Stephano is the man! He did a night package retrofit and chrome delete and windows tints on my new g63. It came out fantastic! I will always go back for other needs in the future! read more

I recently got a new car and wanted to install front and rear dash cams, as well as an anti-laser/radar system. I originally went to another shop but after taking a deposit they became unresponsive. All I can say is Stefano and his team at Auto Design NYC were the exact OPPOSITE! I was nervous about having aftermarket mods installed but from day one Stefano was there to answer my questions; all day every day. He was patient and truly listened before making recommendations. Scheduling was a breeze and the work was completed on time. From a price perspective I would put him in the middle. He wasn't the cheapest but he wasn't the most expensive either. Nonetheless, I was happy to pay him after seeing the awesome work he and the team did. He even took care of the little things for me like inspection and a wash. Truly an all-around awesome experience! read more

See all

Getting an aftermarket audio system installed in your car is very dicey, so here is the Good, the Bad...& the Ugly: First, you have to decide on the components. Next, you have to find an installer. If the Installer is miffed that you bought some components from a catalog or other outside source, he might very well purposely damage the electronics, and they are so complicated and inherently undependable to begin with, that fixing blame for a malfunction is not only hard to detect at first, if at all, but fixing blame is nearly impossible. Then, there is the problem of pissing off the installer even more, over your (justified) complaint, and he might very well try to rip you off big-time - thus, costing you a hell of a lot more in financial losses. Furthermore, you would have to leave the car there for a daunting 2 or 3 days, and since there is no accountability for the total job done, you would pretty much have to start again from square one if it doesn't work out. This is EXACTLY the problem I'm facing. I went to this guy, Stefano, with Infinity component speakers for the front (separate woofer and tweeter), and a JVC radio, and agreed to his cheaper Alpine speakers for the rear (which he'd also wanted me to select for the front, but I refused), accepting his pricey Alpine subwoofer for the trunk, and his pricey J.L. Audio amp, also for the trunk. My supplied parts cost $450, while his parts cost $1200. He REFUSED to set it up the way I wanted, with tweeters drilled directly into the front window bars. Instead, he put them on the door. I let him influence (bully) me due to his "experience," and also because there are not enough competitors around. The original sound was good enough to get by, but didn't have the great imaging another installer had given similar components by drilling the tweeters directly onto the window bars, facing the windshield for reflected sound that produced realistic miniaturized three-dimensional images across the windshield of instruments and musicians. However, when you turned the volume up, the left-front woofer and tweeter would occasionally pop louder, as if one or more of the channels in the amp hadn't been working properly. Recently, I had to go back to Stefano to have the same system re-installed due to the cables being accidentally pulled out of the amp. Stefano had to lay THE AMP HE HAD SUPPLIED tightly against the back wall of the trunk, so I couldn't move it enough to put the cables back in. To make a long story short, he re-installed the original tweeters, finally moving them from the doors to the window bars as I had asked on his original installation, but now he glued plastic holders against the window bars, instead of drilling the tweeters directly into the window bars themselves, and he re-attached the amp with the same too-short cable!!! - AND, only after bullying me into first installing a $3000 replacement system, which I demanded he immediately remove because it sounded, looked and felt like cheap garbage. My original system presently sounds flat, opaque and lacks treble "air," with no sense of the recorded acoustic, because either the amp doesn't fire the tweeters, or the tweeters aren't connected properly - I can't hear them, except for an occasional jingle when I rap the amp with a hard object! Imaging had always been flat, with vague outlines, and an uneven, poorly defined soundstage. For me, it's back to square one. Save yourselves the anguish. Don't go there for anything. Judging by some other reviews, if you're his high school friend, or the work involves some simple cosmetics, perhaps he won't rip you off. But, beyond that, judging from my experiences, he's a mental midget when it come to things like electronics. Total rip off: $4000!!!! P. S. Just found out that the J. L. Audio amplifier is a high-current model that drew too much power from all other car functions - including things like headlight brightness, heater and vent fan; even the engine power, speed and gas mileage, and damaged the alternator and battery. Remedy: either get a high-current alternator and capacitor, or change the amplifier to a low-current model, such as Kenwood. I will drive to Harrisonburg, VA to get the job done professionally, by a Crutchfield Catalogue store, including re-positioning the tweeters and woofers for the life-like imaging I crave. Just spoke to the installer there. He suspects "faulty installation." Just changed the battery and the whole thing works back to its potential, but the imaging is still merely left-right-middle, but with good-quality individual sounds across the frequency range; BUT, it had much greater potential in minor ways, especially for all the money already spent...in other words, the components were Good-and-defective, installation Bad, and attitude Ugly. I later checked both tweeters; left = distorted jingles, right = nothing...spare yourself aftermarket car audio system installations, period! read more

I never really write reviews or do surveys because that shits really just annoying but when somethings good you have to give credit where its due. At first I will have to say I was skeptical - not because things seemed sketchy but lets face it Manhattan can be pretty expensive and you usually get nothing for what you pay for. That wasn't the case here. I happen to come across Auto Design a few months back when I was looking for a place to detail my girlfriends car and I happened to see one of his guys detailing a car outside his shop in front, plus the mural on his place was pretty cool and I had some time to kill - so I stopped by. While inside I had a chance to speak with Stefano about some of the services they provide and I figured I'd get my girlfriend a back up camera installed on her 2014 A5 since she always wanted one on her car. So I came back the following week and they knocked it out for me. It was a really great job, quick and looked just as good as what would come from the dealer. Since then I brought my moms Jeep in to get an in dash navigation system with screen installed and I brought my BMW 550 in to get a K40 radar detector & upgrade my speakers and install a sub. Every time I've been in Auto Design I can honestly say I had great service and most importantly had work done that was seamless, clean and all the wires were hidden. The guys there really know their stuff and they are personable . I'm big on customer service ( I know it doesn't much apply because obviously this is an auto shop ) but the guys were cool and always had some great recommendations for me. read more

If you want cosmetic work done on your car this is the place to go. Stefano is incredibly passionate about the work he does, is totally honest and is a perfectionist. All this is done on time and on budget. I reached out to him via yelp given the favorable reviews (I live in Manhattan) and we quickly developed a dialogue. Stefano and I discussed what I wanted done with my Audi- he guided me through his thoughts and at no time did I think he was pressuring me to do anything. His prices were fair and reasonable given the quality of the work. I left a few choices up to him and he did a great job. Shortly after I picked up my car, I received many compliments from strangers asking me where I went for the customized work done. I highly recommend NYC Auto design without any reservations. read more

See all

I brought my Porsche Panamera to Stefano to get a new radar detector a couple years ago. Since then, if I ever need anything else for my car I have my go to place. I know I'm going to get a top off the line job done at a very reasonable and honest price. Being a female in a men's dominated setting in NYC It's common for these guys to try and take advantage thinking I don't know what I'm doing. I have no worries with Stefano because he took the time to go over every detail of the job and what it's going to cost and the final bill reflects just that. Auto Design is the place to go if you have any concerns about someone trying to 'get one over' on you. read more

Stefano is a master craftsman and takes pride in his work. While I waited I heard him drill the guys in the back multiple times over details... and details is what separates this shop. They installed 3M film, an ESCORT, new head unit, and backup cam in my 997TT. Everything works as it should, and he made sure I was happy before I left. Even waxed the car on the way out. Price was comparable to other places which is kinda surprising considering they are in Manhattan. read more

I have been going to Stephan since high school (almost 15 years) and his work is always great. This week he installed a K-40 stealth radar, tinted my windows, and put a clear bra on the front of my car. All of it came out... perfect as i expected. i just recommended 2 of my friends to go to him and would highly recommend him to anyone who loves toys in their toys. read more

Stefano and his team are incredible! Guys replaced my stock Mercedes radio with a modern one with Bluetooth but with classic look. The process was really smooth and result is perfect. Also fixed a small issue with my driver side mirror. It was a great pleasure doing business with you and your team! Thank you. read more

Quick, professional and flawless. Worked with Michael who arranged the installation of a Prestigious Society navigation and video module for my 2011 Highlander Hybrid. Great work. read more

I took my jaguar to audio designs to get a radar detector. Stefano was great. He took me through my options then did a beautiful, customized installation. I couldn't be happier with the work. And the car was ready when promised. I recommend audio designs for any high end custom auto work. read more

I just got my car's windows tinted for the third time. The first time was 6 years ago, then 3 years ago and just recently this week. (Each 36 month lease). Obviously I keep coming back for a reason. These guys do a great job for a fair price. Definitely recommend. read more

Repeat customer! Always great service! Stefano and crew installed a new sound system in my MB last week. I was very happy with their creative input and the work they did. This is the third time I have gone to this team over the years for state-of-the-art upgrades - fast, fair and high quality. read more

As a woman going into any automotive shop is intimidating since I know nothing about cars. I just bought a BMW 428 XI and wanted to get my windows tinted and add an alarm/remote car starter. I walked into Auto Designs and Stefano the owner was very helpful and explained all the different options. I ended up getting a cool new system which allows you to control all the features of the security and remote start from an app on my iPhone. This is perfect for me because I live on the 28th floor of a high rise building and the regular remote starts can only work a block away with a clear view of the vehicle. I have been enjoying walking out to a toasty warm car in this winter weather. Thank you to Stefano and Jessie the installer for all your help and great work! read more

Stefano's work on the interior of my Ferrari and paint protection is fantastic.When I showed him the seat damage and he said it's no problem I thought he was crazy. The end result? My seats are perfectly repaired. He recommended a clear bra to protect the paint, and even detailed the whole car on delivery. Awesome job, awesome service, I'll happily recommend to all. read more

I have a Porsche Panamera Turbo. Met Stefano on the phone while shopping around for the best deal to install my already purchased 9500ci Escort Radar detector with Laser Shifters. Got it installed perfectly and at the best price available. Was very happy with everything. I ve since had him install several other gadgets into my car including a high tech Car Cam and Digital Sign in the Back. I had him Tint the windows, had the car detailed several times and had my wheels aligned, tires changed, as well as many other things that I didn't want to pay a fortune for unnecessarily by the high end dealers. A year later some of the laser shifters burnt out and he even replaced them at a huge discount while giving me the newer model. Basically Auto Design is my go to place for anything that doesn't need to be done at Manhattan motor cars like the routine maintenance and major repairs. If things are not not 100% perfect as I like when its done I ask Stefano for any changes and hes always gone out of his way to make sure im happy 100% before I leave. I trust when I go there im getting my car back just as I wanted. I have several friends as well that bring their vehicles to them as well and everyone has the same feelings. Recommended! read more

Great service! Stock stereo in my '04 Subaru Impreza stopped working properly, so I stopped in to see my options. Michael talked to me about what I could do and the costs. Very reasonable and I wasn't up-sold. Install was scheduled and completed in a couple hours. Michael then walked me through the set-up and usage. Perfect! read more

Planned a trip to drive across country in a new Super-Charged Range Rover Sport, and knew that we would be likely encountering some speed traps along the way of our 10,000 mile journey. We came to Audio Design Systems upon recommendation of a business on the West Coast that sold us the radar detector front and back laser jammer system. Our biggest issue was that we were leaving the day after the 4th of July holiday and needed the system installed immediately. Upon arrival I knew that I had made the right decision to have audio design systems install our unit. The owner and the manager, Michael, are extremely knowledgeable, and spent 40 minutes just discussing what was the right way to set the system up, and an additional hour discussing the optimal positioning of the jammers (as a sidebar, I wish I would have purchased the unit from them in the end - it would have been a lot cheaper). They came up with some of the coolest ideas to hide the system on the rear of the car, so that no person approaching the car would ever have any idea what was installed there. These guys are SO creative. From recessing the jammers into the bumper, to etching out the rear view mirror to install the notifier for the radar detector; it was all perfect. The dedication from his team, to make sure that we were on the road by the 5th of July, was truly outstanding. Their installers worked THROUGH the 4th of July and into the early morning to make sure that we were on schedule to leave the next day. My hats are off to these guys, they did an amazing job, they were very neat, and extremely professional, not to mention the fact, that after 10,000 miles and 16 states, with multiple alarms and jamming, we're happy to say that we're ticket-free! These guys are by far the best in the city. read more

I am a very knowledgeable consumer when it comes to the kind of work Auto Designs NYC provides including body repairs for high-end automobiles. For each of the leading auto manufacturers with dealerships in the Manhattan area, Auto Designs is factory master-certified and does the majority of the auto body repair work in the city. Auto Designs has invested in the necessary staff and the most advanced equipment. You will not find anyone in the tri-state area that does better, more flawless, more honest and more fairly-priced work. I would never consider using anyone else. read more

I recently installed the Dension gateway 500 in my 2006 Porsche Carrera S. After having had a bad experience with another local audio installer, I was very careful as well as skeptical about the people that work on vehicle audio systems. I contacted Stephano on the phone and made arrangements to come in and get the work done. He was able to quote me a REASONABLE price. When I arrived at his shop, I was greeted by him and he immediately gave me several options regarding what I wanted done to my vehicle. I decided to stick with the original plan and go with the Dension. His staff is knowledgable, professional, and pays very close attention to detail. Once the work was completed, I was brought to my vehicle and briefed on how the Dension worked, what I was able to do with it, and how I was able to do it!! I was so satisfied, that I decided to come back the next day and have a couple of dings removed from the front fender by a very competent guy that Stephano knows. To sum it up, I will be back to Audio Design Systems. If you're particular and careful about getting work done on your "toy," then this is the place for you!!! read more