Need advice on XM, please ...

[fernem]

Hi, everyone.

I want some advice from those of you who have formed an opinion about this. (I've also posted this on the Gen III forum.)

I have a 2007 Prius, package 6, I think it was. My husband just bought a 2010 Prius and we have been going on long rides in it and enjoying XM radio. I am thinking of buying a Toyota XM radio base and fit kit from Metro Toyota and installing it in my 2007. I have an iPod. It has 80 gigs worth of music, etc. but I really like the surprise element of XM and have found nice music for myself.

Question: Is it crazy to put $400. into my car (Metro + outside installation ... not dealer... who wants $600. for the whole deal) when Sirius/XM may go belly up in December when their next debt pay back comes due? I read that most new subscriptions come from new car owners who got XM with their cars. Not me. And I don't think I want an exterior radio handing off an air vent.

Please let me know what you think? I'd appreciate the advice.

Thanks,

fern

[tkoegel]

If you use google to search for "sirius xm debt" you'll come up with a New York Times article from February of this year when SiriusXM was in similar dire financial straits. SiriusXM staved off this potential death threat, of course. Even if they go into bankruptcy because they can't refinance their December debt, it is extremely unlikely that they would go out of business. They would use a BK to shed their debt, just like Chrysler and GM. The risk, as pointed out by the NYT article, is that they would lose their ability to retain high-priced big name talent like Howard Stern or Martha Stewart. The vast majority of their programming, though, is pretty cheap. And with a sizable installed base of subscriptions, there is a viable business model.

Bottom line: If you like SiriusXM, buy it without fear that it will disappear.

[Bobsprius]

I love my XM, have it both our vehicles including the new 2001 PRIUS, and the Home Sound System is XM as well.

I am in it for the long haul...

[pjb_aus]

I had the XM Radio deal as part of my 2008 model. It was very nice getting nearly any kind of radio show. However, I paid for it recently as my XM subscription expired and they started charging my card pro-rata with out notification or approval. I immedieately cancelled the service and will never use it again.
In hindsight, I did a google on "XM radio complaints" and discovered this is a business practice with them. I have now cancelled that card as I do not trust them to maintain my records.

[byronjb66]

I just installed the kit from Factory Interactive and have been completely satisfied with it. Their install DVD is priceless and amde the entire install go off without a hitch. And the integration is like factory. If I did not tell you that it was not factory installed/integrated, you would never know.

[philobeddoe]

my dealer inexplicably delivered my '08 without the XM receiver

ultimately, an XM tech was sent to my office to install the aftermarket receiver

works seamlessly, and i love it

i got jerry and the boys working around the clock