this post was submitted on 12 Aug 2023
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I haven't seen a car with an aftermarket stereo in a decade but I'm probably speaking from a place of privilege. I do think they're far less prevelant now though
Probably, but there was a time when you could easily make your old car feel new just by adding an aftermarket stereo with bluetooth (and mic compatibility) and a USB port and an aux-in port.
My car's 6-cd changer (which could play MP3 CD's) broke so I replaced it with one of a new one with all those features and it almost felt brand new. I could connect my phone to it, take calls via bluetooth, change all sorts of settings including balance and equalization, it was actually a revelation.
It was so good that I had my sister get the same thing, because while her radio worked, her CD player did not, and it was also very useful for her as well.
I actually got the idea because of all the features that my mother's (then new) 2013 Kia Soul had with its bluetooth and mic equipped stereo. Nowadays I think most new cars have a pretty decent entertainment setup with an integrated back up camera, so it's no longer necessary to get something aftermarket.
That said, there was a time where aftermarket was remarkably better than factory stock.
Backup cameras became required by law in 2016, so that is probably one of the reasons we don’t see a lot of aftermarket stuff now. Plus, there just isn’t a quality gap anymore. Want premium sound, pay $1,000 off top for Harmon Kardon.
I remember installing my alpine cd player and infinity 6x9’s in my 96 lumina. Man what a quality difference!
My new car has Harmon Kardon speakers and a massage function. It's like a mobile pleasure pod.
I wish I had massage damn! I’d settle for a vehicle that’s not a truck that my thighs touch the seat though. I’m like 6’4” and all legs.
I like VWs because they tend to fit my 6'5" frame. This ID.4 is by far the fanciest thing I've ever owned.
I wish I had massage damn! I’d settle for a vehicle that’s not a truck that my thighs touch the seat though. I’m like 6’4” and all legs.
That must be local to you, my 2019 car doesn't have one and in my (European) country this is not mandatory.
Ope, there I go forgetting the rest of the world exists again. Yeah it’s a US law.
They’re referring to the US
They're less prevalent because it's more expensive to do really well now, at least with modern cars. You'll really only see it in dedicated communities. I can't say if they rely on faceplate removal as a security measure though. Security measures have gotten much better since then.
Every car in the USA made since 2018 is required to have backup camera from the factory.
So since every car has to have a screen for the camera, auto makers figured they may as well use for the stereo system.
This isn't entirely true. I have a backup camera and the audio system is still separate. Screens aren't all those giant dashboard ones. Some are small ones used to display simple data. Not even touchscreen.
I haven't been in a car that isn't a decade old, so this is normal
I bought a new car earlier this year and I don’t think I could replace the stereo even if I wanted to. It’s built into the dashboard. It’s like a touchscreen control panel that also has the heat settings and everything else in it. I love it and hate it at the same time.
I’m only like 3 years removed from having a car with an aftermarket stereo. But yes, they do seem to be on the way out.