Have searching all over the web for a Navigation/DVD System. Still can`t decide wether to buy the Kenwood DNX7100 or Pioneer AVIC/Z2. Plan on buying which ever I decideto, on ebay as they are so much cheaper. I see most of sellers have positive feed back 99.5% and are power sellers. Is their anything I should be watching for so I don`t get screwed? What are some of the online warehouses others delt with that have had good luck? I see their are multiple listings with buy it now for around the same price. Would like to buy from one others have had good luck dealing with on here.

 

Little tidbit of info. Most Manufactures will not support defective items bought on ebay.....as most of them are not authorized resellers.

Doesn't make sense but I would check out the support pages on both websites and see if you see anything about ebay sales. And good luck getting support from Pioneer in general. They are terrible.

 

Like RollingRock says, the biggest item you will encounter is no factory warranty. Most of the ebay and small time retailers are not authorized sellers of the product. They usually offer a reduced warranty. Like you, they are gambling there will not be a problem with the unit. If you have a problem say 8 months down the road and the small reseller you saved a couple of bucks from closes shop or no longer has access to the type of HU you have, basically you are out of luck. The factory will not warrant the unit because you did not buy from an authorized dealer. So the initial money you saved is eaten up either by repair costs or buying a radio from an authorized dealer.

It is a gamble...are you willing to play?

Check the factory websites. Most, if not all, state there is no warranty if you buy from an unauthorized reseller.

 

Im certainly not telling you what to do but listen to these guys. Spend a little extra and buy it from someone like Crutchfield.....and if you do not want to buy an extended warranty from them , there are plenty of aftermarket companies that sell extended warranties. I never bought extended warranties before and then I bought two laptops in the last 3 years and I dropped one of them and broke the screen....I was sh*t outta luck.....the second one crapped out on me....I was sh*t outta luck.....had I purchased an extended warranty , I coulda just walked right into Circuit City and gotten another one.....I now buy the EW, especially on something that has so many moving parts and is an electronic device that is being bounced around in a car......just my opinion. Good luck in your search.

Otis Da Whino

 

Check out KC Autosound. That is where I bought my Kenwood and many other members here. Great guy to deal with and always willing to help out, check it out and give him a call.

 

you will NOT get a warranty if purchased off of ebay

 

Im so weary of buying anything off of Egay anymore......there are so many fraudulent companies that sell junk.....just go run a search for Northface Jacket....90% of them are fake.....Seriously, its gotten out of control. The reason is there is nothing you can do to the sellers so if you buy a nav off of Egay and its DOA then you dont have much recourse if you happened to deal with someone unscrupulous. In my opinion, its just simply safer and much better to buy from a reputable dealer like KCAutosound.

 

I picked my Z2 up from Compuplus for $14xx while they were running a special. Just watch for a while and you'll find a great deal from an authorized dealer ... also read up at avic411.com sometimes they will post sales.

 

Has anyone purchased from Sonic Electronix? Are they an authorized Pioneer or Kenwood dealer. THANKS!!

 

Sonix SUCKS!!. And no they are not authorized for any brand.

 

crutchfield is authorized for kenwood

 

Crutchfield may not have great prices but I dont mind paying a little more if I can save myself a headache. Also they treat you as if they appreciate your business.

 

matter of fact I just received my DNX7100 from them (crutchfield) today and they trew in a free back up camera and the install kit.

 

What's so bad about them? I'm glad I read this b/c I was about to buy from them.

 

Well I guess Im going to be the devils advocate. I have bought most of my car electronics off ebay. (several decks and amps, tons of speakers, radar detectors, subs, etc...) and i have not had 1 single bad experience. Products have always been sent quickly and never a problem. You do however have to buy from a reputable seller.
The above advice from all the other posters is very good advice too. You will not get a warranty from ebay purchases, so you will be screwed if your product becomes defective. It is a gamble. One Ive chosen to take dozens of times, and for me, I have save at least a thousand dolars over the last yr or so.
Of course I have been known to frequent Las Vegas and Atlantic City from time to time too