• Automotive Addicts Lounge V2- Why we are all broke:
    5,003 replies, posted
[QUOTE=RenaFox;47607646]Since I'm new to this thread, what's the consensus here on a 1999 Honda Civic sedan?[/QUOTE] Boring, bland, well sorted, alright to drive, does the job, and compact. They make good daily drivers, but I wouldn't trade the keys to my not running Mercedes-Benz for one.
[QUOTE=clutch2;47607879] When it comes to DDINs the sky's the limit, really. Answers these for me and I'll advise from there; -What phone do you use? -Do you use it for calls, music, pandora, etc a lot? -Do you want built in navigation? -Do you want to be able to run nav from your phone onto the unit? -Do you want a CD/DVD player, or just multimedia (phone, usb drive, etc)[/QUOTE] First of all, thanks for all that info. I never would've found that install kit otherwise. I've got an iPhone, and I do call a lot so that functionality would be nice. Music mostly all the time, have a Spotify premium account that I use every day. I really don't care about navigation, so running the nav into the unit isn't really a massive draw for me. I would like a CD player, but I suppose for the right set of features I could live without one. Heres the one I have been really interested in: [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500ILX007/Alpine-iLX-007.html?tp=5684&awkw=90642840505&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=55323731065&awdv=c[/url] The real problem is it's price. I like all the features and the compatibility with my phone, but that price would kicks me in the ass.
[QUOTE=RenaFox;47607646]Since I'm new to this thread, what's the consensus here on a 1999 Honda Civic sedan?[/QUOTE] 96-00 Civic's are pretty decent, stock suspension setup is pretty soft and floppy along with being in line with Civics not having rear swaybars and EK Civics(96-00) being the worst offenders with only the Si having one and being difficult to retrofit. The D16Y motors are pretty good for what they are but Honda went cheap on the oiling and the have a higher chance to have bottom end bearing problems than other motors if they have been heavily abused or ran dry of oil. Not anything at all to be concerned about if it's in good shape though, most live happy full 275k+ mile lives. The D16Y7 benefits a ton from a Y8 intake mani and a header or Y8 exhaust mani which are great cheap upgrades that actually do something. The D16Y8 on the EX models is the best stock for stock of the old D series vtec motors, has a nice little change over and the manual transmission attached to them is shorter and nice which suits it really well. While it's not the higher strung D16Z6 of the previous model, it has more power and torque all over with a smoother vtec crossover unlike the previous Z6 that "popped vtec hard". Gas mileage will be great with either motor although the Y8 will surprise you with low 20's if you beat on it plenty. The sedan is probably one of the better looking of the bunch with the 99-00 being preferable, if it has the optional spoiler they look great. Wonderful cheap commuter or a great first car that you can get your hands dirty on too. The sedans also come in my favorite color for EK's, Iced Teal Pearl. Doesn't look like much but put some nicer wheels like RFP1's or something under it then put a VTi-RS spoiler on it they look amazing. I aspire to someday stuff a 200hp F20B SiR Accord motor into one for a daily driver :v: [t]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5601782/photo2.jpg[/t][t]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5601782/photo.jpg[/t]
[QUOTE=clutch2;47607793]Jensen's aren't shit, but they're not great, either. If BestBuy still carried a Jensen touchscreen I'd suggest going to play with it, but unfortunately they don't. Saying that the Pioneer is simply 'better' sounds basic, but it's really true. It's the difference between using Windows 98 and Windows Vista. The archaic interface and lack of settings just puts me off of Jensens in comparison. The bluetooth mic on the Jensens is lackluster, too. The VX3010 is a single-din popout screen, stay away if you can fit a DDIN, popouts as a whole are toublesome. The VX3012 looks like a newer model of VX3010. VX3020 is a normal DDIN, and the VX3022 looks like a more recent version of if. Out of them all, I'd get the VX3022, since it's the newest. Will it be a decent headunit? Probably. Would I save the extra money to go with the Pioneer? Yes, without a doubt. Also, here's parts! Dash kit; [url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Lincoln-Mercury-Dash-Kit-For-Double-DIN-Stereo-Radio-Install-Kit-/111009189898?fits=Model%3AF-150&hash=item19d8a9d00a&vxp=mtr[/url] Harness, assuming you DONT have a factory sub; [url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-radio-Installation-Wire-Harness-70-5520-stereo-flm0305-/360852926866?hash=item540482b192&vxp=mtr[/url] There is also the Pioneer 270BT. [url]http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH270BT-Double-BLUETOOTH-Receiver/dp/B00O8B7CKS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1430101361&sr=1-1&keywords=pioneer+270+bt[/url] This is more in the price range you're looking at, but compare pictures of the 2 and pay attention to the use interface. It's more along the lines of the Jensens, in that it's poorly designed (graphically, jagged edges, etc). While I must admit this unit is fast (surprisingly fast, for how bad it looks, lol) I just can't stand having an ugly used interface. Mull that over, and maybe even swing by a BestBuy and have a look at the 2700's user interface, that's similar to the 2600, just reskinned a bit. (if the 2700 on display there even works.. mine die every 5 days or so, like I said.. I hate the 2700, lol). Then play with the 270BT if they have it on display, you'll immediately see the difference. For the Jensen, take the 270BT and make the touch recognition slightly clunkier (not awful, just slightly) and that'll be about what you can expect from the Jensen. Take it like this. You have $20,000 to spend on a nice car. You can afford a new Impala for that. Save up another $6,000 and you can have Mercede's entry level car brand new instead. Not that the Impala is bad.. but if you drive the Mercedes you'd probably think 'damn.. this is better.' That's my advice, anywho.[/QUOTE] That 270BT looks nice. You say it's better than the Jensen? If so I'll probably spring for that one. The UI doesn't look that bad, Crutchfield has a better picture of it than Amazon does. [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130270BT/Pioneer-AVH-270BT.html[/url] I don't know if I have a factory sub or not. How can I tell?
I've been trying to find a reliable DD that has cheap parts and is easy to work on, and I seem to keep looping back to Honda, I'd really like to get something a bit nicer like an Accord or an Acura TL (specifically the 2004 model). Shit, maybe I'll get another 2003 Mazda 6. I loved that car. The Galant has been pretty bad the last few months. It's a 15 year old car so I can't complain, but it's constantly shitting the bed on me out of nowhere. In the last two months I've had to change the plugs, wires, distributor cap, front brake pads and rotors, radiator, wheel bearing, and a leak around the valve cover gasket (which is horseshit to replace because it's a PITA to take the plenum off) and now shit is getting fucky with my suspension, which is clunking in two different spots now and in the front there's a shitload of vibration and rattling when I go over potholes (which I try to avoid). There has been a small clunk in the front for basically as long as I've had the car but my mechanic told me not to worry too much about it for a while when I was talking to him one day. I don't mind replacing these parts, but shit, these things would go and then I wouldn't be able to go to work or college and I would get it fixed but two weeks later the car would be down again. I know I'm probably ranting about trivial shit but it just seems like something else breaks or goes bad every other week in this damned thing and I'm sick of having to miss college or work because of it.
[QUOTE=deathmog;47608214]I've been trying to find a reliable DD that has cheap parts and is easy to work on, and I seem to keep looping back to Honda, I'd really like to get something a bit nicer like an Accord or an Acura TL (specifically the 2004 model).[/QUOTE] I used to drive a Honda. They are very reliable cars, and the parts aren't terribly expensive, but they are by no means "easy to work on".
Older hondas are like the old Chevy of the import world. Unbolt part, replace with new and your g2g
[QUOTE=Del91;47608275]Older hondas are like the old Chevy of the import world. Unbolt part, replace with new and your g2g[/QUOTE] Yeah, older being the key word there. I had a 2003 Honda Odyssey before I got my truck and fixing anything on that thing aside from replacing the brake pads was a pain in the ass.
Well that's the case for most if not all modern cars. :(
[QUOTE=Snoberry Tea;47608247]I used to drive a Honda. They are very reliable cars, and the parts aren't terribly expensive, but they are by no means "easy to work on".[/QUOTE] Well, relatively speaking of course, haha I really like Civic hatchbacks but I'll be damned if I can find one for a not-shit price.
[QUOTE=deathmog;47608303]Well, relatively speaking of course, haha I really like Civic hatchbacks but I'll be damned if I can find one for a not-shit price.[/QUOTE] Get a truck.
[QUOTE=eomsten;47607983]First of all, thanks for all that info. I never would've found that install kit otherwise. I've got an iPhone, and I do call a lot so that functionality would be nice. Music mostly all the time, have a Spotify premium account that I use every day. I really don't care about navigation, so running the nav into the unit isn't really a massive draw for me. I would like a CD player, but I suppose for the right set of features I could live without one. Heres the one I have been really interested in: [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500ILX007/Alpine-iLX-007.html?tp=5684&awkw=90642840505&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=55323731065&awdv=c[/url] The real problem is it's price. I like all the features and the compatibility with my phone, but that price would kicks me in the ass.[/QUOTE] Yessss, that Alpine is a wonderful unit. The only downfall with it is that it is only a CarPlay unit, basically. It also has aux input and am/fm tuner, or course. But no bluetooth for Android, no USB input for MP3 flash drive, etc. There's also the AppRadio 4, by Pioneer. Same stuff as the Alpine, but also has bluetooth, Android Auto, USB input for MP3s, and a dedicated nav antenna for if you're using Apple Maps but you lose service. [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130SPDA120/Pioneer-SPH-DA120-AppRadio-4.html[/url] The only downfall with the AppRadio 4 is that the buttons are on the side, instead of the bottom like the Alpine, so there's a bit smaller screen. Either way you slice it, they are both gorgeous, gorgeous units. Both in operation and how they're constructed and fit in the vehicle's dash. The graphic user interfaces are well thought out and pretty, too. Can't say enough good stuff about the CarPlay, personally. There's also this; [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1304100NEX/Pioneer-AVH-4100NEX.html[/url] Which is.. more expensive!!! Bla. It features all the same stuff as the AppRadio, but bumps you to a bit bigger screen and CD/DVD player, too. The only issue is the buttons do actually stick out a bit on the bottom, like a little lip/tray. If you're looking for something a little cheaper, but without CarPlay, check into Kenwood's stuff and Pioneer's mid level stuff, too. Here's some good options, mostly optioned the same; bluetooth, ipod/phone playback through USB, etc. Just different size screens / user interface layouts. All are good, tough. [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DDX372B/Kenwood-DDX372BT.html?tp=20217[/url] [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130X4600BT/Pioneer-AVH-X4600BT.html?tp=20217[/url] [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DDX672B/Kenwood-DDX672BH.html?tp=20217[/url] There's also last year's NEX4000, which is a few bucks less. Does CarPlay, though! [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1304000NEX/Pioneer-AVH-4000NEX.html?tp=20217[/url]
[QUOTE=Snoberry Tea;47608247]I used to drive a Honda. They are very reliable cars, and the parts aren't terribly expensive, but they are by no means "easy to work on".[/QUOTE] They're plenty easy to work on as long as it's not a V6, FWD V6 cars just suck to work on in general. There's nothing to older Hondas other than a handful of sensors and the distributor, other than that you just have your accessories which make everything look complicated. The suspension is all really simplistic and easy to replace, unless you're in a salt state where everything rusts together but that's no worse than any other car. The Accords and TL's are great, avoid the pre-2004 V6 automatics like the plague. The Acura CL is a pretty under rated car but 4 cylinder manual would have to be the drivetrain since they had the terrible J series auto transmissions. The Acura TSX is also a really amazing car and is the last car with "double wishbone" suspension. The Euro R's were amazing cars and competed in a lot of races like the BTCC very often. Most of these cars share a bunch of parts and you can often source stiffer swaybars from manual sedan versions of some of them and along with a quality shock and spring you could make a hell of a great driving DD.
I've thought about it - I really like Tacos and mid-late 80's Toyota Trucks but I think I'll stick to cars. [editline]27th April 2015[/editline] @Snoberry
[QUOTE=deathmog;47608326]I've thought about it - I really like Tacos and mid-late 80's Toyota Trucks but I think I'll stick to cars.[/QUOTE] Tacomas are never a bad choice, expect to pay with your first born if you want a really nice one that isn't 2WD automatic though.
Yeah that's true, I also hear good things about integras, but I csnt get over those assugly headlight eyeball-looking motherfuckers
[QUOTE=Snoberry Tea;47608162]That 270BT looks nice. You say it's better than the Jensen? If so I'll probably spring for that one. The UI doesn't look that bad, Crutchfield has a better picture of it than Amazon does. [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130270BT/Pioneer-AVH-270BT.html[/url] I don't know if I have a factory sub or not. How can I tell?[/QUOTE] It's not quite as nice of a display as the crutchfield picture makes it look, to be honest. They just did a shit job skinning it... that's really all I can describe it as. Like I said, though, it's wicked fast for such a cheap headunit. If you have a factory sub there will be an extra 8 pin plug behind the radio, and you'll want this harness; [url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUDIOPHILE-CAR-STEREO-CD-PLAYER-WIRING-HARNESS-WIRE-AFTERMARKET-RADIO-INSTALL-/391040041986?fits=Model%3AF-150&hash=item5b0bcd8402&vxp=mtr[/url]
[QUOTE=deathmog;47608340]Yeah that's true, I also hear good things about integras, but I csnt get over those assugly headlight eyeball-looking motherfuckers[/QUOTE] But i like those cute bug eyes also plenty of jdm front integras here as well which are fairly cheap to do.
[QUOTE=clutch2;47608343]It's not quite as nice of a display as the crutchfield picture makes it look, to be honest. They just did a shit job skinning it... that's really all I can describe it as. Like I said, though, it's wicked fast for such a cheap headunit. If you have a factory sub there will be an extra 8 pin plug behind the radio, and you'll want this harness; [url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUDIOPHILE-CAR-STEREO-CD-PLAYER-WIRING-HARNESS-WIRE-AFTERMARKET-RADIO-INSTALL-/391040041986?fits=Model%3AF-150&hash=item5b0bcd8402&vxp=mtr[/url][/QUOTE] is there a way I can tell if I have a factory sub without tearing the radio out first
[QUOTE=Snoberry Tea;47608394]is there a way I can tell if I have a factory sub without tearing the radio out first[/QUOTE] It'd probably have an audiophile badge on it somewhere, or you'll have it under the rear seats, on the driver's side; [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/S-YYU025eBDzC/learn/2004-08-ford-f-150-supercrew-with-factory-sub.html[/url]
[QUOTE=clutch2;47608422]It'd probably have an audiophile badge on it somewhere, or you'll have it under the rear seats, on the driver's side; [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/S-YYU025eBDzC/learn/2004-08-ford-f-150-supercrew-with-factory-sub.html[/url][/QUOTE] not my truck. [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/learn/2004-ford-f-150-regular-cab.html[/url] This is mine
[QUOTE=deathmog;47608340]Yeah that's true, I also hear good things about integras, but I csnt get over those assugly headlight eyeball-looking motherfuckers[/QUOTE] I absolutely love my Integra, only thing they really lack is power, LSD and the Type-R springs and swaybars. The headlights grow on you after you own one, really. I wouldn't even think about JDM fronting my car. [t]http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs8/i/2005/290/2/9/__Acura_Integra_Type_R_2002__by_TiTim.jpg[/t][t]http://www.driversgeneration.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/integra_type_r_-_4.jpg[/t] [t]http://www.dohcresearch.com/WP/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/MG_0055.jpg[/t][t]http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs8/i/2005/290/d/b/__Acura_Integra_Type_R_2002_by_TiTim.jpg[/t] I just think some colors are better suited to different front ends, I like Pheonix Yellow more on the 98-01 USDM front while Nighthawk Black Pearl looks great on both the 98/JDM fronts. Championship White looks amazing on the 97 ITR and any front but in a non-ITR color the 94-97 front doesn't look as clean nor as mean. Here's a really drastic and bad comparison without the ITR lip or painted skirts on a sedan. [t]http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy216/leeroybrown1975/29293_383212248786_172606618786_417.jpg~original[/t][t]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/'94-'97_Acura_Integra_Sedan.JPG[/t] If you can find a really clean example of an Integra, you really can't beat what they are. You get all the cheap and economy of a Civic with the higher refinement of Acura or an Accord but the base level sportiness of an Si. The Integra Type-R is generally considered the best FWD car ever and outside of some chassis stiffening and the awesome B18C5/short as shit LSD trans. You can make it handle like a ITR pretty cheap too if you buy a ITR rear sway and all the bits from Honda for about $120 along with a ASR brace for $170 then buy a set of low mile struts from a JDM Type-R from a JDM importer for $200 and the LCAs for $50 or $130 new from Honda. Sticky rubber, good suspension, ITR rear sway and a good alignment can turn the thing from what grandma drives for gas milage to something that only lacks the power and LSD of the ITR but could tear up some autocross like anything out there. Well it lacks the 5 lug and accord sized brakes too, there's really a lot of neat stuff that makes the Integra Type-R an ITR but it's not hugely necessary nor makes a huge difference unless it all adds up to an ITR.
Ah, then IIRC there's not even a model that came with factory sub on those ext cabs.
[QUOTE=Squirrel2531;47608391]But i like those cute bug eyes also plenty of jdm front integras here as well which are fairly cheap to do.[/QUOTE] JDM front integras are a thing which usually comes about due to front end damage, you can get a front end for about $800-1200 which needs to be painted anyways. So instead of getting aftermarket garbage or junkyard stuff you instead "do it better".
[QUOTE=clutch2;47608500]Ah, then IIRC there's not even a model that came with factory sub on those ext cabs.[/QUOTE] its not an extended cab its a regular cab... [url]http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130TG6845R/Pioneer-TS-G6845R.html?tp=93[/url] are these good speakers? crutchfield recommended them for the 270bt
Sorry, saw the rear window and looked at it wrong. As far as speakers go, those TS-G Pioneers are going to be a slight upgrade from factory. They'll give you crisper highs, a little more volume, but not any extra bass. And specific portion of the music you'd like to improve upon, when changing the speakers? I can give you some options based on that.
[QUOTE=clutch2;47608677]Sorry, saw the rear window and looked at it wrong. As far as speakers go, those TS-G Pioneers are going to be a slight upgrade from factory. They'll give you crisper highs, a little more volume, but not any extra bass. And specific portion of the music you'd like to improve upon, when changing the speakers? I can give you some options based on that.[/QUOTE] I mostly listen to Bluegrass and Electronica, sometimes Hard/Classic Rock and Metal
Sounds like we want it well rounded. Have a peek at some of these; The NVX are one of my go-to budget speaker lines. These are out of stock right now, but Sonic sells them for a good price because there's no middle man. Good all around for the price; [url]http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_69253_NVX-NSP68.html[/url] The Pioneer TS-A are a step up from the TS-G, same price on Amazon. There's a significant increase in treble reproduction, and a decent midbass to them, although not 'boomy' by any means. [url]http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A0LYAU0?psc=1[/url] Alpine Type S, the 'boomiest' of most any drop in speaker. Great for the electronica's bass if you don't fancy a sub, but still want acceptable bass extension. The treble is super bright, though; [url]http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-SPS-517-Type-S-Coaxial-Speaker/dp/B004UC2N7M/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1430116575&sr=1-1&keywords=alpine+5x7[/url] These Kicker entry model line speakers offer a very bright tweeter with acceptable midbass response, if you want bright treble, these deliver. [url]http://www.amazon.com/Kicker-DS68-Coaxial-Speakers-Watts/dp/B004MUGI00/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1430116797&sr=1-2&keywords=kicker+6x8[/url]
I'd like to get a sub eventually. It's gonna have to wait a while though they seem fairly expensive. I think at this point I'll just stick to the stereo and get that $204 pioneer
[QUOTE=slayer3032;47608499]I absolutely love my Integra, only thing they really lack is power, LSD and the Type-R springs and swaybars. [B]The headlights grow on you after you own one, really.[/B][/QUOTE] That's true of any ugly car though.
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