I was interested in getting the Eclipse AVN2454 for my TC...

I do all of my installs on my own, but the car audio guy told me they would have to install the unit or Eclipse wouldn't honor their warranty. So basically I would have to pay an extra $200 for them install it or I would miss out on the 3 year warranty + 1 Year theft replacement.



It's such an easy install, it's stupid to waste $200, but what can I do?

Is it even legal for Eclipse to do this?

 

is it the guy who wants you to install it through him? Sounds suspicious, although i have heard that you need to have proof of "professional" installation for the warranty to be valid...id check with eclipse

 

Yes you do - at least - according to the eclipse rep I talked to...

The thign is - Eclipse prides themselves on the best car stereo warranty out there - and in order to maintain that warranty successfully - they have to make sure that the entire process is done correctly... So yeah, it makes sense...but I seriously suggest you find another place to have it installed - b/c $200 for a HU install is ridiculous...

 

blah bs the eclipse dealer i got my hu from just signed the product registration card...i did my own install and i still have the full warranty...i guess it will depend on the dealer

 

you could always do this:

Have the guy charge you for the install & give you a reciept, then credit it back & do your own work.

Dave.

 

A lot of audio manufactures will only honor the warranty if it is installed by an Authorized XXXX Dealer. That is the reason why many companies are so against internet sales. Aurthorized dealers are suppose to know the in and outs of the product.

Eclipse 1 year replacement program is prided on their ESN deterent, in hopes of the dealer activating it.

$200 for install? Maybe. Im not sure if they have a hide-a-way unit...I know my Eclipse has a huge hide-a-way system that would really suck for installers.

Good Luck.

 

Thats bull____. Eclipse offers a 3 year warrenty on all products but if you install it yoruself its a 1 year warrenty. I sell them all day long. We also offer free installation at our shop, and they look sweet in them cars.

GoHo Auto Audio Chesapeake VA


James

 

maybe you mentined it already but how much was the unit? It looks sweet...

 

...

 

This makes little sense, because many of the "hack jobs" I've seen came from supposedly professional shops. Poor wiring connections with crappy scotchlock connectors, jury-rigged mounting brackets, unsecured wiring runs, I've seen it all. It takes time to do a good installation job and many shops are unwilling to put in the hours to that. They do a job good enough to last a couple of years and hope for the best.

It's interesting to note that amateur radio equipment, which sells in the $1000 and up (way up!) range and requres a complex installation, has no such "dealer install only" requirement. The owner is expected to install the gear himself, and the manufacturer includes detailed instructions on how to do it. If you have a problem, you just ship the unit back to the manufacturer and they fix it.

It really sounds to me like the "dealer install" requirement is just a sweetheart deal between the manufacturer and the dealers. The dealers push the merchandise and the manufacturer pushes the "professional" installation by blackmailing the customer with the warranty.

It's a pity that Eclipse doesn't pride itself on "the most reliable car stereo" rather than "the best warranty" Hyundai has a great warranty (10 years!), but is it a great car?

George

 

Eclipse is also fujitsu ten and makes all the other companys video chips. I.E. Kenwood Clarion Alpine.....

Eclipse is the only company with the theft warrenty and has the best sound quality I have every heard.

 

What a difficult sentence to decipher George. Is the thesis about car stereos or cars? I guess you're not the only one that can be a ******** when it comes to pointing out omissions of words like "the" or in your case, a period.

Mike

 

Stickin' it to The Man. I love it!

 

And on that note, Fujitsu is also owned by the same parent (Umbrella) corporation that owns ... *taa daa* Toyota. And it all comes full circle...