HOW OUR INSTALLATION TIERS WORK

Updated: 07/04/2026

Not all vehicles — or installations — are the same.

Whether it’s a dashcam, reverse camera, battery system, lighting setup, tracking system, or other vehicle electronics, installation time and complexity can vary significantly depending on the vehicle platform, interior design, electrical architecture, and level of finish required.

To keep pricing fair, transparent, and consistent, Positive Terminal uses a vehicle installation tier system ranging from Tier 1 to Tier 5.

This system helps allocate:

• Appropriate labour time
• Correct installation procedures
• Suitable technician planning
• Fair and consistent pricing across all vehicle types

Vehicle tiers are used as a pricing and scheduling guide only and may vary depending on the exact scope of work requested.

⚙️ WHAT DETERMINES A TIER?

Each installation is assessed using a combination of factors including:

Vehicle Size & Layout

Small hatchbacks generally require less dismantling and shorter cable routing than large SUVs, vans, caravans, or canopy-equipped utes.

Interior Design & Trim Complexity

Some vehicles use straightforward trim systems, while others involve:

• Tight panel tolerances
• Fragile clips
• Complex dashboards
• Multi-layer interior trims
• Difficult cable access paths

Cable Routing Distance

A front-only dashcam installation differs significantly from:

• Rear camera installations
• Canopy wiring
• Trailer wiring
• Caravan charging systems
• Rear battery systems

Electrical System Complexity

Modern vehicles increasingly include:

• Sensitive CANBUS systems
• Smart alternators
• Battery management systems
• ADAS safety systems
• Hybrid or EV architectures

These systems require additional care, testing, and installation planning.

Installation Finish Expectations

Some vehicles require:

• OEM-style concealed integration
• Precision trim alignment
• Minimal visible hardware
• Extra vibration prevention
• Additional noise/rattle protection

🟢 TIER 1 — QUICK & STRAIGHTFORWARD INSTALLS

Best suited for:

• Small vehicles
• Basic interior layouts
• Easy trim access
• Short cable routing
• Minimal dismantling

These vehicles generally allow for faster and more straightforward installations.

Typical Vehicles

• Toyota Yaris
• Toyota Corolla (base models)
• Toyota Camry
• Hyundai i30
• Hyundai Accent
• Hyundai Kona (base)
• Kia Picanto
• Kia Rio
• Suzuki Swift
• Mitsubishi ASX
• Mitsubishi Colt
• Nissan X-Trail (older/basic)
• Honda Jazz
• Mazda 2

Utes Without Canopy

• Toyota Hilux
• Ford Ranger
• Isuzu D-Max
• Mitsubishi Triton
• Mazda BT-50
• Nissan Navara

🟡 TIER 2 — STANDARD INSTALLATIONS

Best suited for:

• Common SUVs and sedans
• Moderate trim complexity
• Predictable installation processes
• Balanced installation time and value

These vehicles represent the most common installation category and generally provide consistent labour expectations.

Typical Vehicles

• Mazda 3
• Mazda CX-5
• Mazda CX-30
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Kia Sportage
• Kia Sorento
• Subaru Forester
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru XV / Crosstrek
• Honda CR-V
• Honda Civic
• Toyota RAV4
• Nissan X-Trail (newer)
• Ford Escape
• Hyundai Tucson
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• MG ZS
• MG HS

🟠 TIER 3 — MODERN & LESS STANDARDISED VEHICLES

Best suited for:

• Newer platforms
• Emerging manufacturers
• Less predictable interior layouts
• Vehicles requiring additional flexibility during installation

These vehicles may take similar time to Tier 2 but often involve less standardised trim systems, tighter routing paths, or evolving electrical architectures.

Typical Vehicles

• BYD Atto 3
• BYD Seal
• MG4
• MG ZS EV
• MG HS (new generation)
• GWM Haval Jolion
• GWM Haval H6
• GWM Tank 300
• Chery Omoda 5
• Chery Tiggo 7
• Chery Tiggo 8
• Ford Everest
• Mazda 3 (2025+)

🔵 TIER 4 — COMPLEX & LARGE VEHICLE INSTALLATIONS

Best suited for:

• Large SUVs
• Vans
• Premium vehicles
• Vehicles with extended cable routing
• Canopy-equipped utes
• Vehicles requiring increased dismantling time

These installations typically involve:

• Longer cable runs
• Larger interiors
• Tighter trim systems
• Additional labour time
• Greater care during dismantling and reassembly

Typical Vehicles

• Toyota Prado (latest generation)
• Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
• Toyota Kluger
• Kia Carnival
• Hyundai Palisade
• Volkswagen Golf
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Volkswagen Passat
• Mercedes-Benz GLC
• Mercedes-Benz Vito
• Audi Q5
• Audi A4
• Audi A5
• Lexus RX
• Lexus NX
• Volvo XC60
• Volvo XC90

Utes With Canopy

(Where canopy wiring or rear accessory work is involved)

• Toyota Hilux
• Ford Ranger
• Isuzu D-Max
• Mitsubishi Triton
• Mazda BT-50
• Nissan Navara

🔴 TIER 5 — PREMIUM / ADVANCED INSTALLATIONS

Best suited for:

• High-end vehicles
• Luxury vehicles
• European vehicles
• EVs and performance platforms
• Sensitive electrical architectures
• Specialist-level installations

These vehicles typically require:

• Higher installation precision
• Additional electrical precautions
• More delicate trim procedures
• Increased testing and calibration
• Greater installation time allocation

Typical Vehicles

• Tesla Model 3
• Tesla Model Y
• BMW (post-2014)
• BMW i4
• BMW iX
• BMW iX3
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Mercedes-AMG models
• Range Rover Sport
• Range Rover Velar
• Range Rover Evoque
• Lexus high-end trims
• Toyota Supra
• Porsche Macan
• Porsche Cayenne
• Audi e-tron
• Audi Q7
• Polestar 2

IMPORTANT NOTES

Vehicle tier classifications are indicative only.

The final installation tier may vary depending on:

• Exact trim level
• Existing modifications
• Previous installations
• Accessory configuration
• Scope of work requested
• Additional wiring requirements
• Condition of the vehicle

Some installations may move into a higher tier due to:

• Canopy work
• Rear battery systems
• Caravan integrations
• Custom fabrication
• Multiple accessories being installed simultaneously

WHY WE USE THIS SYSTEM

This system helps:

• Ensure fair pricing based on actual labour involved
• Keep quotations transparent and consistent
• Allocate accurate booking time
• Maintain high-quality workmanship standards
• Reduce rushed installations
• Provide professional OEM-style results across all vehicle types

The goal is not simply speed, but long-term reliability, safety, and installation quality.