Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihnp4.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!ihnp4!mostek From: mostek@ihnp4.UUCP (James Mostek) Newsgroups: net.consumers Subject: Re: If I may recommend... (Dealer Radios) Message-ID: <713@ihnp4.UUCP> Date: Thu, 31-Jan-85 20:08:17 EST Article-I.D.: ihnp4.713 Posted: Thu Jan 31 20:08:17 1985 Date-Received: Sat, 2-Feb-85 09:53:41 EST References: <5550@rochester.UUCP> <1419@cca.UUCP> <383@ssc-vax.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL Lines: 31 I have purchased three new cars in the last 10 years. a 1975 Mazda RX3 (with a dealer radio AM/FM) a 1977 Nova (without a dealer radio and installed my own and nice speakers) a 1984 Celebrity Wagon (decided on the dealer AM/FM/Cassette radio) After the '75, I decided that for the money, I'd rather install my own nicer system. I was never upset with the system in the '75, but I figured that the money the dealer made on the radio could be saved. I felt the car dealer was more dishonest that the stereo dealer. (ha!) Also, the stereo store had more to choose from with nicer names and more numbers for watts, distortion, ... After a year or so, I've had constant problems with the Clarion (that cost $230 in '77) and the expensive speakers. The tape player doesn't work quite right and FM keeps going out. A car stereo is subjected to many problems (bumps, changes in temperature, moisture, dust) and the listener is usually subjected to considerable noises (other cars, fans, ...) Furthermore, one should be listening for horns, sirens, and other important noised (not LOUD stereos). Concluding, I decided to get a dealer AM/FM/Cassette at 10% over the Consumer Reports listed price, not the dealer listed price. I've been fairly happy with the '84 system except the rear speaker are too far from the driver (on the tailgate of the wagon). -- James Mostek, Bell Labs @ Naperville, ihnp4!mostek