screw it up, then lie about screwing it up.

***Update***

I went back and spoke with Pete, the roadshop manager. I explained the problem and showed him the scratches. He said he'd talk with Mike, the 'manager' (how many does the roadshop need?) who made the 'fix' when he returns tomorrow. He took my name, number, and make of car. He said he'd make some calls and see what they could do. No mention of what I might get out of the deal was made.

hmm.. let us know what is the final deal.. I am curious

***Update***

I got a call this morning from Mike. He asked if I wanted him to try to fix it again and I refused. I said the scratches were through the paint, and the only fix would be having it sanded down and repainted by a professional, which i wouldn't be down for. He asked what I wanted and I said I wanted the dash replaced. I already had the part number and list price ($208) to give him. He said he'd make some calls and call me back. He called back in about five minutes and said the part was on order. It should be here around Wednesday. They said they would want to put it on in their shop, but I am going to try to talk them into just giving me the piece so I can avoid taking it back off so I can do a few small modifications, plus then I would have a spare for some custom work.

Max:1 Circuit City:0

good job. that's the way it should be done.

xx

Never trust Circuit Cit, Best Buy, Good Guys, or any of those others. Do yourself a favor, and go to a dedicated audio installer.

just because you go to a dedicated audio shop doesn't mean the experience will be any better/worse. it all depends on the installer. more like the luck of the draw. do your homework before you go anywhere. ask questions to the sales staff and installers about your car. if you feel funny about anything go somewhere else. car audio shops are a dime a dozen.

I do not intend on going back to CC for anything audio related. I probably should have done it myself, but like I said, I was needing it done in a hurry and since the install was somewhat extensive (with sat radio) I had them do it. If I need them doing something under warranty for this head unit, I will be present, in the car for any labor done.

just because you go to a dedicated audio shop doesn't mean the experience will be any better/worse. it all depends on the installer. more like the luck of the draw. do your homework before you go anywhere. ask questions to the sales staff and installers about your car. if you feel funny about anything go somewhere else. car audio shops are a dime a dozen.

in my experience, the installers at dedicated audio shops are waayyy better than those at CC, or Best Buy.

Mike called me today, and he let me know that the part is still not in. He was really nice the whole time. He did say I could just take the piece when it comes in, and not have them install it if I wou like. Wooohooo.

just because you go to a dedicated audio shop doesn't mean the experience will be any better/worse. it all depends on the installer. more like the luck of the draw. do your homework before you go anywhere. ask questions to the sales staff and installers about your car. if you feel funny about anything go somewhere else. car audio shops are a dime a dozen.

in my experience, the installers at dedicated audio shops are waayyy better than those at CC, or Best Buy.

Personally i've worked with installers at CC, BB, and dedicated audio shops. I also have personally worked at Best Buy as an installer for two years. All I can say is that there is no way to positively say that installers at one shop are better than at another. Thats like trying to say one ethnic group is better than another. There is so much diversity among companies that you would be better off just using the tech/diy section on this forum. I take pride in all my work and that is why all my friends come to me when they decide to put in their systems. If you ever do any audio work on your car know the installer personally or let them instruct you on what to do. The only person you should trust with your car is yourself or your friends.

My roomate is a mobile installer for CC and he does an awesome job... but I have seen some idiots in there... in fact I saved ones job when he almost ran over a piece of the dash he slid unter the car during an install. He would be the first to admit that there are some idiots working there but he is also the first person I would want working on my car, hands down

Stuff happens!!!!!!!!!! Even at reputable places. The difference is how it is handled. Even thou it seems that they had to talk back and forth for a couple of days, they stayed in touch with you and kept up their end by trying to resolve you problem to your satisfaction... sounds like they did just that congrats. to you and c/c

I had an Audiobahn 10" powered subwoofer installed at my local Circuit City. I was lucky, the installer who did mine owns an xB and was very familiar with the dash and stock stereo unit. He did a very clean install and I am happy with it. I guess there is good and bad in everything in life, this includes installers. I wish I could do the stuff myself though so i could save a little cash.

Stuff happens!!!!!!!!!! Even at reputable places. The difference is how it is handled. Even thou it seems that they had to talk back and forth for a couple of days, they stayed in touch with you and kept up their end by trying to resolve you problem to your satisfaction... sounds like they did just that congrats. to you and c/c

Lets not forget that the installer first said "I don't know how this could have happened" (when he was holding the HU in front of the dash, and playing with the wiring in the back of it) THEN the manager said he buffed out the scratches.

After those two lies, when I got that guy's manager, then the next higher manager I was able to get some results, and from that point on I did receive good service and communication.

By the way, I picked up the console yesterday. It's looking good.

if you guys are really out to have some sick installs that dont break anything drive down to mays landing and go to the installers at that best buy :) they own , I work at the mount laurel store for geek squad and needless to say some of our installers are just as stupid as cc , but all in all if you wanna have some nice stuff done, mays landing's bestbuy is a good spot to talk to, felix does some really impressive stuff!

You dont even want to hear my story of how my install of alarm controlled windows, allowed my windows to open during heavy rain to make my car a pool.

:rofl: But I hear car pools are in. :rofl:

sorry couldn't resist

i work at best buy. our installers are da bomb. CC sucks

Yeah, u are right, do not try these guys, last time, i have them installed a sub in my car, they drill a hole on my dash without my permission, and i was so ____ed. I swear i will not go to Best buy again for any car installations.

demand a new dash panel, don't back down. they'll try to refund you the install or something like that but still demand the dash panel. sometimes you have to make alot of noise for someone to hear your complaint.

I worked at CC for 3 1/2 years doing sales and occasional installs. My manager was real cool with all the local dealers, and he wouldn't think twice about replacing the dash panel. Done deal - it's called and S.I.L. - self insured loss. And because my boss was cool with the dealers, he got the parts at wholesale. Hope your dash looks good as new Max.

The piece was new. I installed it myself, it looks perfect.

About a year ago I installed a cd player in one of my cars. Some some reason the lights on my dash would not work afterwards. I must have pulled out and check every single fuse in my car.

Afterwards, I drop around to the back of the Lakeland, FL Circuit City where the car audio tech was to ask him. After I explained my problem, and that this was a CD player that I didnt' buy from them and done the isntall myself. He stopped working on the car he was performing an install and came over with his fuse checker tool. After a few minutes he found the bad fuse, that didn;t even look bad. I replaced it with a spare and then everything worked fine.

All I had was a dollar so i bought him an ice cold coca-cola. I will def return there as a customer in the future. :bow:

I'm pretty sure most CC peeps in the car install area aren't even certified... but I think Best Buy claims they are certified. But man I would be jacked too and all the loss of time along with the hassle Faq dat.

Just like everything in life, there is good and bad in everything, and this includes installers...

CC sucks when i had my honda i bought a head unit from them good price and at the time free install i left my car there one of my friends picked me up had lunch hung out came back they showed me the stero some of the features i go to start my car and it doesnt work. wont turn or anything i endup having to leave it there and having it towed to the dealer where i had to pay to get it fixed it was a fuse they had blown in install. After that never going back

Fast

Cheap

High quality

[select any two]

An installer that is under pressure to get the work done and move on to the next impatient customer's job won't take the care with your car and the install that you would. They try their best, but a scratch now and then is part of the game. So is intermittants caused by sloppy electrical work. Look around the shop and if you see "scotchlock" connectors run for the nearest exit!

Whether an installer has some "certification" hanging on the wall doesn't mean much. The best installers I know don't have time to get one, as they are up to their ears in work!

ive managed both Circuit City and Best Buy car audio departments. It doesnt matter where you go, you can always end up with problems.

FREAKING MORONS

I went back to CC for the problem described HERE. (http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=82334) They said they would replace the HU. I taped the area around the HU to protect it. When I get back in the car, sure enough there is a little gouge in the plastic just above the HU. I considered leaving, but with all the trouble they have caused me, I knew they were not gonna get off that easy. The manager came out. Interestingly enough, it was the same guy who colored in the scratches in the first console. He examined the tape I took off thoroughly and could not find a hole in it where the gouge would have been. He was wanting proof they caused the scratch, and it was a little tough to prove where the tape was over the scratch, there were no holes in the tape. I mentioned the tape could have come up during the install, so he backed off on his point that there should be a hole in the tape. It really is a small scratch and I told him it probably wasn't worth another $212 for the console piece. He asked what it would take and I said I'd take a $50 gift card. He called his manager and I got the card.

Maybe $50 is a little low, but to date they have given me a new HU and a new console.

Since I have the original console, I am going to have it repainted by a pro while I am getting other stuff painted and swap them out.

CC is 1 for 3 in making a flawless install, which I consider embarassing, especially with them knowing how particular I am and that my dash has been scratched before.

In their defense, they did give me what I asked. They put up a little fight, but the problem was solved on the spot. The installer was a really nice guy and apologetic.

The manager said that on some new Toyotas, the dashes are prone to scratching. Hopefully a new coat of paint and plenty of clear will keep me scratch-free.