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What's the real difference between PriusXM and CoastalEtech?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by macreative, Sep 5, 2004.

  1. macreative

    macreative New Member

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    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?
     
    #1 macreative, Sep 5, 2004
  2. rflagg

    rflagg Member

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    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.
     
    #2 rflagg, Sep 5, 2004
  3. Eisenson

    Eisenson New Member

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    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
     
    #3 Eisenson, Sep 5, 2004
  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    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.
     
    #4 efusco, Sep 6, 2004
  5. mycroft

    mycroft New Member

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    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.
     
    #5 mycroft, Sep 6, 2004
  6. Eisenson

    Eisenson New Member

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    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."
     
    #6 Eisenson, Sep 6, 2004
  7. macreative

    macreative New Member

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    Thank you all for your insightful information! I still don't know which one to choose.
     
    #7 macreative, Sep 6, 2004
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