Satellite Radio
- Thread starter AlexJet
- Start date
I have XM in my 4runner and my Mustang and Sirius in my F450. XM has more channels, but I'm finding myself getting tired of the channels that I like, and enjoy the change when I'm in the big truck. But either way you go, most likely by the end of the year, the companies will be merging - www.siriusmerge.com for more info. I'm using a portable unit - at the time, I had 3 vehicles I switched back and forth between so it made sense. But now, two of my three have integrated systems - the 4runner is only one without. Personally - I HATE the portable unit - it works off of wireless FM Modulation, and it stinks - in heavily populated areas it's hard to find a station that won't override the XM signal. So whatever you choose, make sure you get it hardwired to your radio instead of using the wireless. I'm so frustrated with it that I'm actually getting ready to change out my entire factory system and get an aftermarket DVD/Navigation/radio type unit that has integrated satellite radio. But love my satellite, don't know how I lived without it.
XM radio
I am new to this forum and just purchased my first 4Runner. Along with the nav system it came with XM radio which I activated for the free 3 month trial. Having moved from Long Island to Central New York there were less radio stations to choose from and I have enjoyed the variety on the XM. Now....can anyone tell me how to get the best deal when the free trial is over and I have to fork over actual money to continue?
I am new to this forum and just purchased my first 4Runner. Along with the nav system it came with XM radio which I activated for the free 3 month trial. Having moved from Long Island to Central New York there were less radio stations to choose from and I have enjoyed the variety on the XM. Now....can anyone tell me how to get the best deal when the free trial is over and I have to fork over actual money to continue?
There's no "deals" to be had as you are basically dealing with a monopoly - although sometimes the companies run "specials". If you have XM now, your radio will only work with XM without adding a module for Sirius. So you're pretty well stuck with XM. They will often run specials if you buy multiple year contracts - like I did 18mos on my new truck after my 6 mos expired, and they gave me a better price than if I had just extended it for the rest of the first year. Another good thing is that once you have an xm subscription, you can add radios for a lower cost per month.
FYI - there is a likelihood that sirius and XM are going to merge around the end of the year - when they do, your current radio will work with either system, and you will be able to choose different types of programming.
FYI - there is a likelihood that sirius and XM are going to merge around the end of the year - when they do, your current radio will work with either system, and you will be able to choose different types of programming.
horseexpo said:
I agree, there is alot about portables not to like. I have one and one thing I did to help was convert to direct connection to the back of my SCION added radio in my 2003 4runner. The portable xm radio I have will record daily, weekly, etc for a channel and duration. I record some talk radio and mostly listen to recorded stuff. For me it's the best way..
horseexpo said:
I'm not so sure about "no deals to be had". I have heard more than one story from people I trust with personal experience that when they contacted XM as their contract was about to expire and said they might not renew because of the cost they were given a substantial "discount" to keep them a subscriber. Of course, if XM and Sirrius do ever merge, such offers, assuming they are true, may go by the wayside.
both sirius and xm will give you "deals" if you work at it with them - I guess what I was getting at is - there's only xm and Sirius, it's not like cell phones where you can shop a bunch of different companies to find the best "deal" - it's more like cable - they run specials, but you're stuck with whoever services your area - you can't really shop them around like you can cell phone service or VOIP providers and such.
I made my own adjustable angle mount
Plugs into the cig lighter:
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/gzkrutoy/4Runner/Image011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
Oh BTW Sirius rules.
Plugs into the cig lighter:
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/gzkrutoy/4Runner/Image011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
Oh BTW Sirius rules.
swisstype
New member
I have the sirius. I like it better than the XM, but I think they are both very similar. I installed with the antenna infront of the rear spoiler, and then ran the wires nice and neat to the front, so the only visible wires you see are going to the back of the receiver unit itself. I need to put black conduit, or even elcetrical tape to tidy it up. I like the clean uncluttered look here.
Attachments
RevoRunner
New member
my Sirius install
I definitely dig Sirius radio. If I'm on the road on Sundays I can always listen to my NFL team. I modified an existing bracket and attached it here. Works well for me.
I definitely dig Sirius radio. If I'm on the road on Sundays I can always listen to my NFL team. I modified an existing bracket and attached it here. Works well for me.
RevoRunner
New member
I did a write up back when I first installed it:
Sirius 4 write up
That was almost a year ago. I have to say it is still in awesome shape. Everything is just as sturdy as when I first installed it, I haven't had any issues. I'm looking to upgrade my 4 into the Sirius 5 radio so that I can match my display with the rest of my instruments.
Sirius 4 write up
That was almost a year ago. I have to say it is still in awesome shape. Everything is just as sturdy as when I first installed it, I haven't had any issues. I'm looking to upgrade my 4 into the Sirius 5 radio so that I can match my display with the rest of my instruments.
Jeffrey_VB
New member
For you guys that are using the suction cup mount underneath the hazard lights button, how is that working for you? Is that a pretty strong mounting pint? Does the cup get a good, strong seal?
