Car Stereos: new stereo for 2002 Tahoe, pioneer system, best buy

Question
Dear Justin,
Merry Christmas. Just got this used Tahoe for my 16 yr. old twins. I actually like the fact the stereo doesn't work well (lots of static and hardly any volume) because they need to focus on driving. Anyway, I read you aren't keen on brands, but I was hoping you could give me some direction so I don't get completely taken at a car stereo place. Where do I start ? I am not planning on spending a lot of money and no sub-woof stuff. Just want a working stereo. Do I get someone to look at it to see if it can be fixed or just go to Best Buy and let them put in a new system. At least I can buy an affordable Kenwood there and have a guareentee if they mess it up. Totally subjective question but no guy around to ask.  Thanks

Answer
Hi,

If all you're looking for is OEM quality for cheap, I'd suggest just visiting a local wrecker, and asking them for a unit that will fit your truck.  I guarantee they'll have one on-hand, and it will likely cost you something like $20.  And you can install it yourself.

In my experience, Best Buy doesn't exactly hire from the creme de la creme of stereo installers, and I have personally had to repair at least a dozen of their shoddy installations.  Between taping wires together with no actual method of attaching them, to tapping the wrong wire, to drawing too much power without fusing, I wouldn't take a vehicle to them for installation in a million years.

Of course, that just might be my local Best Buy.

If you do decide on something aftermarket, just pick up a cheap Kenwood/Pioneer system and have a local car stereo install shop do it; not a big box store.

Justin