Old Car Speakers - Should I Use Them?

[Nick1994]

The door speakers on the Beetle are blown and don't work anymore. I ordered new speakers from the dealer (they take a special plug, and are set back from the door because aftermarket speakers won't fit, the window will hit them).

It has the Monsoon stereo and the speakers are pretty expensive ($160 each). I get 20% off parts at the dealer using my buddy's account with them (he's a mechanic) so I got a good deal.

The problem is the date on the boxes of the speakers is 10/2008. This means they are 6 1/2 years old! Should I try getting newer ones? I asked the dealer and they said "they get what they get" and don't know what the date will be on items. I'm just wondering if these may have a shorter life. I plan on installing them this week.

 

[Mr Nice]

They sat on a shelf for all those years.

No problems using those speakers.

 

[AdRock]

Just check them over. If the cones are paper see if they look dried out. Chances are that they're not but I've seen it before.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I think crutchfield.com may have speaker(s) for your 2004 Beetle with OE Monsoon stereo. Their price may be much cheaper than $160 each, more like around $100 a pair or less. Some modifications may be needed, such as a spacer may be used to not interfere with window.

 

[EdwardC]

I wouldn't worry about older stock. If the surrounds and cone are in good shape, I'd run them.

However, I wouldn't spend anywhere near that much on OEM speakers. I'd go for decent aftermarkets for a third the price.

 

[Rand]

you just have to have the right spacer/adapter and you clip off the factory wiring ends or use adapters.

that all being said I bought the kicker upgrade speakers for my subaru so I wouldn't have to deal with that.

 

[901Memphis]

Old stock is usually better if it's made right.

 

[aquariuscsm]

They should be fine. My home speakers are 30+ years old and are in mint condition. BUT,the woofers have accordion surround (which I prefer). Are your car speakers foam surround?

My Z still has all the original OEM Bose speakers and they sound great!!

 

[Nick1994]

Well I'm glad to know they don't have a head start at dying due to age! I bought aftermarket speakers and they didn't fit and I didn't want to bother with finding a spacer or anything like that, the stereo sounds awesome when the speakers work so I'm ok with what I spent.
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Are your car speakers foam surround?

My Z still has all the original OEM Bose speakers and they sound great!!
I'm not sure, I think they have a rubber surround. I'll take a picture tomorrow since the car is across town currently.

Yes, I love Bose speakers. My grandmother's '02 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ has the Bose stereo and it sounds awesome!

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Well I'm glad to know they don't have a head start at dying due to age! I bought aftermarket speakers and they didn't fit and I didn't want to bother with finding a spacer or anything like that, the stereo sounds awesome when the speakers work so I'm ok with what I spent.
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Are your car speakers foam surround?

My Z still has all the original OEM Bose speakers and they sound great!!
I'm not sure, I think they have a rubber surround. I'll take a picture tomorrow since the car is across town currently.

Yes, I love Bose speakers. My grandmother's '02 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ has the Bose stereo and it sounds awesome!


Hey have you seen the new Turbo Beetles? Those things are SWEET!!

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I think crutchfield.com may have speaker(s) for your 2004 Beetle with OE Monsoon stereo. Their price may be much cheaper than $160 each, more like around $100 a pair or less. Some modifications may be needed, such as a spacer may be used to not interfere with window.
+ 1 on the Crutch, or Parts Express. "Special" speakers are often no so special. Except when the dealer gouges for them.

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Well I'm glad to know they don't have a head start at dying due to age! I bought aftermarket speakers and they didn't fit and I didn't want to bother with finding a spacer or anything like that, the stereo sounds awesome when the speakers work so I'm ok with what I spent.
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Are your car speakers foam surround?

My Z still has all the original OEM Bose speakers and they sound great!!
I'm not sure, I think they have a rubber surround. I'll take a picture tomorrow since the car is across town currently.

Yes, I love Bose speakers. My grandmother's '02 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ has the Bose stereo and it sounds awesome!


Hey have you seen the new Turbo Beetles? Those things are SWEET!!
Lol Yes, I love the new style of Beetles. I especially like the Turbo's wheels. In fact, there's a 2013 parked in the garage right now! My aunt's TDI Beetle.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Well I'm glad to know they don't have a head start at dying due to age! I bought aftermarket speakers and they didn't fit and I didn't want to bother with finding a spacer or anything like that, the stereo sounds awesome when the speakers work so I'm ok with what I spent.
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Are your car speakers foam surround?

My Z still has all the original OEM Bose speakers and they sound great!!
I'm not sure, I think they have a rubber surround. I'll take a picture tomorrow since the car is across town currently.

Yes, I love Bose speakers. My grandmother's '02 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ has the Bose stereo and it sounds awesome!


Hey have you seen the new Turbo Beetles? Those things are SWEET!!
Lol Yes, I love the new style of Beetles. I especially like the Turbo's wheels. In fact, there's a 2013 parked in the garage right now! My aunt's TDI Beetle.

That's a good looking car! Looks like she keeps it spotless! Does she ever let you drive it? :^)

 

[Nick1994]

I actually live with my aunt, yes I drive it often. I wax it and my car every 3 months, that's a picture of when it was only a couple months old. It now has some rock chips in the paint but still cleans up nice. It's a really nice car, with lots of power! Those new TDI motors sure have the guts to get up and go, although it's still no racecar. I'd like to drive one of the Turbo models, supposedly they're alot quicker.

 

[dlundblad]

New OLD stock.

They'll be fine assuming the box doesn't appear to have gotten wet, dropped, smashed, driven over etc. Lol.