I've looked around quite a bit and all I see are these 800-1000$ Pioneer head units all over this forum being used by members. My Bose head unit is starting to take a crap on me where the left speakers cut out everyday on and off, even tapping the head unit doesn't always stop it. I want to get something else in place, doesn't have to be the fancy 7" Pioneer ones. I don't want to spend 1000$ either so I want to see what else is out there that's a good alternative. I don't care for Navigation or satellite radio. I mostly want to plug in my phone with a 3.5MM cable and have a few CDs in there. I already know I will need a 200-300$ DD trim piece so there's no real way around that.

I saw this as well and thought it might be a good alternative if I can throw any regular head unit in there.

I plan on replacing the door speakers as well and a sub/amp. I don't care for DVD capability either so I would appreciate some recommendations

Yep, you can throw any old headunit in that trim kit.

Pioneer's 2300DVD is a excellent unit and price right now ($300), you'll get the great pioneer interface with no real bells and whistles to it. It does, however, support pretty much every adapter Pioneer makes - bluetooth, navigation, HD radio, Sirius, XM... - so you can add stuff later if you feel the need.

If you buy your head unit from Crutchfield, then the Metra kit is half price. I'm kind of like you - don't really care about bells and whistles enough to drop a grand on a head unit - or even $300, for that matter. I'm thinking I'll probably do a single-din unit with built-in HD Radio and associated adapters to keep steering wheel controls and retain the Bose speakers. I'm figuring that will run me around $350-$400 out the door, including the Metra kit cost. That's not too awfully bad, considering it fixes the HVAC controls too. You could probably do a refurbished factory unit for that, but at best, it would still have the same problem in the long term.

i was thinking about this one.. you can find it for cheaper elsewhere too http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130AVHP...FBrand|Pioneer

Check out this Clarion VX401:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ion-VX401.html

I was going to get one but I found a killer deal on a pioneer w/ Navigation + BT + sirius extras.

looks good and I assume that outside trim piece it comes with is for the 7" DD trim pieces?? Also what else would I need to get that to work... like adapters, also I plan on buying 2 new front speakers. I saw a few Component 2 way speakers on amazon and some 3 way speakers from Infinity.

Also how do u guys feel about the Metra double din dask kits? It costs about half as much as the Nissan JDM one from the 350GT
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...a-99-7604.html

All the other parts you need can be found in my DDin shopping list that's stickied here, along with my thoughts on the Metra kit (with comparison photos).

I have the metra kit and it doesnt bother me at all

sure the JDM looks "better" but im more of an SQ guy so im always pulling my radio out =)

the Pioneer from crutchfield is a good price if you get the metra kit

I dont know if Sonic electronix has the same with the dash kit but if they should

I have Pioneer avh p3200.. costs around $300-$320...