I ordered them from handa-accessories in CA and they were shipped out the same day. It did took 5 business days to arrive in MA but then that's because I chose the cheapest way to ship. UPS Ground for like $6.
Ah, sorry to express a dissenting opinion. I was not aware that everyone reading this forum had already purchased their vehicle-of-choice. Please forgive me. I did not know this was only a "me too" forum.
But wait. Could it be that others are not yet committed to sinking their hard-earned dollars into a vehicle? Might they read this forum, rethink buying some "luxury" items whose value will be nothing or worse in too few years, and perhaps reconsider how they'd like to use their resources? Does everyone have to buy into the gotta-have-all-the-options philosophy?
I'm reminded again of an otherwise highly-intelligent friend who spent $47,000+ for a loaded-with-all-dealer-installed-gizmos-at-full-price MDX because, "If I'm going to buy it, I might as well make it worth it." Then he admonished his wife to watch the number of trips she takes because gas is expensive. Huh?!?
A quote I read today in the paper was the old saw, "Stupid people do not like being told they are stupid." Now, before you jump all over me, understand that I am not in any way calling anyone here stupid. As I said before, it's your money and if you decide you want all the what-are-to-me-useless add-ons, then more power to you -- really! It is (whoops, I mean was) your money after all.
But, rather than bury my regret over some of the bad choices I've made, I sure wouldn't mind some curmudgeony voice coming up to remind me not to make the same decision again -- one that I myself had already realized was stupid for me. What's more, I'd sure rather read it here in privacy and relative anonymity than to be embarrassed by hearing it at a party or something.
Of course, I can always just hang out with "me too" people and not learn anything. It's your time too....
Your post drips with superiority and sarcasm. If this is what you need to do to feel good about yourself, then have at it.
I dont think the people on this forum have a lack of intelligence. Leather, luxury, isnt something that they can't understand. It isn't beyond their capacities to make a decision of luxury vs no luxury.
Sarcasm and superiority only result in isolation while still feeling above it all.
Your comments about leather, etc...unfortunately, didnt stop at your thoughts about their longevity. You decided that the world needed to hear your social commentary about such items and people that buy them.
You are not smarter or more superior than the person next to you. And people aren't unable to grasp the concept of what they will and won't spend their hard earned dollars on.
I think the only, "me too", person here, might be yourself with your false sense of superiority over us silly people that enjoy the finer things in life for our own use. Maybe in your superiority, you fight the urge to impress others, because then you would be brought down. So you buy seats made of hemp and complain about those that would buy something else.
that I should have used the word "wise" in place of the implication that it was "intelligence" I was talking about. I'm truly sorry for the confusion.
Many very intelligent people were caught in the "dot-com" excitement and it proved unwise. Few, I think, would consider it wise to pay full-price for a raft of dealer options ($about $9000 worth) and then have to worry about the cost of gas. Would you?
I did not mean to make you or anyone else feel inferior. So don't! ;-)
So how's the weather today folks? It's snowy here in MA and they said the worst is yet to come? The Pilot handling isn't bad. Probably will be better if it had other tires than these GoodYears.
Has anyone installed running boards or step ups themselves. These can be ordered so much cheaper from online accessory dealers rather than from the dealer. I had the dealer install fog lights for about $500 - ouch! I really want a step up for my kids - any helpful hints? My Pilot will be here in 2 weeks!
No, I havent installed them myself as I was able to negotiate an installed price equal to the prices at handa-accessories.com for the running boards and other accessories from the dealer. I posted those installed options somewhere in this forum.
The only thing I would have done differently is ordered the chrome ones for I think $450.00 vs the $418.00 I paid for the black running boards. Just because our Pilot is black. The chrome ones were something I didn't think of and would have jazzed up the look nicely. So just in case you didnt think of it! Because now I kind of regret it!
The web site includes installation instructions. It actually looks pretty easy for the running board installation. I think that you might need to buy or borrow from a buddy that torque wrench, though. But it looks like the holes are pre-drilled, which is the most important thing. Because then no template and judgment about where to mount them exactly.
Check out the installation instructions and have a look for yourself.
I want a DVD player in a 2004 Honda Pilot LX. (I really don't want to pay $5,000 for the EX Leather Entertainment package just to get a DVD player for the kids). Any experiences or suggestions?
We alos owhn a Honda van - LX model. Still like it but I'm liking the climate control, CD, etc you get with an EX. I'm hoping it will have better resale value too.
A good shop can add a sunroof - and probably make your SUV two feet longer. Really it's just a car.
However, I wouldn't be surprised if a leaking sunroof was defered to the shop that installed it.
BTW I couldnt' get a dealer to put heated seats in my Honda van. (They would 'force' almost every other option on me, but no sears). Finally did it myself from a 'good' shop for $250. Still working 3 years later.
Thank to all for the tip on exhaust tips. I just ordered some.
I just picked up my Honda pilot over the weekend and noticed that my seven year old daughter has a bit of trouble getting into the vehicle. For those of you that have side steps or running boards are they actually helpful?
Which do you prefer (sidesteps or running boards). They also seem very expensive. Aren't they just plastic. I would imagine they don't have much resale value. Is it safe for a 270 lb person to step on them, or would they break off.
I have a 8 year old and a 5 year old and the sidesteps help a lot for them to get in and out of vehicle. I like sidesteps because it looks sportier. I got the black ones and they are made of steel. It is like a steel tube. I am 170 pounds and can stand on it without feeling it move at all. There are lots of bolts that must be tighten and probably take you a good 2 hours to install. Pain in the butt job as you must lie down to tighten the bolts.
I got the running boards and if I had to do it again, I would prefer the side steps. Me personally, the chrome ones. Only because my pilot is black and I think it would have been a nice look.
The running boards, however, are a nice look. Just not as nice as I think it could have been.
Looks aside, they are solid. But.....I dont think they stick as far out to the sides as the steps. Not sure about this....just my hunch. Never measured or stepped onto the side step ones. But the running boards kind of recess a little bit. You might have to be more inclined to find it with your foot than the side steps. Im sure the dealer will have both for your own, "foot test".
I would think would hold 270#. Both styles.
Running boards are steel, same as the side steps.
In closing, in truth, I dont use the running boards as a step into the car. My son does, though. And my parents when they come to visit do. I like the running boards. But think the chrome side steps would have looked sportier on my black pilot.
I too, am installing a dvd player in my 2004 Pilot. I am going to go with the all in one player...meaning...the disk is built into the unit that goes onto your headliner.
I am doing the all in one because I have the Navi package, which leaves no room on the radio stack for another unit. It doesnt mean that I would have to buy the all in one unit...they could put the dvd player in a few other places...tucked away. But it will involve cutting. And I dont want them to cut. Anything. Besides of course the headliner. Which would be cut even if I were to order it from the Honda factory.
If you have room on your radio stack, you wont be limited to having to buy the all in one unit. As long as whatever dvd player they put in the stack looks factory installed, it wouldnt make any difference at all. I think the price is about the same whether get a separate player in the radio stack and have the screen on the ceiling or the all in one. But, depending on the model dvd player you buy....meaning...one with more outputs, you might be able to more easily add additional screens later on. With the all in one unit on the ceiling, I will have to get into the headliner to do anything in the future. Or, I better run any wires now, in preparation for doing something in the future. And have them tucked away somewhere for future use.
I went to an upscale stereo store that sells the car dvds. I guess that is a big market now. Here in Florida, we have Sound Advice. The salesman educated me on all the options available in todays market. And there are many. Screens can go anywhere practically. DVD players can go anywhere. He told me of a 20k job he was doing on an Escalade. The big one, not the SUV. Three rows. He is putting in two separate dvd players and 6 screens and other sound options and so on. Navi systems and backup camera systems can also be tapped into easily and be used as a dvd screen. But that is illegal as you are not permitted to have a dvd screen where the driver can see it. But it can be done and they will do it if you want. You can put screens in the headrests. On the front visor swing down units that would otherwise block the sun. On the ceiling. And so on.
With the Pilot, he said something interesting. That my kids, when they get older, will prefer to go back to the third row. Fold down the middle row of seats, and sit there all stretched out to watch a movie. That meant two things
1..that you have to have the screen mounted on the ceiling
2...it at least has to be 9 inches as to be viewable from that distance.
Another consideration he brought up was the age difference of the children. They might not want to watch the same movie or tv show. Or one might want to watch a movie and the other play computer games. Yes, they come with tv receivers and the ability to play video games. And even satellite with a dish you put on a luggage rack! With the video games, they run an extra cable that you plug your gaming source into and the video signal goes to the screen. hahahaha...its really something. But anyway, in the above scenario, you might desire two different screens for each to do their own thing.
Just some options given to me. I would just go to any reputable car dvd dealer and talk with them....there are so many options and configurations...although I think a good broadbrush of these options and configurations here....and they will be able to guide you accordingly.
In the end, I am going to go with a self contained Audiovox unit that goes on the ceiling. And a 9 inch 16x9 aspect ration screen. I am going to use instead of an fm modulator which allows the sound from the dvd to come over your speakers using an fm signal, I am going to use something else that I cant remember what they called it. An audio auxiliary adapter unit. Or something like that. Gives the same quality of sound as you would get from the dvd player being hooked up directly to your sound system, without using an fm signal. It costs about 65 dollars. It plugs into the back of your radio on the car.
A long post! But hopefully will help in the options available!
Thanks for the post, very informative. Please post when you get it installed and the terms on the modulator. That approach sounds good to me. Oh, and the final cost if you don't mind.
Right now the price is 1699.00 for the unit. Another 65 for that auxiliary audio adapter. Another 30 for the cable for the games. And 250 for installation. They paint the trim piece that goes around the unit the same as your interior.
Plus tax.
I am hoping to get the whole thing for 2k installed. I know he will come off the price a little. He has already said so. But just how much, I dont know. The best I might be able to hope for is 10%.
So figure on those prices above, minus 10%, if your shopping is going to be imminent and you need an immediate comparison.
On putting the Audiovox PROV916 unit in on google.com, I find the price of 1299 and 1499 at two online dealers respectively doesnt include the wireless headsets or the tv antenna. So that brings the price back up. Sound Advice, according to them, has their own package that they get from Audiovox which includes everything.
I'm considering the purchase of a 2004 Pilot and here are the prices the dealer provided for various installed accessories: fog Lights, $689.00; running boards, $699.00; crossbars, $207.50; cargo tray, $96.50; cargo liner, $220.00. He went on to say that he could probably discount those prices some once I made my final selections. Do those prices seem reasonable? If not, what should I expect to pay for them? Thanks.
When I took delivery of my Honda last month, I got the same prices as listed on the web page. Only difference was that I also got them installed at the dealer. So the dealer ordered and installed them.
The web page will have all the accessories you listed. Use that as a gauge.
See my previous posts for what I ordered in accessories.
I was planning on buying all my accessories aftermarket but the dealer matched the web prices and discounted the install to apoint where I couldn't say no. And this was one year ago. You should be able to do even better now.
I've reviewed the postings on the board and I've discovered two things:
1) There are a lot of people out there that are a LOT more handy with installing their own accessories than I am (or am willing to be!), and
2) There seems to be a wide range of installation charges for accessories at dealers
On the premise that #1 is relatively unchangeable , what is the concensus on a reasonable % markup for installation over, say, the accessory prices on H and A?
Let's assume for the sake of argument that I've beaten the dealer down to $600-800 over invoice, so there's not a lot of wiggle room there.
Accessories considered: Auto Day/Night Mirror Tow Package EX Cross Bars Running Boards Fog Lights Lower Trim ...that's about $1850 per H and A...
Of course, what you are willing to pay, is a personal thing.
I can only tell you what occured with me on accessories when I took delivery of my Honda Pilot a month ago. See my previous posts for what accessories I had installed.
handa-accessories.com (H and A) will have all the accessories you will need for your pilot. Im sure there are other sites, this was just the first one that came up on a google search. You could probably use that as a valid benchmark for pricing.
The total price for my accessories from handa-accessories was 1100. Plus shipping. Then you install them.
The total price I paid from the dealer for the same accessories was 1184. Which came with installation.
So there is your benchmark. You should be trying for the same prices, including installation, as the handa-accessories web page, when purchasing from the dealer.
Of course, the dealer doesnt have to do anything! Your bargaining position will be much better if you verbally agree on the price of the car, then go onto the accessories. Meaning, the shell game that the dealer plays of msrp, invoice, dealer prep, advertising fees, trade in, and so on, will only be expanded on if you bring in the accessories. If you can keep them all separate in your head, then fine, negotiate them all at once. Realizing in your head what you want to pay for the car and what you want to pay for the accessories. Add them together and you have the final bottom line price for the car.
So, in short, your benchmark, assuming that is what you are looking for here, would be the hand-accessories web page prices, with installation included from the dealer.
If you have already taken delivery of the vehicle, then understandably, your bargaining position is weaker. The dealer has no real incentive to negotiate with a deep discount on these accessory items. So you can only hope for the best in that scenario.
I have made multiple postings within the past month to help people in their purchase. I have listed in detail the price I paid for the Pilot, and the accessories I added. Look in the prices paid section and the accessories section. You only have about 2-3 weeks to review, and it will well answer all your questions.
Hope it helps!
As a final note, I noticed you are going to put fog lights on. I also had fog lights installed. That is something that you would definitely want the dealer to do because it involves cutting your bumper. And if doesnt look right, you are gonna' be pissed. There probably is a template that makes the job easier (handa-accessories does have installation instructions), but cutting is cutting. That is irreversable if you mess it up. So as a minimum, fog lights installed at the dealer would be highly advisable.
sorry i'm slow on getting to this. i've been away on vacation.
You should ask that dealer exactly why a sunroof would void the warranty. By law, a dealership or manufacturer has to prove that the modification actually caused the failure in question. So what exactly would fail on a car that should be covered by the warranty but was caused by having a sunroof?? Basically, I am not worried one iota about my warranty given the fact I had a sunroof installed. If my engine fails and the dealer tells me he won't fix it because I have a sunroof ... well, obviously, he has no leg to stand on and would never win in court if it even came to that. NOW, let's say the sunroof leaks and drips water on the radio and destroys the radio. OK, that's not going to be covered by the warranty. But the odds of that happening and so slim and a risk I'm willing to take. I also have confidence that my sunroof installer would make good on that particular repair.
hope this helps.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Below is a repost from the Pricing msg boards. I put it here as we are really talking about accessories.
Well, in a strange twist of fate, I wrenched out the wallet, and switched to the headrests. Why did I do that? Well, I just wasnt really jazzed about the prospect of cutting that headliner. Third row viewing wont be what it would have had I had the 10.4 inch or 9 inch monitor mounted on the ceiling.
bconsi wanted to know about this. To answer your question, bconsi, no, I dont think you will be able to view the headrest screen comfortably from the 3rd row. They might have to lean up. The salesman, as a selling point of the ceiling mount, talked about the third row viewing and how good it would be with a 10.4" or 9" screen. He said the 7", which is what the headrest monitors come with, are too small.
If you have the money, bconsi, the best....I mean THE BEST...way to go, would be headrest monitors in all seats. hahaha...I know, a lot of money. That's why I prefaced it with, "if you have the money". And ulitmately, in switching to the headrest monitors, I had to lose the tv tuner to keep the price the same. Read on.
So headrests vs. ceiling mounts comes down to a judgement call on the buyers part. 2 children or less, and the headrests have the advantage of one child being able to watch a movie, while the other one plays videos. Or one can watch tv (if you have a tv tuner). And so on. As long as there is are separate video sorces, each can flip the screen to what they want to watch. So, more options for the multiple children scenario, as each can watch what they want.
The other plus is that the headrests are a much cleaner installation on your new pilot (mine is now a month old), and for me, I wasnt really excited about cutting the headliner, for resale. Because with the headrests, you pop out the headrests monitor, send it back to the company (for a fee), and they send you a new headrest for the new car you have bought. You put the old headrest monitors back in your Pilot, and sell the car untouched and factory fresh.
Pluses of the headrest sytem:
-cleaner...more of a, "factory" look
-easier and less invasive to your car to install and uninstall
-better quality screen (the brand, "epic", that I am buying is a third generation screen. Much nicer than the audiovox one I was going to get.)
-more video source switching options. Providing you have the multiple video sources. If you just have a dvd player, then you only will have one video source and one screen on the ceiling would be fine. And you would be able to have third row viewing (9 inch screen or larger). But if you are planning on gaming, or having a tv tuner, or both, resulting in multiple video sources, multiple screens will allow you to switch around on video sources so one kid can do one thing, and another another.
Drawbacks of the headrest monitors
-more money
-third row seating viewing difficult
-7 inch screen is the largest offered, although supposedly a 9 inch screen is going to be offered in the near future.
-minor cutting will be required somewhere for the dvd player. If you buy the all in one audiovox one that I was going to do, then you wouldnt have to cut anywhere for the dvd player. But you would have to cut your headliner. I think the cutting for the dvd player is less invasive overall.
The dealer was very sincerely pro headrest monitors. Sincere as in he wasnt trying to make more money (price ended up being the same, but now didnt have the tv tuner. Adding the tv tuner would have been an extra 300-400, hence, the higher price for the headrest systems, you have to pay for everything ala carte. They dont come as an all in one package), he really thought the headrests were a better monitor, a much much cleaner installation with a 100% factory look (the Epic brand, as Im sure the other ones do, send you headrests that match your car EXCTLY in style and color), and the possibility of video source switching.
So, if you have the money, I think that the more headrest screens you put in, the better! That way, the kids arent fighting.
The price, as I said, ended up being the same. The all - in - one audiovox unit that mounts on the ceiling with a 9" screen, installed and with tax (the out the door price), was $2050.00 And that came with EVERTHING.
-two IR headsets -tv tuner -9 inch monitor -fm modulator (see my discussion on aux audio adapters with sysadmin1. I swapped this out for an aux audio adapter and will not be using the fm modulator) -dvd player
And I added a gaming wire for future use (L/R audio and video cables to be stored under the seat).
The Epic, as I said, is ala carte. So I have the same things above, less the tv tuner. So no tv capability. For $2050. It can be added in the future, for a price of course! And the headsets that I purchased with the Epic headrest monitors are much much better. They are not IR. They are RF. So you dont have to hold your head just so for the headset to pick up the IR signal. And it isnt necessary to have IR repeaters drilled throughout the car to receive the infrared signal. The RF is a radio frequency. So is not a line-of-sight thing. Go wherever and listen uninterrupted.
Oh, btw, I am putting the dvd player at the bottom of the radio stack. I have a navi system, so no room to mount the dvd player in the radio stack. It is in that cubbyhole at the bottom. But that trim piece that they will be cutting into, is replaceable. So if you replace the trim piece, and re-install the original headrests, your car in now factory, again. If you dont replace that cubbyhole trim piece, the holes will be on the top of the cubbyhole, and nobody will see them anyway.
DVD placement is a whole nother issue. And if anyone has any better suggestions, I am open. I have a navi system, as I said, so mounting it in the radio stack is not an option. And mounting it under the passenger seat isnt an option because of the navi computer under the seat. The drawback of putting it in that cubbyhole at the bottom of the radio stack is that my wife will lose most/all of that space, and, the cutting required for mounting and running the wires. Again, that piece is replaceable. So it comes down to the lost space. The wife wasnt real jazzed about that. But she did like the convience of putting the dvd disk in.
Sysadmin1, you keep saying RES. What does RES mean?
In the end, it is really a judgement call. Each system has its plus and minus. There is no clear cut.
It comes down to 2 systems. Either the all in one on the ceiling, or the headrests. Hopefully, the windy explanation(s) offered above will highlight some of the issues to consider in the choices.
Congratulations on your new DVD system. It sounds wonderful.
Why do you say that you need a 9" or larger overhead monitor in the pilot. Your dealer might be misguiding you. Honda's factory system comes with only a 7" monitor and the third row occupants can watch a movie without a problem.
I sat in a third row just to see how a 7" looks like and it seemed fine. I agree the larger the screen the better, to an extent. Too large of a screen in a midsize SUV can give the kids a headache.
I also purchased a Pilot with Navigation so I also debated as to which system to install - headrests or overhead unit.
I finally decided on the overhead unit. I looked at the Audiovox 9" PROV 916 and the 8" VOD 808. I decided on the VOD 808 because I don't care for the 16:9 ratio. Actually the surface area on the 8" 4:3 ration is not much less than the surface area on a 9" 16:9 ratio.
The total installed price was $1325.00 plus 6% sales tax. The system has an FM modulator, TV tuner and antenna, and two premium IR wireless headseats. The dealer did a fantastic job with the installation and the picture is absolutely beautiful. The installer was also able to take the auxilory video output and hook it up to my Navigation monitor via an A/B swith so that my wife can watch the movie when we go on a long trip. This last part is illegal but the A/B switch is hidden.
The salesman did directly say that the 7" screen was too small for 3rd row viewing. I believed him on it, not having viewed any of the screens from the actual car seats.
So my posting was based on what he had advised me. And I think for us that that became the hardest thing; trying to project what would look good and what wouldnt and what would our needs be in the future.
Funny, when my wife went to look at the dvd screens, she felt the 10.4" was too big.
Personally, as far as the audiovox, I liked the PROV 916. I never saw the VOD 808. It sounds like the same thing, with a lot less of a price tag. The PROV 916, installed, with the aux audio adapter cable that I am using instead of the fm modulator, including tax, was $2050. So I am impressed with your $1500 price tag out the door price.
How much was it to install that A/B switch? I was initially not interested, but now as I have become, "screen guy", with these multiple headrest screens, I'm thinking, hey, the more the merrier! <G>
just did the math on the 6% sales tax. More likely a $1400 out the door price for you.
Out of curiosity, what was your final deciding factor in chosing the overhead vs the headrest monitors? Do you have more than one child? If so, did that weigh into your decision at all?
Our installation will occur after xmas. I'm not sure if it is possible to change back (again) to the all in one system from the ceiling. The headrest monitors have to special ordered. But I am really enough on the fence that maybe someone has found a reason that I have missed.
I am on the fence only because I really don't like the dvd player being in that cubbyhole at the bottom. The trim piece is replaceable. True. Which will bring the complete car back to factory for any resale. But it is the loss of the space that keeps nagging at me. I think my wife wont like that loss of space that the dvd player will occupy.
But on the other hand, I don't like the idea of cutting the headliner. So I have been going back and forth on this. As my multiple posts on just this dvd issue probably demonstrates. There is no clear cut choice. Each has its plus and minus.
Finally what price do you think your dealer would have posted for that PROV 916? Just curious.
I think as long as the DVD player will mount in that space without sticking way out and looking foolish, the space issue wont bother me. I'll still have that whole cubby between the seats, which is another reason I liked the Pilot. Having the shifter on the wheel takes some getting used to but since you hardly ever touch it, I like the extra spae gained. As long as it fits in that cubby, even if they have to cut, and doesnt look tacky or crummy, I'll be ok. I plan on keeping this for 4-5 years anyway. I am just worried the Best Buy techs don't have the required skills. They guy at the counter said they are all certified and stuff, but who knows.
Let's hope so. Equiptment comes in the 23'rd, shoul dbe installed mid-jan. I'll post some pics once it's done. As long as the dvd fits in the stack without protruding or looking stupid, I'll give up the space there.
Thanks for the info regarding the ceiling mount vs the headrest. Was wondering if you had a picture of it to post so we can all see how it cam out? thanks.
Sorry, I forgot to tell you what the price would have been for the 9" PROV 916. I would have only paid $100 more than the 9", however as I said I don't personally care for the 16:9 ratio so I went for the 8".
According to the Audiovox sales person there is no difference between the VOD and PROV designations as far as quality. The VOD designation is used for the units they sell to dealers where the PROV is marketed directly to consumers.
I do have two kids and we are thinking about having one more. I felt that a centrally located system would be better. As far as my wife goes, she can watch movies on the NAV screen. Also there is the safety factor. I just don't feel that the headrest system is as safe. After seeing how my dealer installed the overhead system I believe that in case of a roll over the only thing that would not come apart would be the DVD.
I don't have my receipt in front of me but I believe the A/B switch was around $60.00. I will check and let you know if I am wrong.
Buy the way, my system was installed by the owner himself. He does not have a huge shop but does some serious custom work. When installing the system he had to take apart a lot of panels.
I had Honda Dealer install a rearview camera and Auto/Day/night mirror.
You should see how many clips they broke from the panels and they did not wrap any of the wiring to protect against rattles. Also there were grease marks on a lot of pieces.
Luckily the DVD installer fixed all that as a matter of courtesy. He also cleaned up all the grease marks.
The difference is that the owner of the DVD store is concerned about his reputation of his business where that kid at the Honda dealer (so called technician) could care less. Heck, he even mounted my camera backwards.
I guess my advice is that you need to find a place that you can trust with your vehicle. If you see young kids doing the work - forget it.
Does anyone here have installed a remote car starter on a Pilot? I wanted to install one on my Pilot but the manual said we should not install any electrical device into the car.
If you have installed one, please let me know if you have any problem with the Pilot security system or anything else.
When I picked up my 04 Pilot, I discovered that they had thrown in a separation net. I am assuming that the chrome eyelets in the cargo area are for attaching this net. Is that true?
When I attach the four corners of the net to the chrome eyelets, it is laying flat in the cargo area (useless). I envisioned a separation net as being vertical in the cargo area (like a tennis net). When I read the 'Carrying Cargo' section of the users manual it only briefly mentions the use of a separation net and offers no diagrams.
Well, got the headrest dvd installed by Sound Advice here in Florida. A division of Tweeter corporation.
The installation was a disaster from this upscale store. I paid $300.00 for this, "no worries", installation.
More importantly for this forum of what is liked and not liked:
1) I don't like the headrest monitors as they are too close to the second row viewers.
2) AUX. AUDIO ADAPTER CABLE (sysadmin1, we have talked about this at length), while giving superior sound than that of the fm modulator, does not take away the annoying ignition whine noise over the speakers.
I don't know if this noise is because of the placement of the, "brains", of the system. Which was placed underneath the drivers seat. I think that is the unit that is picking up a lot of rf noise.
I don't know if you had an all - in - one ceiling mounted unit that you would have this noise because I think the, "brains", would be all up on the ceiling, well away from any rf signals.
Any installers out there that might have an idea of why/where/how this ignition noise can be defeated? The, "upscale", "unbelievably professional and knowledgeable", installation shop of Sound Advice is talking about an inline filter. Would better placement of the central hookup unit of all the wires, the, "brains", help alleviate this ignition noise problem?
Ignition noise being heard on the speakers is usually an indication of a bad ground. So I would first check and resecure all the ground wires they have installed on your new system.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I think their next step is to put a ground loop isolator in. While this does take out the noise associated with this phenomenon of ambient noise (electricity) being generated from closely associated electronic parts, it does not fix a bad ground.
I will re-check the connections that are not behind the radio stack to insure no loose connections.
I will have them re-check behind the radio stack.
My feeling is that they will write it off as the uniqueness of the car. That ignition noise will be different from one car to another, even in the same brand, etc...
In the end, I know it is an issue of shielding. A loose connection does prevent proper shielding. But I don't think they are going to isolate and fix it.
Called Best Buy the other day and unit is still not in. Hope to have installed sometime January. Hope I don't run inti any issues like yours. Will try to lean on them with all these issues and impress upon them the importance of getting this stuff all right and testing it propery before delivering it to me.
As it turns out, you and I are installing the exact same system. Same vissuallogic (something like that) company. My monitors say epic on them, so I thought that was what they were. But the mfr is the same as what is in best buy.
I originally thought I was paying much more than what you had posted. But I sat down and broke it all down. In the end, we are paying the same. I am paying more for installation, but am getting the parts cheaper.
Who cares, anyway. The important thing is that now I have an ignition/alternator hummm. Which is annoying as hell. They say they will take care of it. Lets see.
In short, I really have not enjoyed this experience as much as I thought I would. I think they promised the world with their fancy installation promises to justify the high cost of install. And came up very short. So it hasnt been much fun.
When I get back to the states, I will be finishing the job, one way or another.
I went to Best Buy yesterday to see why I hadn't been notified that the unit had come in, since it was due 12/23, and they told me that someone didn't order it. I should be upset, but it's not that big of a deal. And, by them screwing up, the unit is now $75 cheaper so I got that off the bill.
You are right about the Epic models. We are doing the same thing. I really hope they don't damage any interior panels, and don't screw up the ground so a hum gets introduced. I'll be giving them all my concerns when I drop it off.
Will probably check on it throughout the day as they are doing the install. The units are supposed to come in 1/12 so I guess I'll be installing late Jan. Let me know what they did for your grounding issues or if they work it out.
I own a Pilot without a navigation system. Does anyone know about adding a navigation sytem to a car that does not have one? I know you can add a DVD system to a vehicle (like from Best Buy) and save bundles of CASH. Can you install your own navigation system or have someone install one at a discount. Maybe adding a portable navigation system that you can carry with you when you are walking, etc. Any ideas? Thanks. A frugal Pilot owner.
I bought the Honda with the Navi system because I was told (correctly) by the dealer that getting the navi from the factory was the only way to in-dash install a navi sytem in a Honda Pilot. There is no room on the radio stack to put one, unless installed at the factory. Or it won't look right. Or something.
The navi, if you wanted it to look factory, could only be purchased from the factory.
So, that leaves a dash mounted navi system. My parents have one that cost 1200.00. They seem to like it just fine. And as you said, its portable, so they have the advantage of taking it out and using it elsewhere. Software updates are available every few years no problem. Update as often as you want....although it costs each time.
I think they have a Garmen. Or Garmin. Best Buy sells them.
You can install and aftermarket dvd player and have it look factory. But you cant the other way around. And that is why people buy the navi and do the aftermarket dvd...if you wanted both, that is.
So take a look at the portables. If you want to know features, I always go to the top of the line a company offers, and see what the top of the line has in features. Then work backwards from there to lower models until I have a working knowledge of what is good/worthy upgrades and what is bs.
qbrozen: in message #173, you stated, "unfortunately, no aux input and no stereo options on the Pilot. The LX comes with a certain setup and the EX comes with a slightly different setup (although same head unit, I believe). That's it."
If this is true, how do CD changers for the pilot gain access to the stereo console unit? there must be some sort of input for an optional CD changer, no?
I put in an aftermarket dvd player in my Pilot 2004 EX. Instead of using an FM modulator, utilizing an FM radio station to listen to DVD's, I was told by the dvd installer to invest in an Aux Audio Adapter cable. Plugs into the back of the cd player. Gives you cd quality sound when listening to DVD's. Instead of listening to dvd's with a radio signal quality sound.
And it does in fact give me that cd quality sound. It's equivalent to having a stereo and hooking up separate components.
And yes, you listen to the DVD's by using the chng button on the cd/chnger button on the EX.
So there is an input on the back of the radios on the EX.
Now if I can just get rid of the ignition hummmmm.
My 04 Pilot also has this "separation net". I cant for the life of me figure out what I'm supposed to do with this thing. It is not a pouch like the one with my Odyssey and I can't seem to make it fit anywhere.
Comments
But wait. Could it be that others are not yet committed to sinking their hard-earned dollars into a vehicle? Might they read this forum, rethink buying some "luxury" items whose value will be nothing or worse in too few years, and perhaps reconsider how they'd like to use their resources? Does everyone have to buy into the gotta-have-all-the-options philosophy?
I'm reminded again of an otherwise highly-intelligent friend who spent $47,000+ for a loaded-with-all-dealer-installed-gizmos-at-full-price MDX because, "If I'm going to buy it, I might as well make it worth it." Then he admonished his wife to watch the number of trips she takes because gas is expensive. Huh?!?
A quote I read today in the paper was the old saw, "Stupid people do not like being told they are stupid." Now, before you jump all over me, understand that I am not in any way calling anyone here stupid. As I said before, it's your money and if you decide you want all the what-are-to-me-useless add-ons, then more power to you -- really! It is (whoops, I mean was) your money after all.
But, rather than bury my regret over some of the bad choices I've made, I sure wouldn't mind some curmudgeony voice coming up to remind me not to make the same decision again -- one that I myself had already realized was stupid for me. What's more, I'd sure rather read it here in privacy and relative anonymity than to be embarrassed by hearing it at a party or something.
Of course, I can always just hang out with "me too" people and not learn anything. It's your time too....
I dont think the people on this forum have a lack of intelligence. Leather, luxury, isnt something that they can't understand. It isn't beyond their capacities to make a decision of luxury vs no luxury.
Sarcasm and superiority only result in isolation while still feeling above it all.
Your comments about leather, etc...unfortunately, didnt stop at your thoughts about their longevity. You decided that the world needed to hear your social commentary about such items and people that buy them.
You are not smarter or more superior than the person next to you. And people aren't unable to grasp the concept of what they will and won't spend their hard earned dollars on.
I think the only, "me too", person here, might be yourself with your false sense of superiority over us silly people that enjoy the finer things in life for our own use. Maybe in your superiority, you fight the urge to impress others, because then you would be brought down. So you buy seats made of hemp and complain about those that would buy something else.
Many very intelligent people were caught in the "dot-com" excitement and it proved unwise. Few, I think, would consider it wise to pay full-price for a raft of dealer options ($about $9000 worth) and then have to worry about the cost of gas. Would you?
I did not mean to make you or anyone else feel inferior. So don't! ;-)
It's considerably chillier here in the forum though! ;-)
The only thing I would have done differently is ordered the chrome ones for I think $450.00 vs the $418.00 I paid for the black running boards. Just because our Pilot is black. The chrome ones were something I didn't think of and would have jazzed up the look nicely. So just in case you didnt think of it! Because now I kind of regret it!
The web site includes installation instructions. It actually looks pretty easy for the running board installation. I think that you might need to buy or borrow from a buddy that torque wrench, though. But it looks like the holes are pre-drilled, which is the most important thing. Because then no template and judgment about where to mount them exactly.
Check out the installation instructions and have a look for yourself.
No leather or nav.
However, I wouldn't be surprised if a leaking sunroof was defered to the shop that installed it.
BTW
I couldnt' get a dealer to put heated seats in my Honda van. (They would 'force' almost every other option on me, but no sears). Finally did it myself from a 'good' shop for $250. Still working 3 years later.
I just picked up my Honda pilot over the weekend and noticed that my seven year old daughter has a bit of trouble getting into the vehicle. For those of you that have side steps or running boards are they actually helpful?
Which do you prefer (sidesteps or running boards). They also seem very expensive. Aren't they just plastic. I would imagine they don't have much resale value. Is it safe for a 270 lb person to step on them, or would they break off.
Any input would be appreciated.
The running boards, however, are a nice look. Just not as nice as I think it could have been.
Looks aside, they are solid. But.....I dont think they stick as far out to the sides as the steps. Not sure about this....just my hunch. Never measured or stepped onto the side step ones. But the running boards kind of recess a little bit. You might have to be more inclined to find it with your foot than the side steps. Im sure the dealer will have both for your own, "foot test".
I would think would hold 270#. Both styles.
Running boards are steel, same as the side steps.
In closing, in truth, I dont use the running boards as a step into the car. My son does, though. And my parents when they come to visit do. I like the running boards. But think the chrome side steps would have looked sportier on my black pilot.
Hope it helps!
I am doing the all in one because I have the Navi package, which leaves no room on the radio stack for another unit. It doesnt mean that I would have to buy the all in one unit...they could put the dvd player in a few other places...tucked away. But it will involve cutting. And I dont want them to cut. Anything. Besides of course the headliner. Which would be cut even if I were to order it from the Honda factory.
If you have room on your radio stack, you wont be limited to having to buy the all in one unit. As long as whatever dvd player they put in the stack looks factory installed, it wouldnt make any difference at all. I think the price is about the same whether get a separate player in the radio stack and have the screen on the ceiling or the all in one. But, depending on the model dvd player you buy....meaning...one with more outputs, you might be able to more easily add additional screens later on. With the all in one unit on the ceiling, I will have to get into the headliner to do anything in the future. Or, I better run any wires now, in preparation for doing something in the future. And have them tucked away somewhere for future use.
I went to an upscale stereo store that sells the car dvds. I guess that is a big market now. Here in Florida, we have Sound Advice. The salesman educated me on all the options available in todays market. And there are many. Screens can go anywhere practically. DVD players can go anywhere. He told me of a 20k job he was doing on an Escalade. The big one, not the SUV. Three rows. He is putting in two separate dvd players and 6 screens and other sound options and so on. Navi systems and backup camera systems can also be tapped into easily and be used as a dvd screen. But that is illegal as you are not permitted to have a dvd screen where the driver can see it. But it can be done and they will do it if you want. You can put screens in the headrests. On the front visor swing down units that would otherwise block the sun. On the ceiling. And so on.
With the Pilot, he said something interesting. That my kids, when they get older, will prefer to go back to the third row. Fold down the middle row of seats, and sit there all stretched out to watch a movie. That meant two things
1..that you have to have the screen mounted on the ceiling
2...it at least has to be 9 inches as to be viewable from that distance.
Another consideration he brought up was the age difference of the children. They might not want to watch the same movie or tv show. Or one might want to watch a movie and the other play computer games. Yes, they come with tv receivers and the ability to play video games. And even satellite with a dish you put on a luggage rack! With the video games, they run an extra cable that you plug your gaming source into and the video signal goes to the screen. hahahaha...its really something. But anyway, in the above scenario, you might desire two different screens for each to do their own thing.
Just some options given to me. I would just go to any reputable car dvd dealer and talk with them....there are so many options and configurations...although I think a good broadbrush of these options and configurations here....and they will be able to guide you accordingly.
In the end, I am going to go with a self contained Audiovox unit that goes on the ceiling. And a 9 inch 16x9 aspect ration screen. I am going to use instead of an fm modulator which allows the sound from the dvd to come over your speakers using an fm signal, I am going to use something else that I cant remember what they called it. An audio auxiliary adapter unit. Or something like that. Gives the same quality of sound as you would get from the dvd player being hooked up directly to your sound system, without using an fm signal. It costs about 65 dollars. It plugs into the back of your radio on the car.
A long post! But hopefully will help in the options available!
We will be installing this in the next weeks.
Oh, and the final cost if you don't mind.
Plus tax.
I am hoping to get the whole thing for 2k installed. I know he will come off the price a little. He has already said so. But just how much, I dont know. The best I might be able to hope for is 10%.
So figure on those prices above, minus 10%, if your shopping is going to be imminent and you need an immediate comparison.
On putting the Audiovox PROV916 unit in on google.com, I find the price of 1299 and 1499 at two online dealers respectively doesnt include the wireless headsets or the tv antenna. So that brings the price back up. Sound Advice, according to them, has their own package that they get from Audiovox which includes everything.
Hope it helps!
When I took delivery of my Honda last month, I got the same prices as listed on the web page. Only difference was that I also got them installed at the dealer. So the dealer ordered and installed them.
The web page will have all the accessories you listed. Use that as a gauge.
See my previous posts for what I ordered in accessories.
And this was one year ago.
You should be able to do even better now.
1) There are a lot of people out there that are a LOT more handy with installing their own accessories than I am (or am willing to be!), and
2) There seems to be a wide range of installation charges for accessories at dealers
On the premise that #1 is relatively unchangeable
Let's assume for the sake of argument that I've beaten the dealer down to $600-800 over invoice, so there's not a lot of wiggle room there.
Accessories considered:
Auto Day/Night Mirror
Tow Package
EX Cross Bars
Running Boards
Fog Lights
Lower Trim
...that's about $1850 per H and A...
Thoughts?
I can only tell you what occured with me on accessories when I took delivery of my Honda Pilot a month ago. See my previous posts for what accessories I had installed.
handa-accessories.com (H and A) will have all the accessories you will need for your pilot. Im sure there are other sites, this was just the first one that came up on a google search. You could probably use that as a valid benchmark for pricing.
The total price for my accessories from handa-accessories was 1100. Plus shipping. Then you install them.
The total price I paid from the dealer for the same accessories was 1184. Which came with installation.
So there is your benchmark. You should be trying for the same prices, including installation, as the handa-accessories web page, when purchasing from the dealer.
Of course, the dealer doesnt have to do anything! Your bargaining position will be much better if you verbally agree on the price of the car, then go onto the accessories. Meaning, the shell game that the dealer plays of msrp, invoice, dealer prep, advertising fees, trade in, and so on, will only be expanded on if you bring in the accessories. If you can keep them all separate in your head, then fine, negotiate them all at once. Realizing in your head what you want to pay for the car and what you want to pay for the accessories. Add them together and you have the final bottom line price for the car.
So, in short, your benchmark, assuming that is what you are looking for here, would be the hand-accessories web page prices, with installation included from the dealer.
If you have already taken delivery of the vehicle, then understandably, your bargaining position is weaker. The dealer has no real incentive to negotiate with a deep discount on these accessory items. So you can only hope for the best in that scenario.
I have made multiple postings within the past month to help people in their purchase. I have listed in detail the price I paid for the Pilot, and the accessories I added. Look in the prices paid section and the accessories section. You only have about 2-3 weeks to review, and it will well answer all your questions.
Hope it helps!
As a final note, I noticed you are going to put fog lights on. I also had fog lights installed. That is something that you would definitely want the dealer to do because it involves cutting your bumper. And if doesnt look right, you are gonna' be pissed. There probably is a template that makes the job easier (handa-accessories does have installation instructions), but cutting is cutting. That is irreversable if you mess it up. So as a minimum, fog lights installed at the dealer would be highly advisable.
Hope it helps you in your decision!
You should ask that dealer exactly why a sunroof would void the warranty. By law, a dealership or manufacturer has to prove that the modification actually caused the failure in question. So what exactly would fail on a car that should be covered by the warranty but was caused by having a sunroof?? Basically, I am not worried one iota about my warranty given the fact I had a sunroof installed. If my engine fails and the dealer tells me he won't fix it because I have a sunroof ... well, obviously, he has no leg to stand on and would never win in court if it even came to that. NOW, let's say the sunroof leaks and drips water on the radio and destroys the radio. OK, that's not going to be covered by the warranty. But the odds of that happening and so slim and a risk I'm willing to take. I also have confidence that my sunroof installer would make good on that particular repair.
hope this helps.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Well, in a strange twist of fate, I wrenched out the wallet, and switched to the headrests. Why did I do that? Well, I just wasnt really jazzed about the prospect of cutting that headliner. Third row viewing wont be what it would have had I had the 10.4 inch or 9 inch monitor mounted on the ceiling.
bconsi wanted to know about this. To answer your question, bconsi, no, I dont think you will be able to view the headrest screen comfortably from the 3rd row. They might have to lean up. The salesman, as a selling point of the ceiling mount, talked about the third row viewing and how good it would be with a 10.4" or 9" screen. He said the 7", which is what the headrest monitors come with, are too small.
If you have the money, bconsi, the best....I mean THE BEST...way to go, would be headrest monitors in all seats. hahaha...I know, a lot of money. That's why I prefaced it with, "if you have the money". And ulitmately, in switching to the headrest monitors, I had to lose the tv tuner to keep the price the same. Read on.
So headrests vs. ceiling mounts comes down to a judgement call on the buyers part. 2 children or less, and the headrests have the advantage of one child being able to watch a movie, while the other one plays videos. Or one can watch tv (if you have a tv tuner). And so on. As long as there is are separate video sorces, each can flip the screen to what they want to watch. So, more options for the multiple children scenario, as each can watch what they want.
The other plus is that the headrests are a much cleaner installation on your new pilot (mine is now a month old), and for me, I wasnt really excited about cutting the headliner, for resale. Because with the headrests, you pop out the headrests monitor, send it back to the company (for a fee), and they send you a new headrest for the new car you have bought. You put the old headrest monitors back in your Pilot, and sell the car untouched and factory fresh.
Pluses of the headrest sytem:
-cleaner...more of a, "factory" look
-easier and less invasive to your car to install and uninstall
-better quality screen (the brand, "epic", that I am buying is a third generation screen. Much nicer than the audiovox one I was going to get.)
-more video source switching options. Providing you have the multiple video sources. If you just have a dvd player, then you only will have one video source and one screen on the ceiling would be fine. And you would be able to have third row viewing (9 inch screen or larger). But if you are planning on gaming, or having a tv tuner, or both, resulting in multiple video sources, multiple screens will allow you to switch around on video sources so one kid can do one thing, and another another.
Drawbacks of the headrest monitors
-more money
-third row seating viewing difficult
-7 inch screen is the largest offered, although supposedly a 9 inch screen is going to be offered in the near future.
-minor cutting will be required somewhere for the dvd player. If you buy the all in one audiovox one that I was going to do, then you wouldnt have to cut anywhere for the dvd player. But you would have to cut your headliner. I think the cutting for the dvd player is less invasive overall.
The dealer was very sincerely pro headrest monitors. Sincere as in he wasnt trying to make more money (price ended up being the same, but now didnt have the tv tuner. Adding the tv tuner would have been an extra 300-400, hence, the higher price for the headrest systems, you have to pay for everything ala carte. They dont come as an all in one package), he really thought the headrests were a better monitor, a much much cleaner installation with a 100% factory look (the Epic brand, as Im sure the other ones do, send you headrests that match your car EXCTLY in style and color), and the possibility of video source switching.
So, if you have the money, I think that the more headrest screens you put in, the better! That way, the kids arent fighting.
The price, as I said, ended up being the same. The all - in - one audiovox unit that mounts on the ceiling with a 9" screen, installed and with tax (the out the door price), was $2050.00 And that came with EVERTHING.
-two IR headsets
-tv tuner
-9 inch monitor
-fm modulator (see my discussion on aux audio adapters with sysadmin1. I swapped this out for an aux audio adapter and will not be using the fm modulator)
-dvd player
And I added a gaming wire for future use (L/R audio and video cables to be stored under the seat).
The Epic, as I said, is ala carte. So I have the same things above, less the tv tuner. So no tv capability. For $2050. It can be added in the future, for a price of course! And the headsets that I purchased with the Epic headrest monitors are much much better. They are not IR. They are RF. So you dont have to hold your head just so for the headset to pick up the IR signal. And it isnt necessary to have IR repeaters drilled throughout the car to receive the infrared signal. The RF is a radio frequency. So is not a line-of-sight thing. Go wherever and listen uninterrupted.
Oh, btw, I am putting the dvd player at the bottom of the radio stack. I have a navi system, so no room to mount the dvd player in the radio stack. It is in that cubbyhole at the bottom. But that trim piece that they will be cutting into, is replaceable. So if you replace the trim piece, and re-install the original headrests, your car in now factory, again. If you dont replace that cubbyhole trim piece, the holes will be on the top of the cubbyhole, and nobody will see them anyway.
DVD placement is a whole nother issue. And if anyone has any better suggestions, I am open. I have a navi system, as I said, so mounting it in the radio stack is not an option. And mounting it under the passenger seat isnt an option because of the navi computer under the seat. The drawback of putting it in that cubbyhole at the bottom of the radio stack is that my wife will lose most/all of that space, and, the cutting required for mounting and running the wires. Again, that piece is replaceable. So it comes down to the lost space. The wife wasnt real jazzed about that. But she did like the convience of putting the dvd disk in.
Sysadmin1, you keep saying RES. What does RES mean?
In the end, it is really a judgement call. Each system has its plus and minus. There is no clear cut.
It comes down to 2 systems. Either the all in one on the ceiling, or the headrests. Hopefully, the windy explanation(s) offered above will highlight some of the issues to consider in the choices.
Why do you say that you need a 9" or larger overhead monitor in the pilot. Your dealer might be misguiding you. Honda's factory system comes with only a 7" monitor and the third row occupants can watch a movie without a problem.
I sat in a third row just to see how a 7" looks like and it seemed fine. I agree the larger the screen the better, to an extent. Too large of a screen in a midsize SUV can give the kids a headache.
I also purchased a Pilot with Navigation so I also debated as to which system to install - headrests or overhead unit.
I finally decided on the overhead unit. I looked at the Audiovox 9" PROV 916 and the 8" VOD 808. I decided on the VOD 808 because I don't care for the 16:9 ratio. Actually the surface area on the 8" 4:3 ration is not much less than the surface area on a 9" 16:9 ratio.
The total installed price was $1325.00 plus 6% sales tax. The system has an FM modulator, TV tuner and antenna, and two premium IR wireless headseats. The dealer did a fantastic job with the installation and the picture is absolutely beautiful. The installer was also able to take the auxilory video output and hook it up to my Navigation monitor via an A/B swith so that my wife can watch the movie when we go on a long trip. This last part is illegal but the A/B switch is hidden.
So my posting was based on what he had advised me. And I think for us that that became the hardest thing; trying to project what would look good and what wouldnt and what would our needs be in the future.
Funny, when my wife went to look at the dvd screens, she felt the 10.4" was too big.
Personally, as far as the audiovox, I liked the PROV 916. I never saw the VOD 808. It sounds like the same thing, with a lot less of a price tag. The PROV 916, installed, with the aux audio adapter cable that I am using instead of the fm modulator, including tax, was $2050. So I am impressed with your $1500 price tag out the door price.
How much was it to install that A/B switch? I was initially not interested, but now as I have become, "screen guy", with these multiple headrest screens, I'm thinking, hey, the more the merrier! <G>
Out of curiosity, what was your final deciding factor in chosing the overhead vs the headrest monitors? Do you have more than one child? If so, did that weigh into your decision at all?
Our installation will occur after xmas. I'm not sure if it is possible to change back (again) to the all in one system from the ceiling. The headrest monitors have to special ordered. But I am really enough on the fence that maybe someone has found a reason that I have missed.
I am on the fence only because I really don't like the dvd player being in that cubbyhole at the bottom. The trim piece is replaceable. True. Which will bring the complete car back to factory for any resale. But it is the loss of the space that keeps nagging at me. I think my wife wont like that loss of space that the dvd player will occupy.
But on the other hand, I don't like the idea of cutting the headliner. So I have been going back and forth on this. As my multiple posts on just this dvd issue probably demonstrates. There is no clear cut choice. Each has its plus and minus.
Finally what price do you think your dealer would have posted for that PROV 916? Just curious.
Thanks!
thanks.
According to the Audiovox sales person there is no difference between the VOD and PROV designations as far as quality. The VOD designation is used for the units they sell to dealers where the PROV is marketed directly to consumers.
I do have two kids and we are thinking about having one more. I felt that a centrally located system would be better. As far as my wife goes, she can watch movies on the NAV screen. Also there is the safety factor. I just don't feel that the headrest system is as safe. After seeing how my dealer installed the overhead system I believe that in case of a roll over the only thing that would not come apart would be the DVD.
I don't have my receipt in front of me but I believe the A/B switch was around $60.00. I will check and let you know if I am wrong.
Have a good Holiday.
I had Honda Dealer install a rearview camera and Auto/Day/night mirror.
You should see how many clips they broke from the panels and they did not wrap any of the wiring to protect against rattles. Also there were grease marks on a lot of pieces.
Luckily the DVD installer fixed all that as a matter of courtesy. He also cleaned up all the grease marks.
The difference is that the owner of the DVD store is concerned about his reputation of his business where that kid at the Honda dealer (so called technician) could care less. Heck, he even mounted my camera backwards.
I guess my advice is that you need to find a place that you can trust with your vehicle. If you see young kids doing the work - forget it.
If you have installed one, please let me know if you have any problem with the Pilot security system or anything else.
Thanks in advance.
When I attach the four corners of the net to the chrome eyelets, it is laying flat in the cargo area (useless). I envisioned a separation net as being vertical in the cargo area (like a tennis net). When I read the 'Carrying Cargo' section of the users manual it only briefly mentions the use of a separation net and offers no diagrams.
What am I missing here?
TB
The installation was a disaster from this upscale store. I paid $300.00 for this, "no worries", installation.
More importantly for this forum of what is liked and not liked:
1) I don't like the headrest monitors as they are too close to the second row viewers.
2) AUX. AUDIO ADAPTER CABLE (sysadmin1, we have talked about this at length), while giving superior sound than that of the fm modulator, does not take away the annoying ignition whine noise over the speakers.
I don't know if this noise is because of the placement of the, "brains", of the system. Which was placed underneath the drivers seat. I think that is the unit that is picking up a lot of rf noise.
I don't know if you had an all - in - one ceiling mounted unit that you would have this noise because I think the, "brains", would be all up on the ceiling, well away from any rf signals.
Any installers out there that might have an idea of why/where/how this ignition noise can be defeated? The, "upscale", "unbelievably professional and knowledgeable", installation shop of Sound Advice is talking about an inline filter. Would better placement of the central hookup unit of all the wires, the, "brains", help alleviate this ignition noise problem?
Disappointed in Florida
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I will re-check the connections that are not behind the radio stack to insure no loose connections.
I will have them re-check behind the radio stack.
My feeling is that they will write it off as the uniqueness of the car. That ignition noise will be different from one car to another, even in the same brand, etc...
In the end, I know it is an issue of shielding. A loose connection does prevent proper shielding. But I don't think they are going to isolate and fix it.
Will let you know.
I originally thought I was paying much more than what you had posted. But I sat down and broke it all down. In the end, we are paying the same. I am paying more for installation, but am getting the parts cheaper.
Who cares, anyway. The important thing is that now I have an ignition/alternator hummm. Which is annoying as hell. They say they will take care of it. Lets see.
In short, I really have not enjoyed this experience as much as I thought I would. I think they promised the world with their fancy installation promises to justify the high cost of install. And came up very short. So it hasnt been much fun.
When I get back to the states, I will be finishing the job, one way or another.
I'll let you know.
You are right about the Epic models. We are doing the same thing. I really hope they don't damage any interior panels, and don't screw up the ground so a hum gets introduced. I'll be giving them all my concerns when I drop it off.
Will probably check on it throughout the day as they are doing the install. The units are supposed to come in 1/12 so I guess I'll be installing late Jan. Let me know what they did for your grounding issues or if they work it out.
Thanks!!
Can you install your own navigation system or have someone install one at a discount. Maybe adding a portable navigation system that you can carry with you when you are walking, etc. Any ideas? Thanks. A frugal Pilot owner.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
The navi, if you wanted it to look factory, could only be purchased from the factory.
So, that leaves a dash mounted navi system. My parents have one that cost 1200.00. They seem to like it just fine. And as you said, its portable, so they have the advantage of taking it out and using it elsewhere. Software updates are available every few years no problem. Update as often as you want....although it costs each time.
I think they have a Garmen. Or Garmin. Best Buy sells them.
You can install and aftermarket dvd player and have it look factory. But you cant the other way around. And that is why people buy the navi and do the aftermarket dvd...if you wanted both, that is.
So take a look at the portables. If you want to know features, I always go to the top of the line a company offers, and see what the top of the line has in features. Then work backwards from there to lower models until I have a working knowledge of what is good/worthy upgrades and what is bs.
Good luck!
If this is true, how do CD changers for the pilot gain access to the stereo console unit? there must be some sort of input for an optional CD changer, no?
And it does in fact give me that cd quality sound. It's equivalent to having a stereo and hooking up separate components.
And yes, you listen to the DVD's by using the chng button on the cd/chnger button on the EX.
So there is an input on the back of the radios on the EX.
Now if I can just get rid of the ignition hummmmm.
HELP?