You guys are right too. But I mean, what is the budget for? You can probably squeeze into his $1500 budget if you get all the stuff I mentioned online, then you have to pay an installer to put everything in. If the budget is for the whole job and in a stereo shop, he is really looking at some mediocre stuff. I could be wrong... I didnt even mention dynamating, and that is critical for good sound. If you factor everything in, he may only have money for Pyramid gear

And you're right, I went overboard with the Zapco amp.
I think he can shop around online and look for some used stuff I recommended. Here are the estimates(not direct quotes)
1. Alpine 9887 ~ $400 brand new
2. CDT ES610 ~ $360 brand new(through Ross)
3. Fi Q ~ $370 brand new
4. Box for Q ~ $200 brand new
5. Amp Kicker SX 900.4 ~ $400 brand new
= $1730 for brand new gear including shipping and duties.
This is just a little over his initial budget. Deduct some cash as you can find he sub used, box used, head unit used, amp used. But if he meant the budget was intended including install, then we have a problem.
I guess, then he can still get used Alpine or Pioneer deck, used Kicker sub(15" L5) in Kicker box, Kicker SX900.4, and I would suggest getting those new CDT's from Ross anyway for that price.
If he goes to a shop, they will rip him a new hole, and give him really low end gear. IMHO
If he wants to go even cheaper, then I would suggest getting Phoenix Gold RSD component set on Ebay for like $150 to your door, a cheaper Kicker ZX(bigger 4-channel though) or equal Fosgate, cheap Pioneer deck with three out for like under $200 taxes in, Fosgate P1 if they have a 15" and a box for it.