replacing factory cd/radio

I've recently bought a 2001 Mali and i've looked into replacing the original factory cd/radio. Crutchfield calls for the vt-gmrc-01 wire harness, and i found one on ebay, but the vehicle list doesn't cover the 2001 Malibu. I asked the dude that is selling the harness on ebay and he says it doesn't work for 2001. I've also looked at installer.com and it brings up the gmrc-01. Does the VT-GMRC-01 fit the 2001 Malibu or does it not?

Another question also, I'm kinda on a budget to purchase this wire harness and a new stereo, so i was thinking of going without the black box which average $60-80 (with harness). Now i've heard that some of you guys go without the black box (chime), so if this is so, what type of wire harness do you use (of what malibu year?) or do you just cut off the connector coming from the factory?

unless you are doing a totally custom, competiton style install - I would try and use the harness if at all possible.

plus if you sell it it would be easier for the next person and if you ever replace your current head unit you don't have to set aside a day trying to wire it up.

Ok, i'm aware of that and I agree that it would be better to use the harness. But back to the first question, Would the VT-GMRC-01 fit the 2001 Malibu?

I'd trust crutchfield over anyone else (especially ebay).

well, I've only came across the VT-gmrc-01, so i'm gonna go ahead with it. I just want to avoid buying it from crutchfield cause its like $20 more than from ebay. Thanks for the help

well, I've only came across the VT-gmrc-01, so i'm gonna go ahead with it. I just want to avoid buying it from crutchfield cause its like $20 more than from ebay. Thanks for the help
Completely understandable. Ebay is definitely the source to go to for saving money on equipment, but Crutchfield is a great reference tool for home/car audio to use if you're not sure about some things.