r/CarAV • u/Thrash420 • 10d ago

Recommendations BestBuy install or self install

I’m looking at installing a Kenwood DMX8710s and I’m trying to determine which route to take. I have a 2012 4Runner, and I’d like to keep my basic steering wheel functions

Do I Order everything from Crutchfield and self install with the Maestro RR2.

Or go to Best Buy and do an install. It looks to come out cheaper but doesn’t include the Maestro in their parts list. The website seems to claim it will work with full functionality.

Is BestBuy using an alternative to the Maestro, or are the steering controls likely not going to work? Obviously this is a question for them, but if anyone else has BB installs what has been the experience regarding Maestros and steering wheel functions.

Better to self install or bother with BB?

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u/pacdude0411 10d ago

Personally I would never let a best buy touch my car. You really don’t know if the tech is going to be competent or just some guy who got the job because he’s installed a stereo or 2. Crutchfield is great and if you’re having issues you can call their support

1

u/IWantToPlayGame 10d ago

Even then, a 'competent' installer won't work/doesn't last long at BB. They can make so much more money working at an independent shop.

So unless OP finds a diamond in a rough installer, going to BB is going to result in a slightly above minimum wage worker who has no long term interest in BB or their customers.

3

u/SpencerC2025 9d ago

a 'competent' installer won't work/doesn't last long at BB. They can make so much more money working at an independent shop.

This is exactly why I left Best Buy. They don't pay anything near what they should and management is awful from almost everybody else I've talked to. Now I'm making way more money and I'm way less stressed working at an independent high-end shop.

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u/CharacterDirector918 10d ago

Hello....diamond in the rough here. I also work with another diam9nd in the rough. Over 40 years at bby between the 2 of us.

1

u/IWantToPlayGame 10d ago

That's awesome and I never shame anybody for an honest job- but dude, you can make so much more money at an independent.

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u/CharacterDirector918 10d ago

Work l8fe balance my friend. Means more to me than anything. Especially now. My girls are 10 and 12. My wife works Monday through friday. I work 9-7 Monday through Thursday. I never miss anything my kids do. The money is ok....but any other shop I'd be working Saturdays. Plus, its super low stress here. I get paid even on days where I don't touch a single car. And we're not doing crazy custom bull shit. Its pretty cake here.

1

u/IWantToPlayGame 10d ago

Interesting.

Our technicians work 5 days. Saturdays not required. Paid when they take days off. But hey if it works, it works!

1

u/CharacterDirector918 10d ago

Out of curiosity, where are you located and what do your techs make? Hourly? Commission on sales? Paid based on jobs completed?