Experience with Geek Squad Radio Install

[thestrangebrew1]

I'm upgrading my head unit in my truck and I want to retain steering wheel controls. I've only installed a stereo once and it was pretty easy, but it was in an old 2003 corolla so I didn't have to worry about any wheel controls. This new install requires a whole new dash kit and steering wheel control module and I'm a bit nervous about installing it myself so I'm shopping around. So far, BB is the cheapest at $99 for the install +/- anything funky that they might need to do with an estimate time of around 2hrs. Other places I've contacted run around $95-$107/hr. Curious what your experience has been with BB installs?

 

[highland145]

Sorry, no idea but I did the 3 vehicles we have. Crutchfield ftw. Not the cheapest but easy plug in adapters and tech support. And youtube.

2010 Tacoma, I could keep the volume control but not the others.

 

[BudAshes]

I wouldn't let any Best Buy geeks touch my car. There is usually a reason it is cheap and it's because they are using untrained labor.

 

[draknon]

I had them install a remote start unit in my 4runner. I scheduled everything from BestBuy.com several weeks out. This BB was 45 miles from my house and I was alone, so I had to occupy myself for the expected 2-3 hour install duration. I arrived early and let them know I was there, turned over the keys made them aware I did not have a ride and was waiting for them to finish. Almost 4 hours after my scheduled time, I notice my 4runner still hasn't been pulled into the garage.

That BB says they operate on a first come basis. This wasn't indicated anywhere and BestBuy.com uses specific time scheduling. I raised hell and was quite loud in the store, they weren't too happy with me. My 4runner was finally finished 6 hours after my scheduled appointment.

Two weeks later the remote stopped working. Battery change didn't fix it. I took it to my local BB(different). The tech stayed late and spent over an hour diagnosing/fixing the problem. He said the installer had put the remote into multi-car mode. I wasn't charged for this. I haven't had any problem with it in the 15 months since.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Stopped by a local professional shop and they said it'd be close to $300 to have them install the unit and needed adapters. I might have to increase my search radius to some out of town shops and see what they charge.

 

[JEDIYoda]

you do realize that usually all you hear from are people who had issues...you never hear from satisfied customers. Why? Because they are satisfied and don`t need to complain!
Also did you notice one of the responses?
Here it is -- I wouldn't let any Best Buy geeks touch my car. There is usually a reason it is cheap and it's because they are using untrained labor. -- What this person didn`t do was read your original thread where you stated -- Other places I've contacted run around $95-$107/hr. Curious what your experience has been with BB installs? -- so using his logic all those other places were also cheap and inexperienced....good luck!!

 

[OccamsToothbrush]

Sorry, no idea but I did the 3 vehicles we have. Crutchfield ftw. Not the cheapest but easy plug in adapters and tech support. And youtube.

2010 Tacoma, I could keep the volume control but not the others.

X2. Before farming it out to anyone check Crutchfield. They have adapters and wiring harnesses to make a lot of their products plug-and-play into most common vehicles. And also check Youtube or search around for forums dedicated to your particular vehicle. Unless you're driving a 1948 Kaiser Frasier there's a really good chance that somebody with your exact make/model/year installed a new stereo and asked for help or shared tips on what he did to make it work.