Hi Experts:

I have a new 2012 Honda Fit Sport AT. Love love love it!

I want to install a new headunit/stereo/Navigation and found the unit (JVC KW-NT50HDT) that will fit well and meet my needs. It is much lower in cost to go to a local auto stereo place to buy and install it, than it would be to buy and install it at the Honda Dealership. Pardon, my ignorance, but will doing this void any part of my warranty?

Should I buy this unit online at say, Crutchfield.com, and get it installed at an auto stereo place? I a total noob when it comes to this, so any info would be great.
Thanks!
Barb

 

Basically, if you go to an aftermarket something, the warranty is still valid on everything else unless they can show that your aftermarket item caused the problem. So with a new head unit, obviously you'll lose the warranty on the old head unit. But that doesn't invalidate the warranty with the power train. A new radio won't cause extra rust on the frame, etc. Now if the new radio shorts out and melts the wiring harness, then that's not covered because its a result of the modification.

 

That looks like a pretty nice receiver. Something that nice probably deserves upgraded speakers too.

I'd print out the crutchfield page. It shows the price including everything needed to install it, and take it to the stereo shop you've chosen. They might be able to do better on the price.

Crutchfield belongs to a network of installers and you can prepay them $200 for the install. That's for the head unit; speakers are another $54/pair plus the cost of the speakers...

Figure a few hours labor to install. $200 seems reasonable. There's also a question about the satellite antenna for navigation (where does it go?) and microphone for the hands-off bluetooth telephone function. Ask how they're going to handle these things.

edit: it's pretty hit or miss with installers. Be sure you're comfortable with whoever does it. The hacks at best buy did not do my wife any favors on her car. Sloppy install that should have been simple.