Anyone know anything about the Satellite Ready set ups in 2005 vehicles?

[Jasmine]

This is cut and pasted from my other post: My son bought me an XM subscription for Xmas.
When I LEASED MY 2005 Avalon Limited last August, I was told it was "satellite ready". There IS a 'SAT' button on the radio. Anyway, when I called the dealer to find out how to activate the XM in the car, he told me it would cost me $500 installation for them to install and set it up!! They told me "Toyota is very specific as to where the antaenna needs to be placed on the vehicle". Best Buys, where he bought the service tells me they will install the antaenna for $59!
I asked the guy at Best Buy about the appearance, placement, etc., and he said that I would not be able to see the antaenna when they were through, and nothing in the car would be tampered with.

I'm also worried about reception. The car is a three year lease, so I don't think I want to pay $500 for something that I understood as already being available in the car. Interestingly, the Toyota dealership told me that I'd have to leave the car for about a day and a half. Bestbuys told me they'd have it done in an hour.

Has anyone had any similar experience? Should I be reluctant to let Bestbuys install it? I am already 'put out 'that I had to pay $130 for all-weather mats for a LEASED car (although I'm SO glad I have them in this East Coast wintery climate, and they look very beautiful in the car).

Fooey! I was so excited about this, and now I'm feeling ripped off by the dealership who told me the car was XM ready. Even to a person who doesn't know anything about cars, I do understand a little bit about wiring, and I just don't see where the heck they come up with $500, and the guy giving me the quote said it might even be more depending on 'unforseen' costs!!

Thanks in advance for your help/suggestions, and happiest of holidays to everyone.

Peace,
J.

[inov8]

"Satellite Ready" is sort of like a TV set that is "DVD ready". If you buy a DVD player, there is a jack on the TV where you can connect it, and a button on the TV remote to obtain the signal from that jack. The TV does not have a DVD player inside. Your Avalon is similar. The "Sat" button will woek IF you have a compatible Satellite receiver installed.

The receiver (tuner) your dealer will install mounts behind one of the trunk trim panels. His price includes both the tuner and installation. It is designed to integrate into your audio system and display screen. An advantage of buying it from the dealer is a factory warranty just like any other part of the car, plus it will not impact your lease contract. A disadvantage is that it will probably be more expensive than Best Buy.

It would be possible to remove the tuner when your lease expires; you might be able to sell it for $100 (perhaps more) on eBay.

[inov8]

Part 2

The "unforeseen costs" comment does concern me, and should be filed under "BS". Toyota publishes specific and detailed instructions for dealer installation and check-out (I have a copy) of this unit. There should not be any uncertainty involved. I would find another dealer who will quote a firm price.

Better yet, send an e-mail message to all of the dealers in your area and ask for a quote. Some Avalon owners have reported paying a lot less than $500.

[Jasmine]

Thank you for your input, everyone. I will let you know how it turns out. Happy holidays!


J.

[cam2Xrunner]

I sent you PM did you get it?

[Jasmine]

Robert,

I did get your message, and thank you SO much. Last time I checked my email I hadn't recevied anything, but I will check and get back to you. Thank you SO much again!


J.

[cam2Xrunner]

Working on it right now...