Pacesetter Stereo

GO HERE!!! But go to their new location in Ramona. I was visiting from Seattle and took my friend’s Subaru WRX Hatchback in to get a new system installed. Peter was AMAZING! He kept the upgrade within our budget while going above and beyond in all aspects. I called him to see what the turn around would be, needing it to be within 24 hours, and he was able to get it done! I had no idea what I needed, all I knew was that I wanted it to bump! Peter and Daniel delivered, big time. My friend was thrilled with the new system! The customer service I received was genuine and awesome. Peter has been in the business for over 4 decades and truly loves what he does. I will be calling him from Seattle to consult on upgrading my car’s system!

I had a kind of a mixed experience here, but one I’d ultimately consider positive.
Summary:
I had problems, but the owner was willing to see things my way and I ultimately left more-​or-​less happy.
Details:
Over the phone I got a quote of $ 69 to install my 2DIN stereo into my camper can. That’s probably within plus or minus $ 10 of what you’d pay at most places, but I went with pacesetter because of their Unilocal reviews and because they could fit me in the next day.
My installation was pretty lengthy, a bit more than 2 hours, but that’s perhaps because it involved a few more steps such as hooking up the bluetooth mic.
When I went to pay, they charged my $ 69/​hr, rather than $ 69, so double what I expected! The claim on their side that (a) they had said $ 69/​hr on the phone — which was completely false, and then (b) that my install was more complex than they expected — this was perhaps true, although they should have brought that up when the issues were encountered, and try to slip it in at billing time.
The upshot of all this though is that the owner, Peter, was sitting there having lunch while I was discussing all this with the guy behind the till, and he took my side. In particular, he agreed that regardless of what happened, the fact that I wasn’t told about the increased complexity of the install was the most important factor. He let me pay the originally quoted amount.
The installer, Daniel, seemed to know his stuff, although he wasn’t super friendly or willing to share what he was working on (for example, I wanted to know what dash kit he was going to use, but he kind of brushed it off — and ultimately used a different kit than the one I was expecting, but one which was still OK).
I had one post-​install problem, which was that all the video functions of my unit failed to work, as the parking brake line was grounded, rather than attached to the parking brake switch. This works on some models, but my Pioneer unit annoying requires a little on-​off-​on dance with the parking brake before video works.
I called them up and they fixed it at no charge the next day. They also offered me other options (such as a switch) at a small charge, which I appreciated. Again, it was the owner, Peter, who took the lead here.
Overall, the four star rating comes mostly from the fact that even though the process didn’t go flawlessly, they were willing to fix the issues that did arise.

Came in to have my system checked out due to a crappy installation from another place, walked away the happiest customer ever! Peter, Daniel, and Greg make you feel very welcome right off the back and did a wonderful job on my 2001 Toyota Camry, best selection of equipment as well! I can honestly say from hear on out I will have ALL my car audio, and future home theater systems done by Peter and his crew, hands down best customer service, best results and all around great place

Just happened to pass by Pacesetter while on my way to another stereo shop for an install on my daughters BMW. Spoke to Peter the owner for all of 5 minutes and I was sold. Great customer service, knowledge of car audio is off the charts and Daniel who does the installs is a true artist at his craft. Gave the system the sound we were looking for, loud and clean rock n roll. I was dead set on by an additional amp, Daniel and Peter informed me that BMW comes with a 10 factory amp that cranks. Saved me several hundred dollars, they are meticulous and perfectionist. Probably the the best shop I’ve been into overall in the last 20 yrs. I will definitely recommend Pacesetter to anyone !! Thanks Peter and Daniel, my daughter loved her birthday present !!!

Hands down the best customer service I’ve had in a long time. They fit me in on a day that was already full of appointments, I just had to leave the car. They did a great job and even gave me a discount because I didn’t hear their over the phone quote correctly. Definitely go here.

I have had three car stereo’s installed here. They don’t press you. They are cost effective and efficient and they do not leave your car a mess. I bought new speakers with the last car stereo this week. When they did the installation they called because the existing speakers were in great shape and did not need replacing. Saved me $ 200. How many shops would be that honest?
I highly recommend this group!

My girlfriend was about to get a new car but before picking it up, she needed to have a gps removed from her old car before she turned it in. I had no idea where to even look and didn’t have time to even try. I originally had gone over to stereo depot down the street but when I got there I was told I had to wait 2 hrs without leaving to be helped so I googled other options and quickly found pacesetter stereo which was literally down the street.
Stereo depot had the more desirable price to do the removal, however their lack of customer service and urgency for my business made me feel comfortable paying slightly more at pacesetter. Peter (the owner) was really cool throughout the experience. I had mentioned the price difference and he had no problem whatsoever negotiating. He then professionally explained the difference in price.
They found it, removed it, and made it appear as if nothing was every touched. Didn’t take much time at all.
Pacesetter from the second they answered my call really delivered with excellent customer service and definitely earned my future business.
Obviously, I highly recommend this place.

Found this place on a whim after a bad experience with the stereo place down the street. Peter and his staff were very helpful! He listened to what I wanted, helped me select a system and had it installed a few days later. Everything works great! Highly recommend if you want a trustworthy location :)

I have been going to Pacestter for years. They are by far the best stereo place around. Peter is very knowledgeable and friendly. I always tell my friends that pacesetter is the only place aloud to touch any of my cars, besides me.

Pacesetter has done installs on several of my family’s vehicles. The owner is extremely helpful and very friendly. I had him install my new car stereo, amp, and speaker. The install was clean and looked and worked great.

Don’t let the look or location fool you. This is hands down the best place for car audio, security and tinting! We went in knowing what we wanted and were given some helpful information we didn’t know. Pricing is just as good as the big box stores.
They went over and beyond during the install. They fixed what someone else had rigged together to make it right for no additional cost and did it all in a timely manner.
I will never go anywhere else next time I need a car, truck or boat stereo or alarm system. They know their stuff after being there for 30 years.