Are you in the market for a new car stereo? If so, Walmart is a top destination to consider thanks to their wide selection, competitive prices, and convenient installation options. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about buying and installing a car stereo from Walmart, including:
- Why Walmart is a top choice for car stereo purchases
- How Walmart‘s car stereo installation services work
- The costs of professional installation vs. DIY
- Tips for choosing the right stereo for your needs
- Walmart‘s other auto services to keep your vehicle in top shape
By the end of this guide, you‘ll be fully equipped to upgrade your car audio system with confidence. Let‘s get started!
Why Buy Your Car Stereo from Walmart?
When it comes to purchasing a new car stereo, Walmart offers several key advantages that make it a top choice for many consumers. Firstly, they boast an extensive selection with over 1,000 stereo options available online and in-store. Whether you‘re looking for a basic model under $25 or a high-end touchscreen unit loaded with premium features, Walmart has you covered.
Some of the top car stereo brands you‘ll find at Walmart include:
- Pioneer
- JVC
- Kenwood
- Sony
- Alpine
- Boss Audio
In addition to a wide selection, Walmart is known for its competitive prices on car stereos and audio equipment. They routinely offer deep rollback discounts on top models. Plus, with free 2-day delivery on thousands of stereos sold online, you can have your new system in hand quickly without paying an extra dime.
Another major draw of buying your car stereo from Walmart is the option to bundle your purchase with professional installation. Thanks to a partnership with InstallerNet, you can purchase your stereo and schedule installation from certified technicians all in one go. More on how that works in the next section.
It‘s estimated that 75% of aftermarket car audio purchases happen at big box retailers like Walmart rather than specialty shops. The main reasons? Convenience, price, and selection. With Walmart‘s huge inventory and ability to bundle installation, it‘s a one-stop-shop for all your car audio needs.
How Does Walmart‘s Car Stereo Installation Work?
So you‘ve picked out the perfect car stereo from Walmart. Now what? While you won‘t find in-store installation at Walmart Auto Care Centers, most stereos sold on Walmart.com are eligible for professional installation through their partnership with InstallerNet.
Here‘s how the process works:
- Shop for car stereos on Walmart.com. You‘ll see many listings have an option to add professional installation right from the product page.
- Choose the installation package you need (either basic or advanced, more on those later) and add the stereo and installation to your cart. Complete checkout.
- Within 3 business days, you‘ll receive an email from InstallerNet to confirm your appointment details. You can choose from over 1,500 InstallerNet locations across the country, so there‘s sure to be a convenient spot near you.
- On installation day, just bring your vehicle and your new stereo to your chosen InstallerNet location. Their certified technicians will take care of the rest! Most installations are completed same-day.
The quality of your installation can make or break your new car audio experience. With Walmart‘s installation service, you can trust that your stereo will be connected and calibrated for optimal sound quality and functionality. All work is guaranteed for 1 year.
How Much Does Car Stereo Installation Cost at Walmart?
Walmart and InstallerNet offer two main tiers of car stereo installation:
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Basic Installation ($64.99) – This covers installing a standard car stereo unit into your vehicle‘s factory location. The technicians will mount the stereo, connect all power/ground wires, and ensure proper function of core features like AM/FM radio and CD playback (if applicable).
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Advanced Installation ($99.99) – If you purchased a premium stereo with features like GPS navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, backup camera, or steering wheel control integration, you‘ll need the advanced installation. This higher-tier package includes everything in the basic installation plus calibration and testing of all premium features to ensure seamless integration with your vehicle.
In some cases, you may incur added fees if your vehicle requires a special adapter kit or if you need extra parts like a wiring harness, mounting brackets, or USB cables. Your InstallerNet technician will inform you of any additional parts costs before proceeding with the installation.
On average, consumer research shows people pay between $100 and $250 for professional car stereo installation when purchased separately. With Walmart‘s flat-fee packages, you can save quite a bit, especially if you‘re getting a more premium unit installed.
Should I Just Install My Walmart Car Stereo Myself?
If you‘re an experienced DIYer comfortable with minor auto upgrades, installing your own car stereo is certainly an option. Walmart carries everything you need to complete the job yourself:
- Car stereo installation kits (under $20) that include a wiring harness, mounting brackets, and trim removal tools
- Additional tools like wire strippers, crimp connectors, and panel removal tools
- Vehicle-specific instructions and wiring diagrams
Going the DIY route for installation can save you anywhere from $50 to $200 in labor costs. However, it‘s important to weigh the potential downsides. Improper installation can lead to short circuits, blown fuses, and even electrical fires – not to mention poor sound quality and loose/rattling interior panels.
Unless you‘re 100% confident you can complete the installation safely and correctly, it‘s usually worth the extra cost of professional installation for the peace of mind and reliability. This is especially true for higher-end stereos with complex wiring and integration.
5 Tips for Choosing the Right Car Stereo at Walmart
With so many car stereos to choose from at Walmart, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are 5 tips to help you narrow down your options and choose the best stereo for your needs and budget:
- Consider your must-have features – Make a list of your top priorities, whether that‘s Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, satellite radio compatibility, or a certain max wattage for premium sound.
- Double check size and fit – Not all stereos fit all vehicles. Read the product details carefully to ensure the stereo you want is compatible with your car‘s make and model. When in doubt, chat with a Walmart auto expert for help.
- Compare prices and read reviews – Once you have a few models in mind, compare prices to find the best value. Read through customer reviews to get insights on real-world performance and any common issues.
- Factor in the installation cost – Remember to budget for professional installation if you‘re not planning to install the stereo yourself. A $100 stereo becomes a $175 total with the $75 basic installation fee.
- Don‘t forget about accessories – You may need to purchase additional items like adapters, mounting kits, or wiring harnesses to complete your stereo upgrade. Factor those into your total cost as well.
By following these tips, you‘ll be well on your way to finding the perfect car stereo for your needs and budget. And with Walmart‘s huge selection, competitive prices, and convenient installation options, you really can‘t go wrong.
The Bottom Line on Buying and Installing a Car Stereo from Walmart
To recap, here are the key points to remember when purchasing and installing a car stereo from Walmart:
- Walmart offers a huge selection of car stereos from top brands at competitive prices, with 1,000+ options online and in-store
- You can bundle your stereo purchase with professional installation through InstallerNet, with options starting at $64.99 for basic installation
- DIY installation can save you money on labor costs, but professional installation ensures optimal sound quality and integration with your vehicle‘s features
- Consider your must-have features, vehicle fit, price, and potential accessories when choosing a stereo
- Take advantage of Walmart‘s generous return policy if you‘re not satisfied with your purchase
By keeping these factors in mind, you‘ll be cruising down the road with an awesome new car audio system in no time. And with Walmart‘s low prices and unbeatable selection, you can feel confident you‘re getting a great deal.
