Current set-up I would like to install. Any ideas or advice?

[EastPhilly]

I went through crutchfield.com to look at the parts I would like. Luckily they give me a lot of stuff for free if I buy the radio unit. So all I would need to pay for is the receiver, steering wheel control adapter, trim tools, and car stereo connectors. Does this seem correct to anyone else?

[Pioneer x6500-BT - $130](http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130X6500BT/Pioneer-DEH-X6500BT.html): I want this so I can play my mp3 player through the usb and/or use my phone via bluetooth for calls, Navigation, or music.

[In Dash Receiver Kit - Free](http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120997518B/Mazda-2-In-dash-Receiver-Kit.html): Used for converting current dash to be able to use the new receiver.

[Receiver Wiring Harness - Free](http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120707904/Mazda-Receiver-Wire-Harness.html): At this point I am totally lost. I know nothing about wiring or changing out stereos.

[Antenna Adapter - Free](http://www.crutchfield.com/p_12040HD10/Metra-40-HD10-Antenna-Adapter.html): Lost again

[Axxess Steering Wheel Interface - $80](http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120ASWC1/Axxess-ASWC-1.html): I believe I need this to be able to control the new receiver through the steering wheel controls, which is somethign I would highly like to be able to do. I don't need to be able to answer calls or make them from the wheel, but being able to control tracks and volume from the wheel would be awesome. Again. I have no idea what I am doing.

[Panel Trim Tools - $12](http://www.crutchfield.com/p_126CR3NGL/Bojo-Trim-Panel-Tools.html): I guess these are to safely remove the current dash and install the new one? I guess they would be good to have.

[Car Stereo Connectors](http://www.crutchfield.com/p_669PP500/Posi-Products-Car-Stereo-Connectors.html): These things... yea...

My main goal, as said before, is to have USB and Bluetooth connection in the 2011 Mazda 2 Touring. Music is my big hobby, so being able to connect better without having to look away from the road would be awesome. I would like to be able to plug in my zune (I know... right?) to the usb and using the steering wheel to change volume and tracks. Or even use my phone to connect to bluetooth in case an important call comes in. Or even use my phone for the music.

My main concern is putting it all together. I am more of a scientist than a car mechanic. I can work on bicycles... but they have very little wiring. Does this seem like something feasible to do on my own with good instructions? Would it be worth my time to just buy the parts and go to a shop and have them install it? How much would that cost?

Is Mazdas integrated bluetooth able to do the things I would like? Or is that more of a make/take calls type of set-up?

edit: Someone on Reddit recommended a GPS touch screen console from EBay for ~$400. Any better?

 

[genericmoniker]

Seems you have most of the bases covered, the "receiver" kit is actually just the trim & maybe a new bracket for the new radio. The wiring harness is what actually takes care of interfacing (electronically) the new radio to the rest of the car. You end up just splicing into the existing wires, (which I presume you'll be using the connectors for?) some people crimp, others twist & tape (iffy) , others solder. If you're unfamiliar with wiring, and/or don't own a soldering iron, the connectors are probably your best bet, as all you'll have to do is strip back a small bit of insulation. The antenna adapter just acts as a bridge between the stock antenna wiring to the new radio (for AM/FM stuff). The steering wheel interface is going to help you do exactly what you're looking to do. Not too sure if the Zune has bluetooth, but if it did you're able to stream music as well as use the phone-y stuff you want.

As for DIY, yes, it's possible. I mean, I've done more involved things with nothing but a tutorial on my laptop. Cost to bring all your stuff to a shop and have them install? Anywhere between 60-200, depends on the shop.

 

[kamui157]

I got my kit from crutchfield as well. With the wiring harnesses, the install is painless.

You attach the Receiver wiring harness and antenna adapter to the new headunit's harness via solder or crimp. All the wires are color coded, just match. Mount the new headunit into the in dash receiver kit.
Take off panels, unplug old radio, plug new radio and put panels back. Easy...

All can be done in less than 2.5 hours.

 

[kamui157]

edit: Someone on Reddit recommended a GPS touch screen console from EBay for ~$400. Any better?

Not that I've used that particular headunit, but I did purchase something similar and my current setup is leaps and bounds above it.

 

[utmorpheus]

You will need two wiring harnesses if you use a steering wheel control, unless you plan on cutting and splicing at the car side of the connector. The one wiring harness does not contain enough pins to wire up the steering wheel controls; a second harness is required to steal pins out of and put into the first. The Mazda BT is for calls only, and will not work with an aftermarket radio. I would also stay away from ebay touchscreen systems as their 'tech support' is practically non-existent unless you feel like driving over to China.

 

[EastPhilly]

So I went to an audio shop today and asked about install pricing. They said if I go the single deck route (just cd player with bluetooth) it will be about $75 for the install. Does that seem about right for what I would be doing? It would include taking out the factory dash kit, replacing with the new kit, and installing the stereo receiver + wiring for steering wheel etc...