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How to Pay for an Aftermarket Infotainment System

How to · Auto

How to Pay for an Aftermarket Infotainment System

Upgrade your dash without blowing your savings by using a predictable payment window.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $53.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $800 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Your infotainment system is the brain of your car, and when it starts glitching, it turns every drive into a headache. An aftermarket upgrade usually runs around $800 for the unit and the wiring harness.

Wait for a holiday sale or a seasonal tech drop when shops clear out old inventory. Don't let the sticker price force a rushed decision; plan your budget around when the screen actually starts failing you.

This 15-month window is a deadline, not free money. If you have a remaining balance after the 15 months end, the bank will charge you interest on the amount you still owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check your compatibility

    Not all dash kits fit every car. Search your vehicle year and model on a site like Crutchfield to see exactly what fits your dashboard. This prevents buying parts you cannot return.

  2. 02

    Set your payment window

    Use the Discover it® Cash Back card to buy the gear. You get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which gives you a 15-month window to pay off the $800 balance.

  3. 03

    Calculate the monthly nut

    Set up an auto-pay for $53.33 each month. This ensures you pay off the full $800 before the intro window expires and interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Negotiate the labor

    If you are not installing it yourself, call three local shops for quotes. Tell them you have the unit already and just need the labor, which can often save you a few hundred dollars.

  5. 05

    Keep the old unit

    Tuck your factory radio into a box in your garage. If you ever sell the car, putting the original system back in can help you get a better trade-in value.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Can I install this myself?

If you are comfortable with basic tools and reading wiring diagrams, yes. Most kits include instructions, but if you have a premium sound system, professional installation is safer.

Does a new screen increase car value?

Rarely. It makes your car more enjoyable to drive today, but most buyers at a dealership won't pay extra for aftermarket tech. Keep your receipts for your own records.

What if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% intro APR early. Always set up automatic payments for the minimum amount due to keep the account in good standing.

Are there hidden costs?

Yes. You will likely need a dash kit to make the screen fit your trim and an adapter to keep your steering wheel controls working. Budget an extra $100 for these small items.