Toys for my Saturn

[CM94SL1]

Greetings. My poor little 94 SL1 only has an AM/FM Cassette radio it. What it really would like to have is an AM/FM CD-Cassette radio receiver in it. My preference would be for OEM (Original Manufacturer Equipment for those of you that do not know). I would really, really, really like to know where I could get one. Of course, I could go to my retailer but I am sure that they would have one for me but the thought of so many $$$$ scares me a little and I thought that with all of the kind people at saturnfans.com, someone must know where I could get one. Thanks in advance.

[Will_Rage]

IMO you should not waste your time looking for oem stereo. The dealers charge way too much for stock stereo components (how about $800 + installation for a trunk mounted cd changer) If you must, occasionally one pops up on ebay, but I would go aftermarket all the way. If you think you can do it yourself (all it takes is time and a small amount of coordination) there are some great systems to buy from crutchfield.com That's where my next is coming from. If you have installation questions I'll bet Lane would help you out at www57.pair.com/lane/ or the folks at Crutchfield are also very helpful. You don't have to spend a ton of money on a decent system. Good Shopping!

Rageout

[spencerb]

Saturn did not offer CD/cassette units until the 2000 model year. Getting a Saturn unit to fit your '94 isn't possible. Check Crutchfield for aftermarket units. I know there is a CD/cassette standard DIN sized receiver by Sanyo (I think), but I wouldn't recommend it. If the GM/Chrysler sized units fit in a '94 you may have some luck, although I can't think of any that are both CD and cassette. I know of some double DIN sized units, but they won't fit your Saturn. You may be stuck in to a cassette head unit and a CD changer.

[JPRex]

When it comes to audio components, look for aftermarket products. Many offer greater value and performance and there are several head units that fit snugly into the existing space. I replaced my OEM stereo with a smaller, but significantly better, Kenwood and it fits well with a mod kit (available at many retailers and through crutchfield.com). I think I saw a Pioneer that fits GM cars with AM/FM CD-Cassette, but you'll need to research that one. Many Cassette receivers have CD changer controls and CD changers can be placed in any number of out of the way places. CD changers also offer the option of loading more music for long trips.

[CM94SL1]

Thank You all for your help. I was able to find a non OEM (aftermarket) that I thought would be OK. It is a Jensen 1.5 DIN CD/Cassette. The model is kdc9520. Circuit City had it for $299.00. That is the least expensive I have ever seen a CD/Cassette. So, Although my preference would be to have OEM, I am settling for aftermarket. I also got the same unit for my 1994 Oldsmobile Sillhouette. It's OK to talk about that car in this Saturn forum. I bought it at a Saturn dealership. It was my first Saturn experience. Thanks again.

[Dave R]

It sounds like you already got the unit, but just in case you haven't, check out my recent posts in the tech questions area under "CD Changer".

Dave R

[BobL]

If you have the unit installed, you'd be wise to insist that a plug in wiring harness be used.

Don't let people start cutting your wiring.

Enjoy the music in your Saturn.

[DonfromNaples]

don't forget guys that saturnusedparts.com would likely come across a bunch of OEM radios that would be cheaper to buy than a new unit if you wanted the OEM look. someone mentioned e-bay, m&srecycling.com and even carparts.com has recycled parts. but i would try joey first at saturnusedparts.com

[DonfromNaples]

don't forget guys that saturnusedparts.com would likely come across a bunch of OEM radios that would be cheaper to buy than a new unit if you wanted the OEM look. someone mentioned e-bay, m&srecycling.com and even carparts.com has recycled parts. but i would try joey first at saturnusedparts.com

[BobL]

Don't think Joey could help. He needed a CD/Cassette for a '94. The CD/Cassette was not OEM until 2000 so even a 2000 unit wouldn't fit.

Otherwise, Joey's da man!

[------SC 2------]

It would be cheaper and alittle better I think to go with an aftermarket radio. You find the radio you like($250 at the most for a cd player), get you a mounting brace for the radio (it makes it look like a factory about $15), You will need a wire harness plug to plug into your factory so you don't cut on no wires( about $15 I think). You have spent about $300 on a radio you like and it looks like a factory. Good luck.

[Diggs]

Check out <!--http--><a href="http://www.crutchfield.com" target="_blank">Crutchfield</a><!--url-->. They will be very competitive in price. You either browse their online catalog, or request a dead tree catalog be sent and browse it at your leisure at home. You order what your budget allows. You will have to do some soldering to connect the aftermarket head unit wiring harness to the Saturn adapter wiring harness (which is included at no extra cost) and then plug that directly into your Saturn wiring harness. Mount it in the adapter plate (again, included in the price). All this is explained very well in the instructions they send. They even include how to take your car apart (with pictures!!) to get to the stuff. They can hook you up with speakers, subs, amps, CD changers, alarms, etc.

I have also used their toll free tech support lines. We installed an alarm in our 93 SW2 this past weekend, and when it wasn't responding exactly as expected, I took the cordless phone out to the car, called tech support and the guy talked me through a couple of checks to narrow down the problem area (loose nut behind the wheel ;-/ ).

I'm sure you'll find something to suit your needs there.

Diggs

Disclaimer - I do not work for, nor own stock in, Crutchfield.