Aux Input for Car Stereos

[Tyr]

I drive a 2000 Jetta, and unfortunately, my stereo device does not have an aux input for me to connect my mp3 player, which is rather annoying...

It seems like my best solution is to purchase a new stereo that has an aux input -- are there any suggestions for a car stereo that's not expensive? I don't care too much about my car stereo (in terms of paying for the good stuff), and the one I currently have (that came with the car when I bought it) is fine -- with exception to not being able to play my ipod.

Is there a solution that would cost less than $100? And do I need to get the stereo installed professionally, or is it something that one can do with the help of a manual?

I'm currently looking at these two stereos:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dual+-+5...&skuId=9463154
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+...&skuId=1149632

Then again, I just went to bestbuy and checked a couple out in my price range.

[kuronosan]

If you're gonna buy cheap, buy JVC and Pioneer. Stay away from Dual. You could also try ordering from Crutchfield. They will ship you the stereo, the mounting kits needed, and installation instructions (often for free). The best part is, they give you free lifetime support so if you have trouble installing you can call customer support and they will walk you through.

I'd never put a stereo in until someone suggested I buy from Crutchfield. Now I'm glad I did. Too bad I lost my referral codes.

www.crutchfield.com

Excellent customer service.

By the way, AUX-input will be a little quieter than the other inputs... just an FYI. I use a USB flash drive for my stereo because the AUX from my Zune is just low, and that's with the volume all the way up.

edit: Oh and to better answer your question, I have a ton of experience building computers... if you can build a tower, you can install a stereo. I knew nothing about car installations until I put the stereo in and I never had to call support once.

[Kohan]

Crutchfield is an excellent suggestion. As usual, though, I'll be Amazon's advocate; if you see something you want on any other website, and verify it's worthwhile through research, look it up on Amazon afterward. If you can get it without paying taxes and with free shipping, all the better.

[Kaslo]

Another option, though you didn't ask about it, is getting something that isn't AUX. Being a 2000, it probably has a cassette player, meaning you could buy one of those cassette to audio adapters or you could buy an adapter for your mp3 player to broadcast to FM.

[Boyiee]

I don't know if they'll fit your car, but you mentioned Ipod so that means the ones with usb imputs will work. Check these 2 out, they are phenomenal if you are willing to spend the money. HD built in, remotes, bluetooth ready, usb ports on the front etc.

note: when on crutchfield, select outfit my car, and put in your model. It will sort things by what can fit. As another note, crutchfield sometimes will rape you in prices cause they can. Check amazon as mentioned, and that other site I forget what its called starts with an S. Pick out a model, google it, find it cheaper. Reviews on these types of these are huge.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113HD54...U.html?tp=5684
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_105KDAH...9.html?tp=5684

Make sure your model device is listed in the specs. Make sure to check the hands on research links (that link gives better detail of what does and doesnt work).

I know you mentioned less than 100$, but 140 for that kenwood is not a bad deal, especially considering all of its features. HD kits can run you a lot of money separately.

I hate to be a salesmen, but some polk speakers are buy one pair get 2nd pair half off. I'm probably going to get some for my truck this week. 120-150$ for 4 polk db571's depending where you shop, I'm almost forced to buy them.

[Dmitry]

I believe if you go to a Best Buy store, they'll install the radio for free when you buy it, or at least they did when my brother bought his.

My suggestions are the same as others, if you have a tape deck, getting the tape with the jack on it would be easiest. If not, installing radios isn't terribly hard, just takes a little time to do the wiring.

I can vouch for crutchfield also, I got my radio from them and it came with everything I needed.

[Reality]

Find a headunit that has AUX and USB inputs, preferably a unit that has firmware updating capabilities and supports a variety of devices like USB Flash Drives, iPod & iPhone, Android, and Zune

I can't imagine driving my car and not having my ProClipUSA iPhone mount with my Kenwood headunit (USB + AUX, I use USB)

[Overburn]

I believe if you go to a Best Buy store, they'll install the radio for free when you buy it, or at least they did when my brother bought his.

Should probably check with the store before you go with this route. I've heard the Best Buy by me stopped installing all together some time ago. It might just be my area though since there's like 90 different car stereo places here.

[Pikarya]

Crutchfield is by far the most optimal choice, the instructions and manuals they provide are excellent. On top of that, they have great support & usually great prices vs. competitors.

[kuronosan]

Should probably check with the store before you go with this route. I've heard the Best Buy by me stopped installing all together some time ago. It might just be my area though since there's like 90 different car stereo places here.

That and I wouldn't trust Best Buy with installations... they charge an arm and a leg for all of the mounting gear and unlike before, you have punk kids who may or may not put everything back together correctly. There's a reason the installation is free, and it's because you don't get lifetime support and transparency like you do with places such as Crutchfield.

[volcanicweather]

USB flash drive is the way to go for sure, don't even bother with AUX. I've done both and the flash drive not only has better sound quality in my system but you never have to worry about the battery dying in your external device.

Or you could be a badass and get an ipod sounddock, a cigarette lighter adapter for it, and mount it to your car with super glue. Sounds like the best option for a 2000 Jetta