OBW 2k: Replace Radio and In-dash CD Changer

[David Patnaude]

My in-dash 6 CD changer has died. The Subaru dealer has indicated $265 to
send out for repair and 4-6 weeks to get the unit back. I am wondering what
other options I have.

Has anyone replaced the Subaru head unit and in-dash CD changer with an
aftermarket product? I have looked through the Crutchfield website a bit,
but they don't show many/any in-dash CD changers and don't even indicate
much that will fit in the Subaru. Other Subaru parts websites are selling
the original CD changer for $440-470.

Also, since the in-dash cd was dealer installed, I don't have the original
storage tray that was in that spot, so finding a unit that fits both slots
would be important.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Brian Wasson]

I got a used Subaru 6-disc CD/cassette/AM/FM double-din unit off eBay
for around $150. A lot of folks seem to pull them from their WRXs and
sell them. It was an easy install in my 2001 OBW.

 

[Mark]

My in-dash 6 CD changer has died. The Subaru dealer has indicated $265 to
send out for repair and 4-6 weeks to get the unit back. I am wondering what
other options I have.

Has anyone replaced the Subaru head unit and in-dash CD changer with an
aftermarket product? I have looked through the Crutchfield website a bit,
but they don't show many/any in-dash CD changers and don't even indicate
much that will fit in the Subaru. Other Subaru parts websites are selling
the original CD changer for $440-470.

Also, since the in-dash cd was dealer installed, I don't have the original
storage tray that was in that spot, so finding a unit that fits both slots
would be important.

Thanks,
Dave

Look on eBay to see if they have a used Subaru CD changer. Might be
able to buy one cheaper than geting your repaired.

I replaced my in dash 6 disk changer in my WRX to a MP3 player from
Kenwood. If your into MP3's then I would consider that option.

 

[Eric Peper]

What happened with the warranty coverage?

EP

 

[David Patnaude]

(e-mail address removed) (Eric Peper) wrote in

What happened with the warranty coverage?

EP

Last week I dropped off the car the evening before the appointment and
didn't pick it up again until after hours the night after. No calls were
received from the dealer during the day and the work order only had a note
that the unit needed to be sent out for repair at a cost of $265. I
mentioned warranty when I made the appointment and again on the envelope
when I dropped off the keys.

I finally spoke to someone at the dealer again this morning and it will be
covered under warranty, but of course I now need to make an extra trip to
the dealer to get this taken care of and be without the unit for 4-6 weeks.

I have contined to go to the dealer during the warranty period, but the
warranty will end by next week and I don't think I'll be back after that.

Dave

 

[David Patnaude]

(e-mail address removed) (Mark) wrote in

Look on eBay to see if they have a used Subaru CD changer. Might be
able to buy one cheaper than geting your repaired.

I replaced my in dash 6 disk changer in my WRX to a MP3 player from
Kenwood. If your into MP3's then I would consider that option.

Ebay does not currently have my unit, but there are a lot of the WRX units.
The WRX units are one double height unit while mine is two single units
stacked. I wonder if the WRX model would still fit my Outback. I wonder why
so many WRX owners pull their stock unit.

Looks like mine will get repaired by warranty after a little more pushing
the dealer.

Dave

 

[David]

I wonder why so many WRX owners pull their stock unit.

Two possibilities:

1. Maybe WRX buyers are more likely to want to customize.

2. The factory sound may not be very good. The factory sound in
my Forester pales in comparison to the factory sound in my Maxima.
I should start a new thread asking how to fix it--hopefully a simple
inexpensive upgrade of the door speakers will work. I'm too cheap
to do much more than that.

 

[Brian Wasson]

Quite often with OEM stereos they don't actually repair *your* unit,
but rather take yours in and supply you with a rebuilt one from the
factory (or wherever). Ask if they can do that, and if so you won't be
without a stereo.

On the other hand, the WRX double-din (double height) 6-disc
CD/cassette/AM-FM is a really easy install in the OBW, and will fit
perfectly, replacing your two separate single-height units.

In my OBW, I actually have the above-mentioned WRX unit, with a CB
radio (with weatherband) mounted in the third space below it. Makes a
nice little stack unit. Although the WRX unit certainly isn't as good
sound-wise as aftermarket stereos, I liked the in-dash 6-disc
capability, plus the ability to play audiobook cassettes from the
library on long road trips.

 

[David Patnaude]

(e-mail address removed) (Brian Wasson) wrote in

Quite often with OEM stereos they don't actually repair *your* unit,
but rather take yours in and supply you with a rebuilt one from the
factory (or wherever). Ask if they can do that, and if so you won't be
without a stereo.

On the other hand, the WRX double-din (double height) 6-disc
CD/cassette/AM-FM is a really easy install in the OBW, and will fit
perfectly, replacing your two separate single-height units.

In my OBW, I actually have the above-mentioned WRX unit, with a CB
radio (with weatherband) mounted in the third space below it. Makes a
nice little stack unit. Although the WRX unit certainly isn't as good
sound-wise as aftermarket stereos, I liked the in-dash 6-disc
capability, plus the ability to play audiobook cassettes from the
library on long road trips.

Saw your message too late. The unit has already been removed and sent out.
A bit of the problem is that there are still 6 CDs in the unit that I want
back.

If it breaks again, probab;ly I will just go with a WRX unit off of e-bay.

Dave

 

[Mark]

(e-mail address removed) (Mark) wrote in


Ebay does not currently have my unit, but there are a lot of the WRX units.
The WRX units are one double height unit while mine is two single units
stacked. I wonder if the WRX model would still fit my Outback. I wonder why
so many WRX owners pull their stock unit.

Looks like mine will get repaired by warranty after a little more pushing
the dealer.

Dave

Dave:
Hummm, My wife and I bought 2 new Subarus and my WRX had the 6 disk in
dash CD/cassette radio. I took the unit out and placed it in her
Forester without any problems (exact fit). I then installed a Kenwood
MP3 player in my car and got an underseat subwoofer (cheap) on eBay.

If you car is still covered under the 3/36K, then it should be
replaced/fixed for free. If the dealer give you any crap, call the
subaru customer hot line and tell them your story. They should be able
to get this resolved.

 

[David Patnaude]

(e-mail address removed) (Mark) wrote in

If you car is still covered under the 3/36K, then it should be
replaced/fixed for free. If the dealer give you any crap, call the
subaru customer hot line and tell them your story. They should be able
to get this resolved.

I am just under 60k miles in 3.5 years, but I have the extended warranty to
60k miles. It did take a call to Subaru to get this covered under the
extended warranty.

I have never bought an extended warranty for anything, nor wanted one, but
at the time of this purchase, the gimmick was to buy the extended plan and
get a lower interest rate. My payments were actually less after adding the
extended warranty.