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How to Buy an Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Head Unit

How to · Auto

How to Buy an Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Head Unit

Upgrade your dash for about $800 during holiday sales without wrecking your monthly cash flow.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $44.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

That old factory stereo in your dash is probably driving you nuts. Modernizing your ride with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto makes every commute easier by putting maps, music, and hands-free texts right where you can see them. Fixing up your interior beats taking on a whole new car payment.

Holiday electronics sales are the absolute best time to buy since retailers drop prices to clear inventory. If you are timing this right, you can snag the unit and the installation kit on discount before the rush.

Remember that the 0% intro window is a firm deadline, not free money. If you still have a remaining balance on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card when those 18 months are up, the standard interest rate will kick in on whatever is left over.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick the right model

    Measure your dash and check if you need a single-DIN or double-DIN receiver. Look for units with capacitive touchscreens and wired or wireless phone pairing depending on your preference. Read reviews on screen glare before you pull the trigger.

  2. 02

    Shop the holiday sales

    Compare prices across major auto parts stores and online electronics retailers during holiday events. Prices usually dip by 10 to 20 percent on popular head units. Do not forget to factor in the cost of dash kits and wiring harnesses.

  3. 03

    Line up your financing

    If you want to spread out the cost of your upgrade, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you divide an $800 price tag across that window, you are looking at about $44.44 per month. Make sure you set up auto-pay so you do not miss a beat.

  4. 04

    Handle the installation

    Decide if you are installing the unit yourself or paying a shop to do it. Professional installation usually runs between $100 and $250 depending on your vehicle's steering wheel controls and factory backup camera integration. Getting it wired correctly the first time saves you headaches later.

  5. 05

    Test everything before bolting it down

    Hook up the wiring harness and test the Bluetooth, backup camera, and steering wheel controls before you snap the dash trim back into place. Troubleshooting a loose wire is much easier when the faceplate is still sitting on your center console.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Will Apple CarPlay work wirelessly on any head unit?

No. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto require specific Wi-Fi and Bluetooth hardware built into the head unit. Cheaper models usually require you to plug your phone in with a USB cable.

Can I keep my factory backup camera with an aftermarket stereo?

Usually yes, but you will almost always need to buy a separate adapter harness to retain the factory camera and steering wheel controls. Check compatibility for your specific car make and model before buying.

How much does professional installation cost?

Most local car audio shops charge between $100 and $250 for standard labor. If your car requires special bypass modules for amplifiers or steering wheel controls, the parts and labor total will go up.

What happens if I don't pay off the $800 in 18 months?

Any remaining balance left on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card after the 18-month window ends will start accruing interest at the standard variable rate. Make sure your monthly payments cover the whole cost before time runs out.