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xm installation

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by ddyer, Jan 10, 2008.

  1. ddyer

    ddyer New Member

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    i bought a 2008 prius and the dealor referred me to an xm radio installer who want to charge $350.00. Any suggestions where to go for cheaper install?
     
    #1 ddyer, Jan 10, 2008
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Was that for the XM Unit + install, or just the installation charge and you have to pay (or already paid) for the XM unit? For the OEM kit or an aftermarket kit?

    You can have it installed for free in your own garage...there are instructions on the net and if you order from the Priuschat shop or several other sellers they usually include instructions on how to do the install.
     
    #2 efusco, Jan 10, 2008
  3. raehl311

    raehl311 Junior Member

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    $350 is on the cheap end if it includes labor and equipment. It's $449 as the option and $499 'retail' installation and some dealers have quoted me $560+.

    Just make SURE they install the antenna on your roof and not on the dashboard (which sucks for reception).

    - Chris
     
    #3 raehl311, Jan 11, 2008
  4. Virodeath

    Virodeath New Member

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    XM Radio in Prius

    $299 WITH 3 MONTHS FREE XM SERVICE and FREE ACTIVATION WITH PURCHASE!!

    Seems like a good deal.

    Viro
     
    #4 Virodeath, Jan 14, 2008
  5. Scot

    Scot New Member

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    I installed the factory XM kit from Coastal Tech. It was pretty simple and probably took about 90 min. The kit comes with a micro antenna which you can place on the dash instead of outside. I've been using it for about a week and I get great reception, even with the car in my garage!
     
    #5 Scot, Jan 17, 2008
  6. raehl311

    raehl311 Junior Member

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    You know, that *IS* one wierd thing I noticed about the antenna on the dashboard. I get CRAPPY reception driving around (it's OK most of the time, but cuts out passing trucks and cuts out a lot more under bridges than my previous installs on different cars and even cuts out randomly driving down open expressway with nothing around.

    But it *DOES* work in my garage, which has never been the case with 3 other XM installs. Go figure.

    - Chris
     
    #6 raehl311, Jan 17, 2008
  7. Scot

    Scot New Member

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You know, that *IS* one wierd thing I noticed about the antenna on the dashboard. I get CRAPPY reception driving around (it's OK most of the time, but cuts out passing trucks and cuts out a lot more under bridges than my previous installs on different cars and even cuts out randomly driving down open expressway with nothing around.

But it *DOES* work in my garage, which has never been the case with 3 other XM installs. Go figure.
    Funny, mine never cuts out. Of course I'm in South Texas where we refer to the dump as 'Mount Corpus':D I'm going up to the Hill country this weekend so I guess I'll find out if it makes a difference.
     
    #7 Scot, Jan 17, 2008
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