how much to install rear view/dash cams?

[nageov3t]

so, I'm (still) in the market for a new car but I think I'm almost definitely going to buy before the end of the year (I think I'm going to wait for the 2015 Imprezas to be released, and then try to get a deal on a 2014)

one thing I really want in a new car is a rear view camera + dash cam, especially if I go with a sedan instead of a hatchback; I'm pro at parallel parking the Mazda hatchback I'm driving now, but I suck when I have to PP my boyfriend's sedan.

just trying to get a ballpark of what I should expect to pay for the rearview cam if I were to get a basic car model with stock everything (given that the price difference between a 2.0i vs 2.0i premium with the GPS/RV cam is about $4300). ideally, I'd also want to get a hardwired dashcam, but I don't think I've got the skills or desire to do the installations myself.

on a side note, what kind of company would I actually be looking for to do the installation? I'm assuming my grizzled old mechanic probably doesn't do this kind of work.

 

[draknon]

Any car audio shop that does custom installs should be able to install one without any problem.

 

[Kaido]

Yeah local car audio shops, or a Best Buy. Garmin has a great 7" GPS for $400 that includes a backup camera: (great nav + huge backup camera display)

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-...vi-2798lmt-with-backup-camera/prod150565.html

BlackVue is the best dashcam I've seen, although the good model runs $400: (front & rear recording cameras + parking mode)

http://www.amazon.com/BlackVue-Wi-Fi...dp/B00FKA3KK2/

But for $800 + install, that's an awful lot of functionality at a fraction of what you'd pay at the factory: (with far better results too)

1. Large 7" GPS
2. Way better navigation system than factory
3. Lifetime GPS map updates, plus live traffic
4. Backup camera (displays on 7" GPS screen)
5. Front DVR
6. Rear DVR
7. Motion detection recording in parking mode

Set & forget for under a grand.

 

[Midwayman]

The biggest issue with an aftermarket install is where do you put it? Ideally you want a large screen, but it'll end up hanging out on your dash and you'll have to worry a lot more about theft than a factory system. If the car accepts a standard double DIN head unit, maybe you can go that route? You're still looking a pretty good chunk of money for a nav enabled HU.

If all you want is the camera you can get a mirror replacement with a LCD behind the glass. Infact that's what the factory backup camera on my folks outback is like. You may even be able to order OEM parts and install them. I imagine you'll spend $150-200 on install? Rearview mirror kits run a bit over $100 last I looked on ebay. A dashcam can be had for $40-50 if you're not looking for a name brand.

 

[nageov3t]

Any car audio shop that does custom installs should be able to install one without any problem.

thanks, looks like exactly what I'm looking for... now I just need to see if they'd either be willing to buy specific parts for me or install parts I purchased on my own and charge me just for the labor.

 

[Kaido]

thanks, looks like exactly what I'm looking for... now I just need to see if they'd either be willing to buy specific parts for me or install parts I purchased on my own and charge me just for the labor.

The custom ones will usually do either. They're more happy to sell you the equipment since they can mark it up, but otherwise you can just bring it in & pay them for the labor. People do it all the time with speaker equipment when they change cars, but want to bring their stereo system to their new ride.