anyone have xm installed in 08 from the 'factory' (not dealer) installed? If so, where is your antenna mounted and do you have any reception issues with it. Also are you affected by the 'character limit' on the display? Thanks,
Prius does not have the XM/Sirius installed at the factory. It may be installed at port of entry (not sure on that) or by the dealer. I did the XM install myself and am very satisfied. It's totally integrated with no wires showing. As to the character limitation, you can get 16 characters with certain installations. Here's a thread I started which shows the character display. http://priuschat.com/forums/audio-electronics/50810-xm-radio-factory-interactive-w-pics.html
My XM radio was a PIO (Port Installed Option). The antenna is mounted inside the car on the right side dashboard close to the windshield. The only reception problem is when I am driving around heavily tree lined roads and sometimes around power lines, but generally good reception. The character display is not a problem for me, but I mostly listen to classic rock and usually only check the display to confirm the name of a song or the band...the display is more than enough to give me the information that I need. Besides, I'm generally too busy watching the fuel economy display to fool with the audio display anyway.
Instead of spending 500+ for the dealer install, do it your self. Buy the unit here at Priuschat store!! You can save about 1/2!!! Here are 2 excellent articles on XM installation. I used both guides, and they are wonderfully written!!! #1 http://priuschat.com/forums/attachme...sxminstall.pdf # 2 https://www.metrotpn.com/documents/PDF%20Files/Prius/Eddie's%20XMRadio%20Install/PriusXMradio3.2.pdf The first is the factory install document, the second is one of the best installs I have seen. Nice job EDDIE!!! Shows how to rip into the dash correctly so you can but it all back together so it still looks sweet! Read these docs!!! 73 de Pat KK6PD
I strongly recommend you install the antenna on the roof. I've had it on the dash and the reception is not acceptable to me. Since the antenna is magnetic it uses the entire roof for reception. With the roof antenna I have reception in my garage with the doors closed. I get no cutouts along tree lined streets or under overpasses. I realize I'm mostly picking up a terrestrial signal, but when I've used dash antennas I still didn't pick up terrestrial signals that well. The antenna was designed to be roof mounted, not dash mounted. A lot of installers will tell you that a dash mount is just fine. Maybe so if you're easily pleased. But you shouldn't have to put up with any dropouts on your radio reception. Here's an interesting read: Got satellite radio- Best Buy blows it
