Question about installing JVC head unit

[8thWonder]

I'm about to purchase a JVC KW-AVX820 head unit (double DIN) for my 2004 WRX. Does anyone know if I'll need a wiring harness to connect this to the factory wires?

I know that Crutchfield sells this unit along with a free wiring harness, but other website have the stereo cheaper, and I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and buy a separate wiring harness. I've seen some reviews that claimed the JVC mounting brackets already line up perfectly with the OEM brackets in the Subies, but I'm not sure about the wiring.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Bebop]

99.9% sure you'll need the wiring harness. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

[economatic]

I'm about to purchase a JVC KW-AVX820 head unit (double DIN) for my 2004 WRX. Does anyone know if I'll need a wiring harness to connect this to the factory wires?

I know that Crutchfield sells this unit along with a free wiring harness, but other website have the stereo cheaper, and I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and buy a separate wiring harness. I've seen some reviews that claimed the JVC mounting brackets already line up perfectly with the OEM brackets in the Subies, but I'm not sure about the wiring.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

You'll definitely need a wiring harness unless you like cutting wires in your car just to save $10. I'm not sure about mounting in your '04, but my '09 was less than a perfect fit for the 810 I bought. Sure, it bolted in perfectly with the mounting hardware provided but needed to do some cutting to get the face to detach and flip to insert discs.

[ninefourteener]

Yes... you need a harness, or more specifically an "adapter" to convert your factory wiring plug to the JVC stereo input. They are usually $10-15.

What you DON'T need..... is an "installation kit"..... and they will try to sell you one. The factory WRX stereo mounts are extremely universal, and you can just bolt-in and single or double-din stereo.

Be aware of anything that folds or slides out. I had an issue with a fold out pioneer a couple years ago. It used to bind on the stereo panel when it folded out.

I relocated it from the lower din to the upper din.... problem solved.