Can some give me a guestimate about how much it would cost to have the dealer toss in the mp3 unit? My car came with the single CD and I am thinking the MP3 would be a nice addition to the car. Dang thing has everything else. I would do it myself but this car does not look like it is friendly to the amateur audio enthusiast.

And I did do a search for mp3 on the board. I had seen a couple of posts but nothing that was overly substantial.

Also wondering if someone can tell me how to change it if they can recommend a place to buy it cheaper than the dealer.

 

about $300 + install=approx. $360

I just did it,it's great.

 

the install really isn't too bad to do yourself. The longest, sweatiest work is removing the center panel and stock radio (it all comes out as one piece). Swapping the units and reinstallation is a snap. There is a really good mp3 install thread with photos - you'd have to search for it...

Edit: Okay, I was really nice and searched for the thread for you. First one's free MP3 Install .

 

Thanks!!!! That was extremely helpful. I think I will just try and find the unit somewhere and do the install myself.

 

I think it is mentioned somewhere near the end of thread, but the best advice I can give you for disconnecting the plugs on the radio itself is to examine a photo of the rear of the unit, or examine your new one. There are grooves all along the bottom, and one is bigger that the others. I believe the bigger one lines up directly underneath the locking tab for the connector. Use this to guide your tiny screwdriver through to the connector tab.

 

I installed mine myself. It isn't that difficult. Philips head 10mm socket and extension and a flat tip is all I used. I think the hardest part was getting the connectors off the back or the radio and climate controls.

 

I spoke to a sales guy about the MP3 if I were to include it in my purchase... maybe this will work for you:

He said that he would buy the unit at his employee discount (20%, I think?) and have me pay him. If the unit really is $300 + $60 labor, you could basically get the install free this way, or pay only $240 and do it yourself. What's that... 1/2 price of an overpriced IPod?

 

I spoke to a sales guy about the MP3 if I were to include it in my purchase... maybe this will work for you:

He said that he would buy the unit at his employee discount (20%, I think?) and have me pay him. If the unit really is $300 + $60 labor, you could basically get the install free this way.

 

http://www.trussvillemazda.com/Parts...004/Mazda/RX-8

$267.60, retail $345.00

That's as cheap as it's gonna' get,imo.

 

Cheaper here:

Canzoomer

Only $215 plus shipping.

 

You forgot the Trim panel which is an additional $15, plus shipping, insurance, tax etc. etc. especially since you ship from Canada to the US. Plus isn't it just better buying from a authorized Mazda dealer?

 

You don't need the trim panel, you're basically paying $15 for the letters MP3...

 

I can't see how shipping is going to be much more expensive than shipping in the US. Plus, I don't believe there would be tax because I buy my contacts from Canada and there never was any tax. Plus, as Fleche said, unless you really need the letters MP3 on your radio, the trim panel is pointless. So, all in all, I believe it would still be cheaper to buy from Canzoomer.

Also, I don't really see a difference in buying from a Mazda authorized dealer or anyone else. It should all carry the same kind of warranty.

 

Does anyone have the specs on this unit, specifically RMS?

Edit: Hmmm, I can just email him, eh? :P