XM radio - why does Toyota screw with people?

[Dank78]

Hi all,

First time poster here. (i know this is the wrong forum for intros so here goes)

My parents bought a 2010 Avalon XLS today. Salesman assured them that it had XM radio on the JBL synthesis radio with 6 disc cd changer with blueooth. Needless to say, they got home and i checked it out and the car does not have xm. It does have the JBL receiver and a roof mounted antenna for the XM, but when i press the AM/SAT button, only AM comes up no matter how many times i press it.

I've looked on the website a number of times and it clearly says the JBL Synthesis 360 watt stereo does come with XM enabled. I know for certain that it is the synthesis because it says right on the head unit, plus it does have bluetooth which is supposedly also part of the package. It does not make sense that this car does not have xm. I'm reasonably sure that we are going to have to have an xm receiver(one of those black boxes) installed but it will be at Toyota's expense or the car is going back.

I was thinking there was a distinct difference between XM enabled and XM capable/ready but i guess i was wrong. They're one in the same. Does Toyota sell any Avalon's with XM actually built in? I'm disgusted that the salesman didnt check this out as it came from another dealership.

Oh and to top it all off, before my parents even thought of buying, the saleman gave them an '09 book to look at. Doesnt make sense.

[nhcycle]

there could or of two issues in play" 1. the salesman isn't knowledgeable about product features or 2. he lied to make the sale with a dealer inventory swap.

I would prefer to believe the former than the latter but could believe the latter......

The XM is optional for the XLS and included with the Limited.....

Not to second guess you, but did you check to see if the dealership did/did not register the car's XM ID?

One way to understand for certain if the car was equipped with XM is the sticker..... if it is - it will list the 90-day free trial. The last resort is to confront the salesman in the presence of his sales manager and see what they will do to satisfy your parents.

Sateliter enabled and capable ARE two distinctly different functions. Enabled means it can receive XM transmissions...... caable means the receiver can be added ( for mucho $$$) at the very least they ought to add the receiver.......JMHO

[tfelton]

I think also a good idea would be to check the Sticker (under Distributor Installed Options) and also look under the passenger seat. If there's a black box that's the XM radio.

[cvanhorn2]

I just bought a 2009 Limited and it did not have the XM radio or any stickers. I installed a Sirius Stratus 6 for $69.95 from radio shack and their little antenna that magnetically attaches to the roof just in front of the rear window and the cable neatly slips under the rear window molding down and into the trunk, around therear seat, across the floor (covered with the oem floor mat) to the radio which is mounted just aft of the gearshift with enough room to use the manual shifting. Does cover seeing the seat warmer buttons but you can still use them. The best part is my wife got the HomeConnect kit for Xmas so we can use the radio in the car or house. Also their antennas are good enough to work inside my garage and also in the living room of my one story house! Sirius/XM is all one company now.

[jackholexxxx]

Originally Posted by Dank78

Hi all,
I've looked on the website a number of times and it clearly says the JBL Synthesis 360 watt stereo does come with XM enabled.

Actually it also says:

Originally Posted by toyota.com

Satellite radio requires XM-compatible receiver and monthly service fee. Vehicles without a factory-installed radio receiver require hardware purchase and installation. See your Toyota dealer for further details. Reception of the satellite signal may vary depending on location. All fees and programming subject to change. Subscriptions subject to the terms and conditions available at www.xmradio.com. Available only in the 48 contiguous United States.