OldYankee

First time poster. Apologies for putting up yet another bunch of questions about XM installation. I've searched through many previous posts on this topic: many are quite old, and none seem to answer exactly the following questions:

(As background, my local Lexus dealership no longer installs XM on pre-owned cars; evidently it's just too much hassle for them. So, i've been talking to car audio shops, each of whom seems to have a different approach and price.)

(1) Where should the antenna be placed?
- On the dashboard
- On the front of the roof, just rear of the windshield
- On the back of the roof, just in front of the rear lift door

There seem to be advantages/disadvantages to each option (appearance, exposure to carwash brushes, ease of installation, etc.) What is recommended?

(2) Does the brand matter? One store carries Vais; not sure what the others carry. Does/did Lexus use a particular brand?

(3) What should i expect to pay? I'm getting quotes ranging from $350 to $470, including installation. (My dealer used to charge $700, before getting out of that business.)

Thanks for any wisdom you can share.

relax221

My antenna was put in the corner of the windshield passenger side...he mounted the xm thru the dashboard next to the radio facing the driver...cant remember how much but it works fine

cmichael

I have the SIRIUS but the antenna is the same. Mine is mounted on the roof, just behind the other antennas. VAIS makes a nice unit (SoundLinQ2 (Model SL2xD2) - XM Satellite Radio Interface). just remember you will also need the XM Direct Tuner XHD2H1 integration. The VAIS unit runs $250 and the tuner ranges from $55 - $65, depending on the seller.