Pioneer car stereos - any experts please?

[L33]

Hi,
I'm about to change the stereo over in my car.

I've been offered a used but in great condition Pioneer DEH-P85BT for a £100. Its missing the harness which connects the back of the radio to the cars wiring and the bluetooth microphone. Does anyone know how good a stereo this is?

I've also noticed that Halfrauds are offering a Pioneer DEH-7300BT brand new & boxed for £149 (usual selling price of £299).

My question being which of the 2 is the better system please? I know the DEH-P85BT is a couple of years old now but I believe it was awesome when it came out. Will the DEH-7300BT be as good as the technology is a couple of years newer?

Cheers in advance,
Lee.

[minky monkey]

I had the 85BT. Decent unit when it worked, first went faulty after 3 months - the BT unit failed and they replaced the HU under warranty. That lasted two years roughly and then one day it just didn't turn on.

I've just replaced it with a Kenwood BT which wasn't that much more new than what you've been offered the Pioneer for.

[L33]

Cheers for the reply.

Maybe the best option is to go for the 1/2 price special at Halfrauds - at least if it goes wrong I have some sort of warrenty.

My mind is not made up so if anyone else can add any input, any advise will be very much appreciated.

[minimatt1967]

I've always found Pioneer units a touch 'feature-heavy' and slightly unreliable as they are always at the forefront of the technology wave on there units. I have always used Alpine units and, touching every single piece of wood available, have never had one fail on me. So I'd be looking at an Alpine. Also I wouldn't want to pay that much for a second hand unit with missing microphone and harness. The harness would be relatively cheap, £15-£20, the mike would probably be only available from Pioneer so could very costly.