My CD player in my car died a few weeks ago and I can't stand listening to the radio any longer. I've never gotten a car stereo installed before but I see circuit city offers free installation on any deck over $99. My questions are,

Any specific problems with circuit city or their install service (or any better suggestions)

Anyone have one of the units with a front USB port? If so how does that work. Can I just plug my thumb drive in and play any mp3/wav files on the drive?

I'm looking for something as cheap as possible with front AUX input but I might consider paying more to get one with USB if that works well.

Circuit City always installed my stereos and CD players after they got stolen (four out of the five times) and I never had a problem with them, BUT...Mr. Duffy and I don't call this place Circuit Shitty for nothing.

I'd have a hard time having Circuit Shitty or Best Buy install shit in my car.

Actually I'm kinda in the market for one in the near future, and I'm definitely getting one with a USB port. You can drop a 4GB thumb drive on them and you;re good-to-go. My car floor is filled with CD mixes.

I'd try Crutchfield. Not only will they give you/make sure you have the right harness, etc... you can also download installation directions from their site, IIRC.

All you need is the time to do it, and some tools.

i guess i'm lucky, cuz the cat who did my stereo/sirius/speakers set up for me is a longtime regular at one of my bars, and did a fucking amazing job cuz it was for me. i was about to throw the easton-area best buy my seal of approval, but if they normally suck, and i just got the "friend care package" treatment, then maybe i'll hold back and just say i have no complaints. my shit rules. my shit rules far more than my car, actually.