Factory XM Radio INSTALLED

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jenlynmc @ May 24 2006, 07:27 PM) [snapback]260591[/snapback]</div>

Prices? How does it work? Functionality?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ May 24 2006, 04:47 PM) [snapback]260606[/snapback]</div>

What was your installed price? I just made an appointment for tomorrow with my dealer - he quoted me $299 parts and $130 labor to install. Most important - how many charachters do you get!!!! Thanks!

 

I had my XM installed today as well. The total came to $499, broken down as $199 (XM tuner), $100 (mounting kit), and $200 (labor).

The dealer originally wanted to charge $315 for labor but I asked them to match Toyota's estimate.

You do get more than 10 characters for display. However you need to press "TEXT" in order to read the display, otherwise it just shows your 6 pre-programmed channels per page (3 in all).

 

How does it sound relative to the FM Radio? I have been using XM for years with direct connect via Aux and and Alpine Net and also with FM modulators either built into the head or external via the type that insert ib the antenna lead. Antenna lead is better but more work! Intergration is great but for $600 it needs to sound great too!
Also, just spoke to a dealership in Norwood, MA, they said they will not be installing XM in any Hybrids due to the complexity of the install! What is that all about? Anyone else run into that?? I'm starting to think the new Pioneer portable at $399 +$39 for car kit is a better deal and much more flexible a product. Thoughts appreciated.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(YBLee @ May 25 2006, 10:31 AM) [snapback]260941[/snapback]</div>

I have the Pioneer AirWare portable and am currently using the cassette adapter (I have a 2005) although I'll be going to the DICE as the 2005 doesn't have the AUX input. It really sounds great. It cost $200, which helped in the decision. If the cost for an installed one were lower, I would've gone with that. Of course, with the Pioneer, I can use it also at home and outside.

As for installing a built-in being hard, several on the list have installed it themselves. The one's available have a 10-character limit, but cost about $299.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(YBLee @ May 25 2006, 01:31 PM) [snapback]260941[/snapback]</div>

Do the install yourself, then it would only cost $200 to $300. Many people, including myself, have installed the Solara XM radio into our '04 and '05 Priuses. It's not that hard and takes maybe 2 hours because of how careful you are likely to be.

Search this site for XM and you ought to be able to find dozens of articles describing how to do it.

 

Thx aaf709. I may just do the install my self. Couldn't be that difficult I guess. I have only seen threads that have dealer installs. I will search for the "do-it-you-selfer" if I can find the excitement in it! Otherwise, the flexibility of moving from HB to MC to Home is very cost effective. Thinking!!!!!!

Thx Marlin. I'll be on the search this evening. BTW, what is the Solara XM unit?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(YBLee @ May 25 2006, 04:47 PM) [snapback]261047[/snapback]</div>

The one that everyone here has installed so far on the '04s and '05s is actually the XM radio for the Toyota Camry Solara. There are a variety of places that sell it as a kit for the Prius, including a Toyota dealer in Cincinatti (I think) at www.metrotpn.com, Factory Interactive at www.priusxm.com, and Coastal Tech at www.costaletech.com

It just plugs into a port in the back of the Prius radio and each vendor has slightly different instructions about where to actually mount the XM device. My guess is that the new Prius one is probably the same radio, but with an official mounting bracket and location.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jenlynmc @ May 25 2006, 09:29 PM) [snapback]261127[/snapback]</div>

I can't find the button to prevent the screen switching back. Could you give step by step instructions? Thanks!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(YBLee @ May 25 2006, 01:47 PM) [snapback]261047[/snapback]</div>

Here's the installation instructions from Metro (which Marlin mentioned). This is not the only way, but it gives you an idea. The nice thing about these instructions is that it shows you how to remove the rear seat (bottom part) in case you want to install seat covers.

P.S. If that link doesn't work, go to http://www.laaudiofile.com/bta6100.html and scroll down about 1/2 way to the paragraph entitled Just What We Needed. Then click on the link in that paragraph.

 

And here's a link to a PDF containing very explicit instructions on how to take apart the Prius dash. Lots of pictures and explaination.

http://www.chrisdragon.com/downloads/Stere...us,%20v1.03.pdf

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(itsnice2be @ May 26 2006, 11:47 AM) [snapback]261317[/snapback]</div>

I found it! Skip the instructions. Thanks !

 

Had anyone tried one of the external XM units through the AUX input and if so, does the intergrated unit sound any different or better?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jenlynmc @ May 24 2006, 07:27 PM) [snapback]260591[/snapback]</div>

Where is the antenna installed? I'm just curious as to where Toyota dealers are putting the antenna with the official Prius XM installation. I put in the Solara kit a year ago and put the antenna inside the spoiler so it is completely hidden, I'd just like to know where dealers plant it as well.