The 05 owners manual talks about how to visit your Toyota dealer if you want XM radio installed but it does not say if the car or stereo system is prewired for it. Many Chevrolet cars and GMC trucks are equipped with MP3 and or XM these days, it looks like the Avalon missed it for 05 but then it gives them something to add for the upcoming years.
05Limited
Thanks for the input.
Unfortunately, the lack of an mp3 player capability may have cost Toyota a sale, at least for this year. Maybe I have to wait till fall and the '06. I really would like a car that I can interface with my IPOD. The FM modulator is an unsatisfactory solution. The tape deck wire is too goofy. And, I really like the steering wheel controls that the interface ads.
I am 60 years old but I still like my music.
I am still working with the dealer to get my XM radio installed. I understand the 05 is mostly wired for XM radio. They just need to install the black box and the antenna wire and antenna. The FM modulator or tape hook-up are not required. This is a direct hook-up to the radio, I assume with RCAs or special connector. My dealer states there is a cheaper way of getting XM radio by purchasing a universal connector so you can hook-up another OEM receiver. I am unclear if this means I cannot use my Radio buttons to control the unit and if it will appear on the NAV display. I would rather pay the $400 bucks or whatever it is for the toyota installation and have everything integrated, which it is.
Has anyone had the XM radio installed?
Topazdan...I would buy the 05 Avalon. I have 2500 miles on mine and love it. Quiet, powerful, every bell and wistle. The big selling point is the quality and resale value which you cannot get from any other manufacturer. My last car was a 00 Lexus Gs300. And this meet or exceeds many of the features of my older Lexus.
Preskev
Thanks for the input. I love the Avalon. I cannot believe the value when compared to other cars of the same price. But, I have really been looking forward to having my IPOD connected to the radio. I can do that with almost any other car. For now, I am going to check with JBL and some aftermarket people to see if there is an adapter.
There is what is called a PIE adaptor which is made for most cars on the market. You can plug an XM commander into your factory stereo with it and it is basically the same thing for alot less.
Airskeeter,
On researching the PIE unit for XM ratio adaptations, it appears that the PIE units require a head unit with a CD changer input on the back of the head unit. The Avalon JBL does not have the CD changer input (unfortunately).
I am continuing to seek a solution for an XM antenna less obtrusive that the dealer installed mouse in the side of the trunk lid. Especially one that will fit inside the brake lite housing in the rear window. (that has been done in the Lexux 430).
I spoke with 3 toyota dealers in Phoenix to get a quote to install the XM radio installed at the dealer. The prices ranged from $650 to $950 including parts and labor. All the dealers stated it was labor intensive and would take all day for the installation. They all confirmed that this is the only way to have the JBL unit control the XM radio receiver and display all the information. Even with the high cost, I am still planning using the Toyota installation. I had an XM roady on my old lexus and it always annoyed me with the separate controls and the Tape Adapter. I guess its all about personal choice and your financial situation.
Airskeeter- I had the Toyota XM radio installed yesturday and love it. It took about 45 minutes for the install. It ended up costing about $615 for the total install, including $100 labor. I really like the way the functions of the XM on the Panasonic (JBL System) unit. You Get 6 Preselects on 3 Sat modes (18 Total) and search the channels by type like the other XM receivers. The only bad thing is you cannot quickly scroll through the channels like you can do with the roady. But, the sound is crystal clear. I highly recommend it. Talking with the installer, a new XM harness is installed in the aux port of the Panasonic head unit then routed to the box in the trunk. The antenna cable is then routed to the antenna on the trunk lid. I had them place it in the center of the truck. Its a little big, but I can live with it.
FYI for all...If you have the Toyota dealer install it, The toyota techs are instructed to rip out your entire trunk and place the box behind the drivers side rear seat between the sound barrier and the rear seat. This takes all day to get access. My toyota dealer sold me the equipment and gave it to a third party to install the unit. They installed the box adjacent to the R/H rear wheel well under the trunk lining with adhesive. It took only a couple of seconds to install it here and probably saved me $100s of dollars in labor costs. If you are going to have the toyota system installed you may want to use this installation.
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