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XM Radio--what does "capability" mean??

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by marcusa, May 19, 2009.

  1. marcusa

    marcusa New Member

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    Toyota says that model IV has XM "capability".

    What does that mean?

    I know you have to pay XM for the subscritpion.

    I would like to know what additional hardware/installation charges, if any, are required for Package IV owners.

    The local Toyota dealer (99% certainty) said that, if you have a package IV, all you have to do is subscribe and get an access code from XM to get the XM radio to work--that ALL the sattelite hardware (reciver antenna, etc) is already included in the package IV.

    I'd like 100% certainty if anybody here knows.

    If the dealer is incorrect, what is required (beyond paying XM for the subscription) to get XM; and what will be the approximate cost if installed at the dealer.
     
    #1 marcusa, May 19, 2009
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Prius models III, IV and V already have the antenna, receiver etc in it to get XM. All you have to do is pay for the subscription after the first 3 month free trial.

    Prius II isn't immediately ready, I think you need to add the XM receiver into it. I do think however that the antenna may already be integrated into the cars roof like the other models, not sure on that though.

    In your case questioning about the model IV, if you are getting Navigation you can get an XM subscription and also pay a bit more and get the live traffic updates as well.
     
    #2 Paradox, May 19, 2009
  3. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    #3 Paradox, May 19, 2009
  4. jsharpe

    jsharpe Member

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    Anyone know if the receiver is eligible for the XM/Sirius la carte programming? (Most aren't)
     
    #4 jsharpe, May 19, 2009
  5. rwb2035

    rwb2035 New Member

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    I plan to add a Sirius receiver. I have had good luck mounting the antenna inside the car. I'm sure it's been discussed on these forums for past models. If you've never had satellite radio you're missing out!!!! : )
     
    #5 rwb2035, May 19, 2009
  6. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    For only $3.99/mo more, I think I'll spring for it. It may not cover the roads I drive (with some exception), but for the times I would need it, the $4 may be worth my time to avoid any snags.

    I wonder, however, if the XM subscription itself will be worth it. I listen mostly to a local News/Talk station w/ some music thrown in. Where it will be worthwhile is long trips to CA and back. I'm equally happy w/ MP3's burned to a CD though.

    Other XM Users - where are you finding the value in this? How often is it used?
     
    #6 HTMLSpinnr, May 19, 2009
  7. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I've got Sirius and I love it. I was VERY skeptical at first by amazingly my dad got Sirius first and it was just awesome. I love going on trips and not having to ever change the station, as well as having no commercials. I know you can use an ipod but I had one and honestly just didn't like the whole ipod thing.

    My problem is I have a lifetime with Sirius but now have to get XM in the Prius. Ah, I paid only $300 for the lifetime Sirius and that's on a plug and play radio which I use in the house, in a protable 'boom box' in the yard and away from home, a vehicle dock in my car and my work truck... So for $300 to be able to use it just about anywhere I am it was a steal...

    Now the problem having XM built into the car, you can't really go with a lifetime even if XM offered one. Sirius allows 3 radio upgrades over the 'lifetime' sub. And they charge $50 for each upgrade. But when it's in a car, you get a new car and bam, new radio... Xm also, as far as I can see, doesn't offer discounts for paying early. Like with Sirius if you pay a year in advacne you get one month free, pay 2 years get 3 months free. ANyone know if XM offers this.

    Like you Rick, I want the nav traffic since the car is capable and since I like sat radio anyway I'll jsut spree for it to have it all integrated instead of having my Sirius put in with a dock and not being able to use the nav traffic...
     
    #7 Paradox, May 19, 2009
  8. winebuff

    winebuff Proud owner of a 2010 Prius

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    You do NOTHING! I just got the car and all you have to do is turn it on. It is installed and playing. Not sure how long the free trial lasts? Anyone know or how to cancel when the freebie runs out
     
    #8 winebuff, May 19, 2009
  9. winebuff

    winebuff Proud owner of a 2010 Prius

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    Oh, and the traffic subscription is playing too as a freebie (dont think I bought it) :)
     
    #9 winebuff, May 19, 2009
  10. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    When it runs out, I dont think you do anything if you dont want it. If you want to subscribe, just call XM and they'll gladly take your money monthly lol. I love it so I'll either get the XM or maybe transfer my Sirius to the car if a workaround pans out...
     
    #10 Paradox, May 19, 2009
  11. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    For ~$17/mo between the two XM + Traffic, I'll probably get it.
     
    #11 HTMLSpinnr, May 20, 2009
  12. jefrec27

    jefrec27 New Member

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    Other XM Users - where are you finding the value in this? How often is it used?[/quote]

    XM is definitely worth it- it's the only way to hear Opie & Anthony! But they are an acquired taste, like the Prius I suppose.
     
    #12 jefrec27, May 20, 2009
  13. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Here is a quote from the XM FAQ page:

    What does it mean if my vehicle is Satellite Radio Ready or XM Ready?
    • Satellite Radio Ready or XM Ready vehicles are vehicles which were equipped at the factory with the necessary radio to receive XM, but still require the dealer to install an XM Receiver and possibly an antenna in order to fully equip the vehicle with XM. See your dealer for more details.
    I think it is possible that some cars are pre-wired to allow XM after having a receiver installed, while others are completely set up for it and you need only flip the switch. I am under the impression the V I've ordered is in the latter category.
     
    #13 a priori, May 20, 2009
  14. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    As mentioned by others, XM should function out the door - you'll need the subscribe to the service after the 90 day trial expires.
     
    #14 HTMLSpinnr, May 20, 2009
  15. dc202

    dc202 Member

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    That is correct. My Honda had XM already activated when I drove off the lot. You will have it free for 90 days then you can subscribe or not.
     
    #15 dc202, May 20, 2009
  16. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    The III, IV and V are all in that category, it's only the II that has to have the receiver installed (possibly an antenna as well, but I thought I read somewhere that the antenna is in fact already there, could be wrong on that though)...
     
    #16 Paradox, May 20, 2009
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  17. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Thanks! That's the clarification needed, I believe.
     
    #17 a priori, May 21, 2009
  18. Prius Team

    Prius Team Toyota Marketing USA

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    You're spot on Paradox, thanks for doing our job for us:) Prius II through V actually all come with the Sat antenna already on the car. Prius III-V come with integrated sat capability (in our lingo that means all you need is to purchase the subscription after the trial period runs out). Prius II requires the sat radio kit or receiver depending on what you want to call it, in addition to the subscription. Then there's different levels of subscriptions for different service levels, ex. Traffic costs extra for those with Navi units who want the XM Nav Traffic service. (I must say, it's on the 2010 I'm testing right now and it's a pretty nice little service to have in LA where you want to know when to jump off the highway before it becomes the parking lot.)

    Erica
     
    #18 Prius Team, May 22, 2009
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  19. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Thanks, Erica. I've had the Garmin service before, and it would redirect you, automatically, if a traffic delay was in front of you. It was a bit eerie, because it would suggest an exit that made no sense (absent the knowledge of a traffic problem).

    Does the new Nav with XM Traffic Service do a re-route, or do you have to figure than one out on the fly?
     
    #19 a priori, May 22, 2009
  20. billklug

    billklug Junior Member

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    I want to hook up my Pioneer INNO (with existing XM subscription) and would like to ues the built-in Sat antenna. Where is the Sat Antenna jack located? Will getting to it require major "surgery" :confused:

    Thanks!
     
    #20 billklug, Jun 14, 2009
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