I went around today and got quotes to have my security system (Clifford Matrix RSX 3.5) installed in my tC. Prices are considerably different between these 3 stores: Best Buy, Circuit City, and Car Toys.

Does anyone have any experience with installs from those guys?

 

how much did they quote you?

 

Car Toys - $420
Best Buy #1 - $375
Circuit City - $302
Best Buy #2 - ~$300

The guys at Circuit City didn't know what the hell they were doing. They originally quoted me $230, until I reminded them that I needed a bypass module and they were like "You do? Oh, I guess you do then." Yeah...definitely not going to CC.

 

Go here and find an authorized dealer. If they sell it, they would be the ones who know how to install it. CC and best Buy aren't, IMO, installers. There may be some good people out there who happen to work at one of those places, but I think you'd be better off going to a shop that doesn't sell dishwashers and vacuum cleaners.

 

I bought my Matrix from Nuts About Hi-Fi in Silverdale. If you tell them you are part of Scion Evolution you can get a discount. The system was $300 and install was $250.

 

^^ Nuts About Hi-Fi doesn't do car audio-related stuff anymore. The car audio arm of Nuts has become BC Car Audio and have moved locations to Bremerton. Haven't opened yet, but yeah. They've changed. =P

 

interesting, good to know. thanx Lee!

 

I highly agree. You want to make sure you are getting the product installed by an authorized dealer. Otherwise, if problems arise, you may end up spending more money in the long run. Directed Electronics, who actually owns Clifford now, is a stickler for protocol and will NOT warrant anything that was not purchased and installed by an authorized dealer.
IMHO, Best Buy does not really "install" anything. They simply splice wires and bolt in radio kits. Without a mounting kit or wiring harness, they wouldn't know what to do. If their installers were good, they wouldn't be employed at Best Buy. They'd be installing elsewhere for more money.