Head Unit Purchasing FAQs

Making Your Car Head Unit Stereo Purchase Easy with Onecliq

Purchasing a car stereo head unit may seem confusing, and many of our competitors provide limited information. We have put together this helpful FAQ guide to ensure you have a smooth and informed purchasing experience with us here at Onecliq.


Please find below some common questions and explanations about purchasing a car stereo. Of course, if you have questions at any time, please do not hesitate to contact us.

In all cases, professional installation is recommended for the best results and to ensure compatibility and warranty.

If you are unsure if a stereo is suitable for your car and need to send us an e-mail with measurements of the existing stereo, and a photo of your dash, stereo and any wiring that can be very helpful.

Car Stereo Frame Kit Bundles

Please find some frequently asked information regarding our car stereo frame kit bundles. If you have any more questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

What does a cross-over between different years mean?

All years listed are indicative only and are not 100% exact. There can always be a variance or "cross-over".

One reason for this is that a model’s manufacturing date may differ from its registration date. For example, a “2010” car may have been manufactured in 2009 but registered in New Zealand in 2010.

Another reason is that car manufacturers sometimes produce different batches of the same model, where the wiring and/or trim can vary, even within the same year.

If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us for assistance or consult an installer to ensure compatibility.

Are all your car stereo frame kit bundles 'plug-and-play'?

While we strive to provide the most common 'plug-and-play' wiring harnesses for each model we sell on the NZ market, we cannot guarantee 100% 'plug-and-play' fitment without prior checking.

Variations in wiring harnesses can occur between low-end and high-end configurations, and different factory headunits.

Issues can also arise if the previous owner of the vehicle has cut or modified the factory wiring.

If you’re unsure, we recommend emailing us a photo of your existing factory plugs, stereo, and dashboard, or consulting a professional installer for assistance

What if the included wiring does not fit?

Firstly, don’t stress – we’ll find a solution. We have access to all wiring, even if it needs to be sourced from overseas.

If the included wiring harness does not fit your vehicle and you did not contact us prior to purchase, we will assist you in sourcing the correct wiring at a discounted rate. If you did contact us prior, we will work with you to resolve the issue.

Please note that some original wiring may relate to functions of the factory head unit that are not required by an aftermarket stereo so an exact match is not always required.

If wiring needs to be sourced from overseas it could take 2-4 weeks.

If in doubt, consult an installer or contact us for clarification.

Do you have installation recommendations or guides?

Where possible, we suggest professional installation for the best results and to ensure warranty coverage. If you attempt a DIY install, please ensure the car is turned off and/or the battery is disconnected, but remember, doing so is at your own risk.

While we do not have an installation guide for each specific model, you can generally find helpful information on YouTube. As there are too many models it would be impossible for us to make a 'step-by-step' guide for each type.

We also do not currently have a list of recommended installers but suggest trying a local registered mechanic and/or auto-electrician who is insured.

What does 'low-end' and 'high-end' configuration mean?

A large number of Japanese imports coming into New Zealand are classified as 'low-end-configration' meaning only basic wiring is required. This is typically evident by the trim level and the lack of factory extras.

For high-end and newer Japanese vehicles, as well as luxury and most European vehicles, a more advanced wiring kit and/or CANBUS decoder is generally required due to the additional features and technical complexity.

What is CANBUS?

In the context of car stereo headunits, a CANBUS decoder is used to ensure compatibility between the aftermarket stereo and the vehicle’s existing systems, such as maintaining factory functions like steering wheel controls, air-conditioning, dashboard displays, in-built amplifiers, and more.

A CANBUS decoder may be required if:

- Your car has special electrical modules connected to the factory stereo

- Your car has an in-built amplifier

- You want to retain steering wheel controls (and they don't work without it), as some vehicles require CANBUS for these functions

For more detailed information, you can consult with an installer or contact us for assistance.

If you purchased a stereo kit without a CANBUS decorder and need one, please get in touch.

Will my factory reversing camera work with an aftermarket stereo?

Generally, a factory reversing camera will not work with an aftermarket car stereo (although for some models, there may be exceptions).

This is due to the fact factory cameras do not use a male RCA connector and generally do not operate at 12V. In some cases camera retention cables can be purchased separately and/or an installer can adapt the plug accordingly.

Factory 360 Cameras require special aftermarket stereos and retention kits, while we do not currently stock these (as of January 2025) you can contact us with your requirements.

Do the fascia frame kits require assembly or modification?

Most fascia frame kits require minimal preparation, such as screwing the supplied stereo into the base of the frame before installation in your vehicle.

Additionally, some fascias with added buttons or functions may require some soldering and/or additional wiring.

In some situations, some frames may also require modification or re-location of Air Conditioning systems or vents.

Before purchasing, ensure the fascia’s shape matches your vehicle, and pay attention to any joins, separating lines, and the size and shape of buttons, air conditioning controls, and vents.

We suggest you contact and consult an installer for assistance prior to purchase.

Shopping cart

Your cart is empty.

Return to shop