QuestionQUESTION: I purchased the base model 2009 Maxima. I absolutely love the car but I don't like the radio. I would like to upgrade to the bose system. I'm used to song titles showing and ipod titles and better sound quality. This base model does not offer that (now I wish I had purchased the upgraded maxima...too late now). Can you give me some advice?
ANSWER: Hi there Jana and congratulations on the purchase of your Maxima.. it's a sweet ride!!
If you want it to be a seamless system.. your easiest means would be to go back and visit your dealership to negotiate a decent price for them to take your existing stereo on trade and upgrade you to the bose system.
On the other hand... a visit to your local stereo shop might be in order here...they can recommend an excellent head unit with ALL the features you love... and maybe some you've never heard of... and you may even consider an upgraded power amp and speakers, installing them to look just like a factory system, likely sounding even better than the Bose option and costing you much MUCH less than a factory system would. Your best bet is to shop them both, the dealer and the aftermarket guru, to see what your options are based on what you budget is.
A couple pieces of advice for you though... with a car as nice as yours, don't be using the "back-yard" installers that tell you they can do it for much less than a pro...and make sure the Pro is MECP certified before you let him/her anywhere near your car.
The last piece of advice...as it is with ANY audio component I buy.. don't let the flashing lights and slick salesmen dictate what you like... let your ears decide. Take some discs that you are very familiar with and use them to listen to the systems before you buy...Your ears will tell you if you're on the the right track.
Enjoy your ride Jana!
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QUESTION: Thank you for responding. I did ask my dealer about an upgrade and he suggested that I go to a professional stereo place because the price would be much cheapter. He felt Nissan was too much. By going with an outside dealer, will that change the screen/dash of my maxima? Also do you recommend any stereo shops?
AnswerI don't disagree with your dealers assessment... OEM stereos are generally overpriced for what you get.
Going with an aftermarket can look every bit as good as factory, in fact, in some cases even better... but that will have to be assessed by your installer. Each vehicle make and model and year are different.. most installation centers will have very nice aftermarket dash kits to integrate the stereos in so they look like they belong.
Sorry, I can't make any recommendations on installers...every city has there own gurus...you'll have to ask around... make sure they are certified though...really important to know they have taken their continuing education seriously.
Happy shopping!
