I'm thinking of buying a 2006 mazda6. One of the things holding me back is that I want to put in a good stereo in it. But since the 2006 models have the climate controls built into the radios, it makes it almost impossible to upgrade the head unit. Do I have any options besides just adding a couple amps and replacing the speakers? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Uhhh....The 2006s dont have the climate controls integrated into it..... The 03-05s do. So with either all you need to do is buy a dash kit for it...

 

I was told the climate controls were built into the 06 radio by both the salesman I was dealing with as well as people from Crutchfield.
It's strange that you say that the 03-05's were because Crutchfield didn't see a problem changing units. Someone has to be wrong.
Thanks for your help.

 

There is a metra dash kit out allowing you to add a headunit and such...

 

thanks, I'll look into it.

 

the kit you want is called a turbo 2 interface...it replaces the entire panel with a recesssed din opening for a head unit...i have one for my 05 mazda 6 and i installed it myself...it worked and looks great...i dont know if it is compatible with the 06's but its a start

 

As I've been saying the 06 radio is a completely different animal. Just a face plate will not help. The actual climate controls are built INTO the radio unit. In other words the radio and climate controls are one in the same. You take the radio out and the climate controls go with it. I'm well aware of the funky placement of the dials on the older ones causing one to change the faceplate.

I actually didn't end up buying the car because of it. Stock radios from a dealer are expensive enough. Could you imagine how much this one must cost?

 

*sigh* No they arent. The climate controls are in the EXACT same place as they were in the 03-05s. We have 2 06 Mazda 6s and my 05 Mazda6 in my family. Try again there buddy.

 

See where the DARK BLACK ends? Thats the stock radio. What you do like any other car is pull THE RADIO out and put in a dash kit. The Climate controls ARE COMPLETELY SEPERATE.

 

well at least you don't have an Rx-8 because those radios are molded into the dashboard. You have to change EVERYTHINg for the radio alone if you wnat an upgrade.