Finally bought it!!! (6ave.com UPDATE)

[Philmatic]

Okay first off, 6Ave.com is an authorized retailer. A quick call to pioneer confirms it. Secondly, scores of people have purchased their Z1 from 6ave with NO PROBLEMS, they might try to sell you some accessories, but they usually match or beat competitors pricing.

Thirdly and most importantly, when my Z1 died for no reason I called up Pioneer to start the RMA process, they asked me for my retailers name and PO number and guess what? The Representative knew their name off the top of his head as being authorized, and processed my RMA right away.

Their pricing flucuates a lot, I bought the AVIC-Z1 with a 5 year extended warranty, Sirius tuner and iPod connector for $1800 back in march. Even now that's a good price, not to mention 6 months ago.

[sl1234]

I agree with Philmatic. I emailed Pioneer and they told me that 6Ave.com is an authorize online retailer. The people who claim that they are not probably never checked with Pioneer. Do some research. While shopping at the local store today for a DVD recorder, I found out that they have a price protection guarantee for 30 days. I told them that their internet price for the Z1 went down in price since I bought it from them and they told me that they would credit me for the lower price. So I went back with my receipt and a copy of the internet price of $1497 and they credited me $19 back. I paid $1515 + tax two weeks ago. I've had a great purchase experience with them. I guess it depends on the sales guy that makes a difference.

[jasonshine]

I found that 6th ave had the best price in my area ($1496) and excellent
prices for accessories(if in stock.) I found the price from their online
store and they matched it in the store (store price 2250) and they had
only one unit available in the store so I grabbed it- It was also during the
Labor Day sale and they wanted to move merchandise fast. I added their
extended Warranty for $250; more than I wanted to pay for it, but it is
worth it in the long run - if bestbuy sold the unit, I would have used the
6th ave price to get a price match, plus their warranty is 100 or so - they
also have nice people working there - 6th ave is guarenteed to shake you
down in some way or another since they work on commission.

Accessories:
ND-BT1 - $110
CD-IB100II - $49.99
SIR-PNR2 - $79.99
Volvo Harness - $16.99
Volvo Antenna Adaptor - $14.99

I have never had a good experience with this store, but you put up with
their crap for a much better deal if necessary, but by the time I got to the
cash register, I was amazed that things were going so well.

until. . .

Installation -
They charged me $200 in the store for the install - I had specified to the
store manager who sold me everything that I wanted them to connect the
z1 to my existing dvd player that connects to the two flat panels I have
for the rear seats so I can have the audio and also split the video to each
panel and he said that was included - everything included - I thought I
was getting away with murder for 200 - so I jumped on it.

but when I pulled the car around into the install bay, the installer tried to
shake me down for an extra $180!!!!!!!!!!! In cash, paid to him!!!!

I lost it - right there in front of the installer who was shaking me down, I
called Zippo's (a NJ Authorized Pioneer Dealer) who quoted me much
higher prices on the head unit and accessories, but they would install it all
for me even though I bought the z1 at 6th ave.

I let the store manager have it and made them refund me for the install,
dash kit, and bluetooth unit that they didnt even tell me was back ordered
but charged me for it anyway. . .

I walked out of 6th ave with the headunit, extended warranty, bluetooth,
sirius, wire harness, and antenna adaptor for $2160

Zippos charged me $425 for the install, ipod adaptor, steeringwheel
remote, and some additional mods - also connecting the other dvd &
flatpanels. I also purchased a Volvo OEM double DIN Kit for $45 off of
ebay.
Total price for the whole shebang $2660 w/tax. I ended up paying more
for the install, but I got 3 quotes for this same package from authorized
dealers (zippos included) in the range of 3000-3500) None could match
the price on the z1 that I got and according to them it was less than their
cost and they didnt include an extended warranty. I was able to
purchase it from an authorized dealer, and have it installed by an
authorized dealer. I think I got a good deal.

It is also a shame that Pioneer didnt extend their $200 install rebate for
the z1.
Is this reply long enough?
Check out the pics of the final result.
Bottom line after my little story above - 6th ave has great prices, but dont
get it installed there.
-Jason

[949]

i called them for a z1 and they offered me 1750.00 for just the unit. they tried to rip me off. i found another place that will sell the z1 for a much better price.

[DataAve]

Like I said, 6th Ave has the worst customer service I have ever encountered. This is just MY experience. I deal with electronic companies on a daily basis - some other folks have said they have had the worst Customer Service experience THEY have ever had (with Companies I have had good experiences with) and had been quite the opposite with me. It's just MY opinion and experience...they SUCK (6th Ave) for lack of a better description. I DO NOT like feeling I have been taken advantage of and I do not like that I have to fight to get my money back on a DOA (dead on arrival) unit. I also DO NOT like being told items were available and waiting 3 months for it (backordered).

For goodness sake, I have had to make a complaint to Pioneer to tell them of my experience. They had to advise 6th Ave (they contacted them), in order to be an ATHORIZED DEALER, if the unit fails within a year, YOU MUST REPLACE THE UNIT, NOT REPAIR...NO QUESTIONS ASKED. I had gotten the run around so badly from 6th Ave, I had went to my Credit Card Company to put a stop payment on the order (which I had never, ever done with any company). If you go back in my posts (ordering a simple Nav system – and I don’t care if it was widgets), I have been at this since May. There is no way I deserved to be treated in this manner (and neither do you).