RyanDe680

My IS did not come with the XM satellite receiver from Lexus.

I am thinking about getting XM for the home and figured why not find something that would work in the car too.

Is anyone familiar with the XM unit from Delphi that works both in the home and the car? Does anyone have this in their IS and it works well?

Specifically, this unit: http://shopdelphi.com/consumers/satr...istening_kits/

I would also be buying the CD Home Audio system, so home isn't the big concern for me, but I haven't seen anyone with this in their IS, given that Lexus has the unit available.

KayGee

I have the SkyFi2 in my '99 GS300. I like it because I can easily move it between my car and my motorcycle. One word of advice is that if you decide to go with it is to get the hard wired FM modulator.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I use a Roady unit, and it works great. And it didn't cost me $500...

There are disadvantages to it: mostly aesthetic, and of course the non-integration of the unit into the radio/nav system. My set-up: antenna on the rear right corner of the roof of my car, snaking to the center console, with an XM unit cupholder attachment in the front cupholder. Can you see it?

CoasterG

iTrader: (1)

I have an Audiovox Xpress that I love - has all the functions of the SkyFi2 other than the memory and its as small as the mini Roady.

Currently installed in the ashtray with the antenna on the trunk, works great. Eventually mounting it to the side of the stock radio with the wiring running under the center console.

RyanDe680

I'm not sure what the Roady unit is....

I can see it, but its because I looked for it Otherwise it looks pretty concealed, and my car is black, so if they antenna is black, I should be safe...

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Added to this:

Jay M

There are some things you should think about when you try to decide between a portable and installed XM unit.

For me the most annoying thing about portable units is that they don't turn on and off with the car.

There is rarely a good place to put a portable unit.

Moving a unit from car to car is a pain. XM subscriptions are only $12 for the first sub, then I think $6 for additional ones.

I have 3 XM units. The Lexus factory system whick works very well, I have an XM commander in my '68 Corvette, and I have a Skyfi in the house.

~Jay

KayGee

Mine does

The SkyFi2 uses a cradle that is usually mounted right next to the OEM radio



I agree somewhat, however; as I stated before the SkyFi2 uses a cradle that allows you to just pop it out.



If my car were newer I think that I would opt for the integrated unit. When I finally upgrade to a 3rd Generation GS, I will opt for an integrated unit.

RyanDe680

How much does the IS unit go for? Dealer purchase only?

Jay M

An arm, and a leg .... $695 with the purchase of the car... they told me that was the their cost. After the fact I think they would charge a bit more.

~Jay

Bichon

They were feeding you a line of crap. The cost of the module is $299 from Sewell Lexus here (http://www.lexus-parts.com/partdetai...bCategoryID=99), and if you know the secret incantation, there is a 10% Club Lexus discount that drops the price to $269.10.

Several people on this forum have installed the kit themselves, and report that it isn't terribly difficult.

RyanDe680

Thank you, I think I will buy a separate unit (the Delphi one) for home and get the Lexus one for the car.