Prius and Satellite Radio

Didn't see it on any I looked at. Their top of the line package #6 didn't have it. If it isn't part of the JBL audio package and som add on, there might be some problems with the interface with regards to the auto-mute with the GPS or Bluetooth phone.

If I do go to a Sirus, I'd probably go the portable unit with the radio transmitter that allows you to use it with the car's FM radio or perhaps the cassette deck interface that is in package #6.

However, those that hang around in the audio forums haven't been that impressed with the audio quality of Sirus and moreseo as more stations go online. Bandwidth is showing and the audio bit rate seems to have fallen (maybe like a 128 ripped Mp3). It isn't audiophile quality as many think.

B~

I have both the XM unit directly wired into the display screen and a Sirius starbase unit mounted under the radio across the front of the former cubby hole. It is a direct fm modulater connection (no static)

I find the XM to have a far stronger signal with less drop offs. The Sirius will sometimes lose the signal around town. The sound quality of the direct connection is much better than the fm modulated one. The FM modulated connection has a more tinny flat sound than the direct connection.

I purchased Sirius after the XM to give me some more options when I sit in traffic. After listening to Howard Stern this week when I had a loaner car, I like Opie and Anthony better. The music selections are a little better on Sirius (early and later classic rock). XM lumps them together.

If you want a directly wired Sirius or XM unit, try looking at www/PriusXM.com (he has the Sirius units now, Coastaletech is still working on the Sirius units, but has XM) I have the Coastaletech XM

It is not a Toyota option, but there are third-party add-ons.

Yes, and yes.

XM is available for the 05 Prius.

Technically, it is a Toyota option, but only for the Solara. It will work with the Prius and some dealers will do the install if you don't want to do it yourself.

Bill '04 Prius, BC package with XM

Thanks for those links.

Any idea on whether installation of one of these units impacts Toyota's overall warranty on the car?

I would be really surprised if they did. 1) they're the same units that Toyota uses in their cars (Prius or otherwise) and 2) car stereo installers wouldn't be in business for very long if installing a new stereo voided the warranty.

Any idea of whether that needs to be done at time of purchase or can be done later?

Later; most dealers won't do it at all.

Sorry if this is a dupe post, my browser crashed on me.

As a factory option, satelite radio is not listed for the 2004-? Prius. However, you can buy the parts for the Solara, and they will work fine in your Prius and will integrate with the Prius' touch screen.

The 3rd party sellers will include Prius-specific installation instructions (paper or video) to help you with a DIY install. But, you could also use your dealer or your favorite audio installer to do the work for you. If you buy the part directly from your Toyota parts department, call around to different dealers for pricing and check their websites for discount coupons.

for XM:

your favorite Toyota parts department: ask for the Solara XM radio kit, part number PT546-06040

one known Prius-friendly Toyota dealer has posted the installation instructions for the Toyota XM kit, and is offering it for sale here:

for Sirius:

According to the thread at:

Thanks. I am debating about this. The dealership where I am getting my Prius has brochures for satellite radio, so I assumed that meant they installed them--but maybe not in a Prius. I'd rather wait a bit anyway to see whether I can stand the new lineup on my normal radio station.

I know they sell a satellite radio setup for the Scion, but I don't know of any official one from Toyota for the Prius.