I’ve been wanting to upgrade the audio in my car for a while now. Not just for my own enjoyment, but because I feel like my car deserves it after all the reliable service it’s given me. It’s a 2003 Rover 45, basically the same as a Honda Civic VI. I live in Europe, and my budget is pretty tight—around $100.
Here’s what I’ve got right now:
2 original tweeters (from 2003, so yeah, not great)
2 JBL Stage 1 speakers in the front (I replaced the originals)
A very old Pioneer DEH 1590R head unit
Here’s what I’m thinking of doing:
Replace the tweeters with aftermarket ones (I’d love JBL, but they seem hard to find around here—looking to spend $25 or less).
Upgrade the head unit to something modern with Bluetooth. I’m looking at brands like Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, JVC, or Kenwood and trying to find a used one under $60.
There’s an option to add two speakers in the back, but honestly, I mostly drive alone or with my girlfriend, so I’m not sure it’s worth it.
Will this setup work? Is there anything else I should replace? I could stretch my budget a little or buy things gradually. Also, I’ve heard about subwoofers. Are they worth it? Are they hard to install?
Thanks for any help! I really appreciate any advice or suggestions. Let me know if you need more details. Cheers!
If your budget is this tight and everything works, maybe just leave it as it is for now. Or, you know, save up a bit and then treat your car to something better later.
I agree with MMY—your budget is super low for this. If you can stretch it a little, start with a good head unit. Something like a used JVC model with Bluetooth could be a solid choice. It’ll make a noticeable difference even with your current speakers. Subwoofers? Those start at $300 minimum for a full setup.
Did you get an enclosure, amp, and wiring for that price too? Because if you did, that’s a rare deal. Usually, it’s a lot more when you factor in everything.
I see your point, but are used subs really that hard to come by for a decent price? Also, I’m just trying to get better sound without going overboard. Bluetooth and better quality speakers would already be a big upgrade for me.
Used is definitely the way to go on a tight budget. Have you thought about soundproofing the doors? Even a small amount of dampening could improve the sound without replacing too much gear.
Stick to upgrading the head unit for now if you’re limited on cash. A good one can make even your current speakers sound much better. Check local forums or marketplaces for a good deal on a used Pioneer or similar.
Here’s an idea: disconnect the old tweeters and use some soundproofing on your front doors. That’ll improve the overall sound without breaking the bank. You can move your JBL speakers to the back and look for a cheap component set for the front. Dayton makes budget-friendly options.