[stammalammy]

I have the base radio system but would really like to add some steering wheel controls. Anyone know if it is possible with the radio I have? Would it be as easy as getting the radio out and plugging in the cord in the back?

What about upping the bass and sound quality. The basic radio isn't very good IMO and am curious the most cost effective way to upgrade it. Any ideas?

 

[The Plainsman]

May I ask why you didn't get an Outlook that already had those features? I'm not trying to be a smartass, but I don't quite get why some people buy a car missing something they want and then try to add it later. I always buy a car with the exact features I want, regardless of the make and model of the car, whether it cost 14,000 or 40,000 don't buy it if its missing something you want. You'll only feel aggravated or frustrated later on.

 

[caddycruiser]

As with other GM vehicles, steering wheel controls--alone--are one thing you can't add after the fact. It essentially requires a new steering wheel on the surface, but then from there, they also typically have 2 different wiring setups--for models with and without. So, even if you then get the wheel, it wouldn't just "plug in" and work with the vehicle system.

As Plainsman said, with any new car, unless there's a real circumstance why, you should never buy something missing something you might want, ESPECIALLY when it's an electrical feature like this...because assuming it can be added later, and it really being possible, are two different things.

Stereo alone, though, there are always changes that can be made there, to the head unit, speakers, amp, etc. Just comes down to the individual pieces you choose, and adding them in properly. That's at least a different situation than with the wheel.

 

[stammalammy]

Thanks for the info Caddy. Doubt I will switch out the steering wheel and kinda thought that might be the answer, not that big of a deal.

For sound quality I was looking for suggestions regarding order of replacements that would be the most beneficial/easiest/cheapest? I am guessing that GM goes pretty cheap on all of the stereo components but if you were going to upgrade 1 part, what would it be? What would be second?

Would I see a better result if I added an amp or if I replaced certain speakers? Is there a spot or a way that I could add a sub that wouldn't be that invasive as I am not very interested in putting some 12s behind the 3rd row. ;D

As for the purchase, I did buy it off the lot OMG WTF BBQ?!! I could have made an order to get an XR with upgraded audio being the only option but it really wasn't worth the extra ~$2k to me. If my spending limit is 30k I think I did pretty well, I'd rather have a stripped down Outlook than a loaded Ford Escort, call me crazy. If we all could buy every car loaded and brand new Acuras, we might just do that.