The Woe's of Installing Sat Radio

[KC4]

Hi All

I know there are several post concerning sat radio, but I need more advice. I am looking into installing sat radio into my 2003 4Runner, but am not sure where to connect it, being that I only have one power adapter which would reveal wires. I've read a few post about installing the Scion head unit, but when I checked with the dealer on this, they looked like a deer in headlights, said you could only connect 4runner to 4runner. So any install suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

1. I am considering having the portable xm hard-wired?
2. I have also thought about having the head unit replaced with Scions unit....?
3. I'm looking into replacing the radio with an after market unit, like pioneer, alpine, etc.

I would like to have a clean install, no wires leading to the power adapter, etc. I'm sorry if this is all over the place, but I'm very unfamiliar with the topic, and I don't want to pay an arm and a leg. For example, a rep at BB suggested a pioneer unit for about $2K...and that's completely out of my range.

[vando45]

The Scion radio is a direct swap. I put a 1807 in my wife's '06, got it on ebay for around $35 shipped. Better sound, sat capability, some of the newer models are also iPod capable. I installed a sirius tuner and fit kit, not too bad of a job, about 4 hrs. including activation. I think XM is a slightly different install, though.

[shmann]

Hi there - any chance of you snapping a couple pics so we could see what that looks like? I've also got an 03 4Runner, and since it looks like I'm going to keep it for a while I'd like to update the radio head unit. Basically I'm just looking for a unit that would allow me to plug in an iPod.

Thanks,
Steve

[vando45]

Here's a link to one on ebay like the one I have:
06 Scion xb Pioneer Radio/CD SAT ready - eBay (item 260217781702 end time Mar-12-08 19:52:55 PDT)

Here's a iPod capable premium unit:
2008 SCION XB PIONEER PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM RADIO (MINT) - eBay (item 250223732868 end time Mar-15-08 14:54:34 PDT)

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by KC4

Hi All

I know there are several post concerning sat radio, but I need more advice. I am looking into installing sat radio into my 2003 4Runner, but am not sure where to connect it, being that I only have one power adapter which would reveal wires. I've read a few post about installing the Scion head unit, but when I checked with the dealer on this, they looked like a deer in headlights, said you could only connect 4runner to 4runner. So any install suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

1. I am considering having the portable xm hard-wired?
2. I have also thought about having the head unit replaced with Scions unit....?
3. I'm looking into replacing the radio with an after market unit, like pioneer, alpine, etc.

I would like to have a clean install, no wires leading to the power adapter, etc. I'm sorry if this is all over the place, but I'm very unfamiliar with the topic, and I don't want to pay an arm and a leg. For example, a rep at BB suggested a pioneer unit for about $2K...and that's completely out of my range.

How about an Hdd Navigation system with i pod bluetooth and the whole work's for $999.00 Seriously I would buy my system you gain a lot of features not to mention a Back up camera .If you think about it 1K isn't that all much on all it does the reason i like my system is everything is there extra wise Xm built/bluetooth with voice music on music and no tacky thing's hanging from your dash etc etc...

[KC4]

Thanks for the feedback. I am still in search, so I will check out your suggestions and I'm sure I will return with install questions once a HU is selected.