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How to Buy a CarPlay Head Unit Without Breaking the Bank

How to · Auto

How to Buy a CarPlay Head Unit Without Breaking the Bank

Upgrade your car tech with a smart plan to manage the cost over time.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $600 before anything else
Across the 0% window $40.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $600 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.

A new touchscreen makes an older car feel brand new, but a $600 upgrade is a chunk of change. The best time to buy is right after the holidays when retailers dump open-box units that customers returned after getting new gadgets as gifts.

You can often find these units at a discount if you check big tech store websites in January. Don't worry about the install cost; if you are handy with a wire harness, you can save the labor fee and keep your budget focused on the unit itself.

The 0% interest period is not free money, it is just a deadline. If you have a balance left when the 15 months end, you will start paying interest on whatever is still sitting there, so make sure your math stays on track.

The steps

  1. 01

    Scan for open-box deals

    Check major tech retailer websites for open-box units once the holidays end. These are often units that were returned unopened or lightly tested, saving you a good chunk off the $600 price. Filter by condition to find the best balance of savings and quality.

  2. 02

    Verify your wiring kit

    The unit is only half the cost; the dash kit and wiring harness for your specific car model are the other half. Look these up before you buy the screen so you know the full project price. It keeps you from getting stuck with a screen you cannot mount.

  3. 03

    Use your 0% intro APR

    If you have the Discover it® Cash Back, you can use the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases to spread the cost out. This lets you pay about $40.00 per month for 15 months instead of dropping $600 at once. It helps keep your monthly cash flow steady while you get your new screen.

  4. 04

    DIY the installation

    Paying a shop to install a head unit can cost hundreds. Use online video tutorials made for your specific car make and model to do it yourself. It is usually just a matter of removing a few plastic dash panels and plugging in a harness.

  5. 05

    Set a payment calendar

    Since your intro window on purchases is 15 months, set an auto-pay for $40.00 each month. This ensures the balance is cleared well before the promotional period ends. Treat it like a monthly subscription you are paying to yourself.

  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

Is an open-box unit worth the risk?

Usually, yes. Most big retailers check them to make sure the screen works and all the cables are included before reselling them.

Will installing this myself void my car warranty?

It generally does not void your full car warranty, but it could affect the warranty on the specific electrical circuits you touch. Check your owner manual if you are worried about it.

Can I use the cash back rewards to pay off the unit?

You can use any cash back you earn to lower your statement balance. It is a great way to chip away at the total cost faster.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% intro APR early and trigger late fees. Keep your payments on time to keep the deal alive.