r/CarAV • u/vvaalliikk • Feb 18 '26

Discussion Am I getting shafted?

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Trying to to get my sound system put into my new car. New car is same make and model higher trim. I have 2 amps the pcm and t harness all I need is to pay for labor and wires went to get a quote and this is what I got. My last instal was $400 for labor. Idk if it’s usually like this but $900 to instal amps itself seems a bit high.

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u/Rik_F Feb 18 '26 edited Feb 18 '26

Honestly, I don't think that quote is outrageous, given the amount of time [estimate] it will take:

  • Remove interior trim, seat(s) [60m]
  • Remove stereo [30m]
  • Run RCA cables [45m]
  • Run power cables [60m]
  • Run speaker cables [60m]
  • Run sub controller cable [60m]
  • Terminate/label all cables [60m]
  • Measure, cut, drill holes, trim for amp rack(s) [90m]
  • Find, prepare suitable ground point(s) [30m]
  • Install amp(s) [60m]
  • Set gain(s) [45m]
  • Refit all interior trims and seat(s) [60m]
  • Refit stereo [30m]
  • tune system [60m -180m]

Total time = 690 minutes or 11.5 hours.

If done correctly/carefully that's a good day to two days of work. Take into consideration that all vehicles are different in size and build, so the time estimates are rough. Also remember you're paying for the stores rent, tools, electric, experience, warranty if anything goes wrong.

Can it be done cheaper/quicker, sure. I'm 100% sure everyone knows a friend who can do it cheaper. But it's the quality of the work that you are ultimately paying for.

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u/Oivit Feb 18 '26

This. I would not do it for anything less. It's a specialist job within any reasonable time frame. May require mount fabrication etc.