Is it worthy to spend $1500 to buy Package #3 with JBL instead of Package #2?

[stevecaz]

Hmmm, this is making me rethink the pkg #3 I "ordered". Perhaps I would be better off with #2, then spending even a little less than the $1500 and having leather installed.

Out test drive car was a #6, and although we didn't play with the JBL system much, at no time did it even remotely sound good. It lacked depth from bass, and clarity from the highs. The stock base system must be even worse. Problem is we have a 1997 Audi with Bose including stock subwoofer which sounds amazing - now nothing compares.

[Shadestrades]

I have Pkg #2. No Nav, No JBL. I think the Nav would have been nice, but I can do without it. As for the stereo. Hmmmm. My standard factory installed radio stinks. The bass does lack depth. The highs aren't very crisp. The sound gets distorted, blah, blah, blah. So spend $800 to 1000k on an upgraded aftermarket or change the speakers and add a subwoofer. That will give you a better stereo sound and cost much less than the $1500, especially if you were going to finance the car. That $1500 would end up costing you over $1800 after 5 years.

[zenMachine]

You can get much better sound for less than 1.5K. I have the pkg 3 and had to spend another 2k just to fix up the sound system to my liking.

Features that I found useful: integrated Bluetooth, SKS.

The Homelink is not worth it. You can buy your own Homelink rearview mirror (with Compass!!!) for about $200 if that's something you really need.

You can also install an in-dash deck with DVD touch screen, Bluetooth, Aux input, MP3 and all that.

[RichL]

No, just for a JBL it isn't worth it. I just bought a '08 pkg#2. The stereo system works great. Loud enough for me with a plug in for my iPod. I have a Garmin 650 that DOESN"T lock me out. I also have a Bluetooth phone with a ear piece that works great. Saved myself $1500.

[SparrowHawk60]

I've got to go along with the crowd on this one. Spending that kind of money for the JBL system isn't worth it. (although I like mine)
No matter what aftermarket systen you put into your car you'll never re-coop the money you spend on it. System's get old fast and by the time you're ready to sell the car something new and better will have come along..

[dkahl]

Hey all,

Just wanted to thank you all for the information. I had the same questions about package 2 or 3. Sounds like I should save the cash and find an aftermarket stereo.

[Genoz World]

hmmmmmmmmmm.............sounds like i'm the minority. i compare my JBL sound system to my 06 cad sts premium system...............while the volume is definitely NOT that high or as powerful, i find myself very content with the package #6 sound system. i use the EQ to tune in my highs, mids and lows. if i'm cruising around for a while, i'll further custom tune the EQ on my IPOD if something else is severely lacking.

to those that dont know, the NAVI and BLUETOOTH are all VOICE ACTIVATED. you can use this command when the vehicle is in motion, just NOT the screen.

cheers and have a good weekend people.

[PriusSport]

Package 2 made the most sense to me. You get some useful things for a good price.
The other options are much more expensive. The basic sound system benefits from such a quiet car with a big interior. That is enough to give you a nice sound. I don't like the Nav/phone options because they clutter up the dash with more buttons, and can be had much cheaper with a portable NAV and cell phone. I bought a refurb Tom Tom for less than $100, and always carry my cell with me.