In-dash Nav Units

wickedone · September 7, 2011

I just bought a 2011 Sierra, All Terrain pickup. It has the Bose sound system. I'm considering purchasing an in-dash nav system for the truck, and thought I would check out the forum for anyone's experience with these units.

Last night I went to a well known, primarily West Coast installer and got an estimate to have a Pioneer AVIC X930 unit installed. The unit itself wasn't that bad, cost wise but I thought their installation charges were outlandish. The unit was $799.99 and there is a $100.00 Pioneer rebate so the end price is $699.99.

However, the total cost of the unit and install came out to $1, 525.41, which I thought was absurd. Am I that out of touch with today's prices?

The "installation" fee was $200.00 plus $99.00 for an XM receiver, plus a miscellaneous $20.00 parts charge, plus $7.99 for an "o6 IMPAL/MONTE C C" item, whatever that is, plus $50.00 to install the XM receiver (which seems ludicrous since I would assume it's a matter of just plugging the unit into the HU and finding a location under the dash to locate it) plus $109.99 for the wiring harness, plus $14.99 for the antenna, plus another $5.00 miscellaneous "parts" charge, plus $44.99 for the steering wheel control connection, plus another $7.50 miscellaneous parts charge, plus $60.00 to hook up the rear camera to the HU, plus - finally, another $6.00 miscellaneous parts charge for a grand total of $1,501.41. That doesn't include $123.86 in TX sales tax or the $100.00 rebate. The grand total was $1,625.27.

Okay, so am I nuts or are these "reasonable" charges?

Based on that cost, I'm also considering purchasing a GM head unit and having that installed instead. The initial cost is higher, but the bottom line cost would appear to be in the same ballpark considering that you don't have to "add" all of the other items that the Pioneer installation requires - XM receiver, rear camera hookup, etc.

I found the GM unit on-line initially through GM Direct Parts, for a great price, but then they really screw you by "adding" on their $352+ shipping and handling fee!?!

I did some more searching and found it through another vendor for more than what GM Direct was "advertising" but less total since the second vendor only charged @$29.95 for shipping.

Sorry this is so long - this is a learning experience for me and any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.

PS the reason I'm considering going with the GM unit is through much experience, I've learned that although after-market units may provide more features etc., you often take a hit when it comes time to sell or trade as dealers, Edmonds, KBB, and AutoTrader typically don't look favorably on after-market installations of non factory accessories.

5829BMG · September 7, 2011

There a guy on ebay that sells brand new oem DVD/Navi units for about 1300.00. No prgraming needed. Plug it in and it fires right up everything working at least mine did. Just a thought. If your truck has a usb port those units cost a little more but not bad.

wottenad · September 8, 2011

Hate to be so blatant about recommending it because I sell it, but search for "Advent OGM-1" in this forum and you'll find out that it does almost everything AND looks factory, AND doesn't force you to lose any functionality or pay extra to retain it (in fact, it comes in exactly $525.14 LESS than the quote on the Pioneer :- )

Walt

www.adcmobile.com

redjewel2ss · September 8, 2011

yeah, search this forum for "Advent" there are a couple threads on it.

this is the unit i have, and i like it. it was cheaper and easier to install than the OEM unit. you will most likely be able to install it yourself if you can spare 1-2 hours of your time one weekend. no cutting or splicing wires, just plug and play.

i paid quite a bit less than what you were quoted for the stock unit, through ADC Mobile... i installed it myself, and there were no taxes!!! PM ADC Mobile to see what they are charging forum members now.

jp1170 · September 8, 2011

I agree with the two previous replies...i just installed the Advent OGM-1 in my sierra last night. I have the factory Bose system, including XM and everything was plug and play and very straight forward and easy to install. A lot easier than the aftermarket units that i've installed before and as the ads state you don't lose your factory XM, steering wheel controls work, bluetooth is great, as well as the nav system. Also no need for any type of extra switch mounted somewhere or relay wired in to unlock video playback while driving. I will soon be posting some images of unlocking this option but there is also a couple of threads on here that explain how to do it as well if you go with this unit. It's definitely a reccomendation by me.

I purchased from Walt at ADCMobile and service and support was as good as i've seen from purchasing the item all the way to asking questions about the unit and getting a quick response.