I need a new cd player for my car
 

And I know nothing. I plan to buy whatever I end up getting at best buy. Might just check the circular and see what's on sale, but I want something decent. They have the major brands, like Pioneer, Sony, Kenwood, etc.

What I can tell is, you can get a basic cd player for ~$120. It costs extra for a flip down face, added rca outs, the ability to play mp3 cds, xm compatability, and color screens. Most already have detachable faces.

So is it just a matter of picking something with the features I want? When I do that, it comes down to the sony one, or the pioneer one, or the ________ one. How do I choose among them? Does sony make second rate cd players? Any thoughts?

I couldn't really suggest one brand of player over another, but I do recommend you get your player from Crutchfield (www.crutchfield.com). Their prices are always pretty good and their support department kicks ass. They also include all of the extras you'll need to install the player in your car.

When it comes to a brand of player, I've bought a Blaupunkt and have been very happy with it. Though, a friend of mine has had some minor problems with her Blaupunkt (when you eject the CD is doesn't come out all of the way).

Do you think you will ever own an iPod or other MP3 player, or XM Radio? If so, get a stereo that has an easily-accessable 'auxiliary input' jack. Just something else to consider...

FWIW, I'm looking to spend under $200. :)

I'd recommend an Alpine. I haven't brushed up on the 2004 models yet, but I'm sure they'd have something at or around the $199 price point. The sound of an Alpine is very hard to beat at any price point.

I highly recommend Crutchfield to buy from and Alpine to buy. I love my Alpine car stereo and Crutchfield did a great job with service.

I like pioneer. I had one that lasted over five years. My previous sony lasted maybe a year. Pioneer uses the same cd reader across the line (last time i checked at least) which means a more expensive pioneer just has more options, options you may not need/want.

Got a JVC. On sale, free installation, plays MP3s. Got the 4 year replacement plan (cause CD players tend to wear out; only time I've ever got one).

It beat out the similarly priced Pioneers.

If anybody else buys one, watch out for the hidden costs, like a replacement plan, parts, adaptors, and installation. Oh, and hassle too. You might have to wait quite a while on the installation.

How so ? If you don't mind my asking.

I'm also in the market for a new mp3/cd deck, however I was going to go to crutchfield, as I have better luck with them then the good'ol local BB.

Same features, less price. That's how it beat them out. Sound quality doesn't matter. Looks don't really matter. I liked the control setup on the JVC a bit better, and there was no reason to expect greater reliability from the Pioneer except out of anecdotal evidence.

Best Buy was a good way for me to go. I always buy computer parts online because you can get deep oem discounts. With something like this, I get a cd player that works, I get it installed, I have the option to take it back to get the factory one reinstalled if I sell the car. I get the service plan (though it costs a few dollars), so if it breaks I can just take it back. I probably could install it myself, but I haven't got the time to mess with it.

I'd definitely go with an Alpine. I've owned three Alpine head units in my life time and they have all beat out the competition by far. Of course, they were all very expensive and high-end models, but in my opinion it's worth the money. I'm sure the low-end units (200 or less) are equally as impressive for the money.

Personally I'm pretty pleased with my Sony deck. Like how it sounds and it's lasted me a little over 3 years. Best bet would be to go to your local BB or car audio store and listen to all the decks/play with the features then buy the one you like online. Usually cheaper that way...

I've had great luck with Pioneer head units and amps. I shopped around the other day and couldn't find anything significantly better than my 2.5 year old DEH-P7300 for a decent price, so I just put that one into my new car.

BTW, I would definitely avoid those replacement plans. They're pretty much nothing but pure profit for the store and the salesperson. It's already covered by a factory warranty, and frankly if I have a CD player or something crap out in a year or two, the last thing I want is to get the same exact thing again. Whenever a salesman gets too pushy with the service plan BS, I say "Wow, you sound really confident that this product you're selling me will break at any moment. I'll take my business elsewhere." and then do just that.

You can get a tape-deck. Then buy a mini-disc player for like $100. Hook the md to the tape deck. It would never skip, and plus, you can take it with you and listen. Thats what i would do.