Long Radio, Inc

People typically go to stereo installation places because they assume that the installer will have tools, skills, materials or expertise that will make the installation go smoothly.
Well, not at Long Radio! They care not for that sort frippery. I had an AUX cable put into my car and they ripped half the lower gearshift panelling off and left it dangling in the breeze. *Shrug* was the response I received when I asked if that was completely unavoidable.
Go anywhere else. Or do it yourself. But don’t trust these guys with your car.

I figured the first time they had a hack install it was a fluke but when they installed the display model and told me it was a new radio and didn’t tighten all the screws and the radio crapped out a month later (daily «error» and mic doesn’t work) I realized that it’s par for the course. Sad news.

Not good. I bought a $ 250 remote starter from them. Shortly thereafter, my car battery died. My mechanic blamed the starter and said that it was draining the battery and suggested that I have it uninstalled and see if my car battery would then keep a charge (because it tested fine, but was draining overnight and dead by the morning).
I explained the situation to Long Radio, and they took what they called «the brains» out from under my dashboard/​steering column area, handed it to me (it was a black plastic box), and told me to bring it back when I was ready to have it reconnected.
After much back and forth with my mechanic to troubleshoot the battery-​drain issue, I finally returned to Long Radio to have the brains of the remote starter reconnected. Long Radio informed me that they couldn’t get the unit to program, that a «part» was missing, that it’s now out of warranty, and that they no longer sell that brand. Their suggestion? Buy a shiny new remote starter from them… to replace the one that I never got to use a single time.

I don’t know how superior their service is but I called just to get a price quote on installation for a Viper 5901 remote starter/​alarm system. I informed them that I wanted to bring my own parts in to install and what other items might I need to purchase. I was told that my vehicle (manual transmission) is a pain to install, therefore, labor was going to cost $ 450, and additionally, there are two parts I will also need which cost $ 100 per part. Without even having to buy the Viper 5901, which retails for about $ 200 on
, I already have to dish out $ 650. That’s pure robbery and ridiculous labor price. I seriously hope this place gets their pricing straight or else all their stores will probably close down.
I got a quote from another authorized dealer/​installer for $ 300. What gives Long Radio?