XM options, from a noobie

I just installed a Toyota factory XM unit today in our 07 Prius. It was relatively easy. Installation instructions state "Premium Audio/JBL required." Probably took about three hours but I was distracted a couple of times. Started about 10 am and finished before USC/UCLA game at 1:30. Official Toyota instructions are very thorough and available from the dealer or the Toyota TIS site for the $10 one day access fee. Parts box plainly directs installer to ask dealer for the instructions. The most complicated procedure was drilling a couple of holes in the floor side support and figuring the orientation of the tuner unit as it is mounted in that piece, and moving the junction block in the dash to gain access to the backside of the radio. You don't have to remove the radio but it is a little hard getting a hand in behind to attach the cable end to the receiver socket. I managed to drop the bolt for the junction block and lost some time searching for it in the dash. To replace that bolt you need to make it stick into a socket with extension so as not to drop it. I mounted the antenna on the roof just in front of the hatch door directly behind the antenna, so I did not take apart the pillar garnish. I have taken apart the interior trim and dash before, so I kinda knew what that was about beforehand. The Prius interior comes apart very easily, just go slow until you figure out how the clips work and you will be OK. The cost of the tuner unit and the fit kit in California from the dealer was $420 after sales tax. (overpriced but it does include lock ties, brackets, bolts, template, cushioning foam) The tuner mounts under the rear passenger seat. You have to remove the sheet metal piece called the floor support, drill two holes and mount the tuner using the two included brackets. The front and rear door sills, the cowl side trim board between the doors and the cowl trim at the front passenger feet have to be removed as well as the glove box trim panel, the glove box and the right instrument panel register. If you are moderately handy and own or have access to tools and a drill motor, you can do this installation.

 

Several places to get them, from Coastal Tech to Factory Interactive. At the moment, Metro Toyota is the cheapest at $250, which includes 90 days free XM service.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lenjack @ Dec 3 2006, 08:15 AM) [snapback]356924[/snapback]</div>

There are two versions of the "Factory" XM Radio. The current version has a small antenna and is limited to 16 characters. The older "Solara" version has a large antenna and is limited to 10 characters. If you go with a factory XM radio, make sure you get the new version.

The other option is to use the Terk XMDirect. Terk has an interface for Toyota that works with the Prius. It is on sale here for $99.00: http://store.xmfanstore.com/texmfortovex.html
The only problem is it is limited to 10 characters.

I have the Vais SLX: http://www.vaistech.com/slx.html
It works perfectly and is limited to 16 Characters, which is the limit of the XMDirect box not the Vais interface.

Bob

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lenjack @ Dec 3 2006, 06:29 PM) [snapback]357189[/snapback]</div>

Given that the dealer will charge $250 for the receiver and $125 for the fit kit plus tax? They will be charging you in the neighborhood of $225 for installation labor. All over priced. You might try talking to a local stereo/xm/sirius installer and making some kind of deal. Get the install instructions from Toyota and the parts and see if they will do the work. BTW I believe the Terk install requires two boxes--the Toyota specific interface unit and the Terk Commander unit. So that install is more than $99 and requires you to figure out where to mount the unit and all.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wesj49 @ Dec 3 2006, 09:57 PM) [snapback]357194[/snapback]</div>

The XM Commander is not needed to use the Terk XMDirect. A vehicle specific box is needed, be it Terk's or the Vais SLX and the XMDirect.

The sale that at the XMFanstore.com for $99 is all that is needed. This is a great deal if you can deal with 10 characters.

The XM Commander is a LCD panel and controller for the XM Direct box.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BobR @ Dec 4 2006, 05:25 AM) [snapback]357307[/snapback]</div>

Well, I'm confused. I just guessed at the name and realize that the XM Commander is not what I was really referring too. However, the Terk site says that the XM Direct Toyota/Lexus Smart Digital Adapter "Allows XM service to be seamlessly installed into the interface of satellite radio ready car stereo. Works with Universal Tuner Box to control XM channels using your existing Toyota car stereo." I read this as meaning there are two boxes(at least in the photos)...XM Direct Toyota Digital adapter and the Universal Tuner Box. Here is another direct quote from Terk:

If you just bought a new satellite radio ready car stereo, you are halfway to getting XM entertainment for your car. In order to activate XM Satellite Radio service, you need to add our TERK XM Direct products. XM Direct is a two-part system (Universal Tuner Box and Smart Digital Adapter or Cable) that integrates directly with your satellite radio ready car stereo and allows you to use a car stereo’s existing functions to control the XM service. The Universal Tuner box must be used in conjunction with brand specific Smart Digital Adapters or Digital Adapter Cable.

Okay and then looking at the xmradio store, I see that the combo tuner box and digital adapter is $99 but do not see one listed for the Toyota and also see a $299 product for integrating with factory installed satellite radios with installation and kits only available through dealers but no Toyota unit shown.

 

Being that you are on the East Coast and within driving distance to the DC area, go with the sure thing and call Jon at Factory Interactive for an appointment. He installed mine and let me watch the whole process and uses an outside the vehicle antenna (only way to go) and will position it to your liking. Takes only about an hour and he installs many per week so you don't have to worry about quality of installation or damage to vehicle. Factory Interactive highly recommended. About $400. installed.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wesj49 @ Dec 4 2006, 09:11 PM) [snapback]357728[/snapback]</div>

Read this thread:
http://priuschat.com/TERK-Toyota-XM-interface-99-t26224.html

momanz bought and installed the Terk system in his Prius.

 

I've installed both the XM and Sirius versions from Factory Interactive (we have 2 Prius). The video CD is wayyyy worth it, and the installation doesn't require any special tools or skills. Installed and works seamlessly. I'd save the money and do it myself. The video solved all the 'now, what does THAT mean' questions by literally showing you....

Now the important part - the Sirius radio in my wife's car started throwing up an error, and Jon overnighted me a replacement (against a $160 refundable 'core charge'). Put in the replacement, life is good. That's the real measure to me, is what do you do when you need a warranty replacement? Make sure whatever you get covers this...

Recommend FI. They do what they say....

PS: Funny note: FI's instructions put the XM on the right, and Sirius on the left when mounted. Both go over the wheel-wells in the rear, under the dress panels. do not know why the difference.

PPS: Weird note - the Prius dashboard SNAPS APART. Very easy to take apart (there are a few screws and bolts on the MFD). But, the aircondition vents and other stuff litterally pop out...

pat

 

OK, FI sounds great, but can you explain if there is anything about the install from FI versus the Terk one that makes it worth spending $295 versus $99?

I am willing to spend the $295 to do this, but just can't figure out if the $99 Terk system is still going to require something else that will eventually make its cost closer to the $295 price or if I'm really just getting an amazing deal while the $99 price lasts.

Thanks for any assistance you can offer...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pviebey @ Dec 10 2006, 06:32 PM) [snapback]360210[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Melgar @ Dec 28 2006, 07:04 PM) [snapback]367869[/snapback]</div>

The Terk version is on sale for $99 at the XMFan store and only there. It is normally $199. Look around, the cheapest I could find is $187.
This is a great deal and nothing else is needed.

I'm sure Factory Interactive, Vais and Coastal can't wait for this sale to end.
The only negative is that it is limited to 10 characters, but for a 04/05 they all are all except the Vais SLX.

Bob

 

I got my Terk from XMFan Store on Friday and installed it today. Everything is working great. Thanks for the info.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BobR @ Dec 28 2006, 04:25 PM) [snapback]367876[/snapback]</div>