Ordered an mp3 player from trussvillemazda.com (thanks to this forum I found out about them) and hopefully will have it sometime next week. I called a couple of mazda dealership about installation cost and they said around $75 does that sound about right? If that is.. that's not too bad.

I wish, I can just install it myself but i'm afraid i'll just mess up.

 

It is actually very easy to install, but it will take a long time to remove the stereo unit. It takes long because you are afraid to mess anything up, but it really is easier than it looks. Search for the install threads.

Also, $65 is a great price. I don't have the exact numbers, but my dealersip wanted to charge almost double the part cost for the installation.

 

You'll save the money and you can tell everyone you did it yourself. Just follow the instructions and you'll be fine.

 

Heh, i've read every single thread and studied the manual that you scanned. I oh so wish i was handy, cause I really think i'm going to screw something up. I do have tools, not sure what extension i need to remove the bolt that i was reading in the one of the mp3 threads.

Ok let me ask a couple of questions and maybe I can attempt to do it myself. Do I need to disconnect the battery? So i use a screwdriver with tape around it to pop off the stereo face plate? Do i need to remove part of the console that surrounds the ash tray? I was reading that there a bolt that's hard to get to and I need some sort of extension to reach? What is the pin removal tool?

I'm gonna go search for mp3 threads again one more time. Thanks for the help in advance.

 

It is a standard extension for a ratchet/socket, about 5 inches long. You use the socket on the extension. Or of you have a screwdriver-handle for the socket, that'd be ideal. The bolt is hard to find at first - don't give up.
BATTERY
All the instructions says to disconnect the battery, however I did not...no problems for me.
CONSOLE
Yes, you remove the console around the shifter, you remove the ashtray, and I think only used fingers to pop all consoles and face plates. Just be mindful of the cautions presented in the appropriate threads, i.e. don't bend the face plate.
PIN REMOVAL TOOL
I'm not sure what you mean by this...maybe tool to remove the connectors. I used a screwdriver - a few inches long with a small, flathead. What you have to do is "reach" the screwdriver behind the audio unit and use it to disconnect the connectors pretty much in the blind. That is the most difficult part.