What's the real difference between PriusXM and CoastalEtech?

macreative · 09-05-2004, 01:22 PM

Im sure they are both excellent systems - but what is the difference.

The only thing I have noticed from the pictures is the location of the antenna on the roof (Prius XM seems on the right and CoastalEtech dead center)

Do they both have the XM tuner module under the CD player in the hidden compartment? Does one work better than the other? Do both accept Voice Commands?

Any insight? or photos? I have seen the ones in the gallery - any new ones?

rflagg · 09-05-2004, 02:17 PM

The *main* differences that I can tell you about are the following:

PriusXM comes with a step by step DVD, while Coastaletech's kit comes with written instructions.

As far as where the where the satellite receiver goes, I know for a fact in the PriusXM kit it mounts in the back of the car behind the carpeting and out of sight - I'm fairly sure this is the same location for CoastalEtech's positioning.

As far as one working better than the other - they are essentially the same - the receiver and cabling are standard toyota parts and have no difference in quality, size, or anything.

And yes, the voice commands "Sat 1", "Sat 2", and "Sat 3" take you to the three different levels of presets, allowing for 18 different presets on your integrated system.

Also - PriusXM can have the antenna mounted in the center, and the CoastalEtech can be mounted on the side, it's just a matter of preference (and ease - it's much easier to mount it off to the side, and less wires potentially showing).

Hope this helps!

-m.

Eisenson · 09-05-2004, 02:46 PM

They're identical units and will provide precisely the same performance. If you've looked at Coastal's instructions for other things (examples are on the website), they're explicit and very photodetailed. I'm positive that the XMRadio DVD is excellent, but you'll need a laptop or DVD player to use it during the installation.

You also can order the exact same unit from any Toyota dealer - who will say "This fits the Solara but not the Prius". That's wrong. I published the part number elsewhere (can't find it!). IIRC, dealer price is much more than Coastal, a little less than XMRadio.

Now that he's been educated, my dealer will install for $70.

Hurricane Frances: Coastal is in Melbourne, FL. I'm pretty sure they bugged out, but who knows what they'll return to? Sympathy is in order - they've been terrific to this community. What a horrible situation!!!

Henry

**efusco** · 09-06-2004, 12:07 AM

You also asked about the location for the controls....the controls already exist in your Prius. These Toyota Solara systems are fully integrated into your XM ready Stereo system.

Be aware, you may soon have a significantly less expensive integrated XM option available. Terk is developing XMDirect for XMready radios including Pioneer systems like in your Prius. Total cost for that should be about $100, but there likely won't be any good directions on how to install.

One other addition that I think is important. Although Dave's XM kit comes with written instructions on paper, it also comes with a CD that you can run on a computer that has lots of detailed pictures and 'tricks' for getting the things apart that need to come apart.

I have not seen Jon's DVD, but it has gotten high praise from many. Dave's directions require much less dismantling of the dash, but does require some dexterity and patience to get the plug in place. And, in my case, a couple of minor lacerations.

mycroft · 09-06-2004, 12:28 AM

Quote:

You also can order the exact same unit from any Toyota dealer - who will say "This fits the Solara but not the Prius". That's wrong. I published the part number elsewhere (can't find it!). IIRC, dealer price is much more than Coastal, a little less than XMRadio.

Now that he's been educated, my dealer will install for $70.

What is your dealer charging? I called a random local Toyota dealer about the price for the Solara add-on XM radio; they quoted about 600 dollars.

Eisenson · 09-06-2004, 11:33 AM

From my previous post on another thread:

A local Toyota dealer says that part number PT546-06040 is a complete kit with instructions, at $480.68 retail, and installation is "about $100".
<snip>

UPDATE:
Dealer called back to say they looked at the instructions and "installation will be $70, so it's $551 complete."

macreative · 09-06-2004, 12:19 PM

Thank you all for your insightful information! I still don't know which one to choose.

09-05-2004, 01:22 PM	#1
macreative Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 157 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	What's the real difference between PriusXM and CoastalEtech? Im sure they are both excellent systems - but what is the difference. The only thing I have noticed from the pictures is the location of the antenna on the roof (Prius XM seems on the right and CoastalEtech dead center) Do they both have the XM tuner module under the CD player in the hidden compartment? Does one work better than the other? Do both accept Voice Commands? Any insight? or photos? I have seen the ones in the gallery - any new ones?

09-05-2004, 02:17 PM	#2
rflagg Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 946 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	The main differences that I can tell you about are the following: PriusXM comes with a step by step DVD, while Coastaletech's kit comes with written instructions. As far as where the where the satellite receiver goes, I know for a fact in the PriusXM kit it mounts in the back of the car behind the carpeting and out of sight - I'm fairly sure this is the same location for CoastalEtech's positioning. As far as one working better than the other - they are essentially the same - the receiver and cabling are standard toyota parts and have no difference in quality, size, or anything. And yes, the voice commands "Sat 1", "Sat 2", and "Sat 3" take you to the three different levels of presets, allowing for 18 different presets on your integrated system. Also - PriusXM can have the antenna mounted in the center, and the CoastalEtech can be mounted on the side, it's just a matter of preference (and ease - it's much easier to mount it off to the side, and less wires potentially showing). Hope this helps! -m. __________________ lifetime MPG: 51.8 total miles: 41469 (2/28/04-12/08/05).

09-05-2004, 02:46 PM	#3
Eisenson Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 142 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	They're identical units and will provide precisely the same performance. If you've looked at Coastal's instructions for other things (examples are on the website), they're explicit and very photodetailed. I'm positive that the XMRadio DVD is excellent, but you'll need a laptop or DVD player to use it during the installation. You also can order the exact same unit from any Toyota dealer - who will say "This fits the Solara but not the Prius". That's wrong. I published the part number elsewhere (can't find it!). IIRC, dealer price is much more than Coastal, a little less than XMRadio. Now that he's been educated, my dealer will install for $70. Hurricane Frances: Coastal is in Melbourne, FL. I'm pretty sure they bugged out, but who knows what they'll return to? Sympathy is in order - they've been terrific to this community. What a horrible situation!!! Henry __________________ PERFECT is nearly good enough... White BC geekmobile since Oct03 * Engine/Brake LEDs * ScanGauge * 50ft Traffic Levitator * Leather w/gas absorber * 132dB horns * Phone/nav at any speed

09-06-2004, 12:07 AM	#4
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 13,360 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 1 Time in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 23	You also asked about the location for the controls....the controls already exist in your Prius. These Toyota Solara systems are fully integrated into your XM ready Stereo system. Be aware, you may soon have a significantly less expensive integrated XM option available. Terk is developing XMDirect for XMready radios including Pioneer systems like in your Prius. Total cost for that should be about $100, but there likely won't be any good directions on how to install. One other addition that I think is important. Although Dave's XM kit comes with written instructions on paper, it also comes with a CD that you can run on a computer that has lots of detailed pictures and 'tricks' for getting the things apart that need to come apart. I have not seen Jon's DVD, but it has gotten high praise from many. Dave's directions require much less dismantling of the dash, but does require some dexterity and patience to get the plug in place. And, in my case, a couple of minor lacerations. __________________ Evan E. Fusco, MD Seaside 04BC9/OEM EVb/NAV & auto-BT/XM Radio, CAN-View, Shark Fin, BT Stiff. Plate, Skid Plate & Strut Support

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
PriusXM install question	pottedmeat	Prius Main Forum	8	09-23-2007 01:03 PM
PriusXM - Now only $295.	Jon	Sponsored Commercial Sales	3	11-17-2004 04:33 PM
PriusXM - 5/25/2004	Jon	Sponsored Commercial Sales	1	05-26-2004 08:12 AM
PriusXM - 5/13/2004	Jon	Sponsored Commercial Sales	13	05-20-2004 08:13 AM
Our first Sponsor - PriusXM!	Danny	Prius Main Forum	7	04-14-2004 04:52 PM

09-06-2004, 11:33 AM	#6
Eisenson Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 142 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	From my previous post on another thread: A local Toyota dealer says that part number PT546-06040 is a complete kit with instructions, at $480.68 retail, and installation is "about $100". <snip> UPDATE: Dealer called back to say they looked at the instructions and "installation will be $70, so it's $551 complete."

09-06-2004, 12:19 PM	#7
macreative Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 157 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Thank you all for your insightful information! I still don't know which one to choose.