1999 Chevy Prizm Radio Placement - Toyota Corolla, Chevy Prizm (1998-2008)

I am considering buying a '99 Prizm. It has less than 50k original miles and runs almost perfectly. The only thing that is making me hesitate is that the radio/CD placement would be very annoying to me, since it's on the bottom right in front of the cup holders (which I use constantly) and it would be harder to glance over to see the display while keeping my eyes on the road.

http://files.concept...-00_i01-800.jpg

My question is: would it be possible to switch the placement of the air controls with the radio? (I'd probably get an aftermarket radio). Do you think it would be worth the trouble, or should I just try to find a Corolla with the radio on top?

There is a lot of mechanical linkages and cables behind there - so swapping the radio with the HVAC control will be non-trival, lots of fabrication would be needed. Another option is to retain the double-din setup for the headunit and get a remote display unit. Example pic here: http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchfield.com/products/2005/130/h130CDMR80-fp.jpg

Or you can go with a satellite radio option, as most have a remote display.

Most manufacturers have the ability to be remotely controlled, some have physical remotes, thumb controls, a few have wired/wireless displays to show you track/station details as well. Most of those setups are for marine applications, but there have been making inroads to mobile audio for the past 7-10 years or so.

Some have even go so far to pinout the communications pins from a headunit with removable faceplate and wired it so the faceplate is up higher/closer to the driver.

Great idea! Thanks for the detailed reply, this helps a lot.