Experiences With Vais Xm Receiver Kits?

[RickC5]

Has anyone out there installed (or had installed) one of the VAIS XM/Sirius radio receivers in their ES? If so, how difficult was the installation, and if you had it done, how much did that cost? VAIS systems are available on eBay for about $250, + or -. Anyone found them cheaper?

It seems Lexus discontinued the OEM/factory XM radios & installation kits more than a year ago and all the old stock is gone, so that's not an option for those of us who want to have XM in an '07-'09 ES.

Has anyone tried any other type of XM receiver? I know Best Buy has one of those little add-on receivers, but I would like one that is fully integrated with my existing head unit, using the OEM radio displays.

Any/all opinions/observations/experiences welcome!

[SW03ES]

I had an add on receiver in my old '03 ES300. I originally had it wired in with an FM switchbox, but then eventually I upgraded that to a VAIS combo unit that had an iPod connector and an AUX-in for the XM.

Their products are excellent, very OEM quality. Interface works well, and will be even better with your system because its already SAT ready.

Unless you're comfortable removing expensive interior components, I'd let a pro do it. A stereo shop installed mine for like $100. Well worth it IMHO.

[RickC5]

12/28/11 Update: We had the VAIS unit installed by a local stereo store, cost was $100. They located the satellite antenna in the middle of the leading edge of the trunk and put everything back together nicely. I then called XM and activated the radio.

It works as advertised and is fully integrated into the head unit & display. If the display is left in "Text" mode, song names and artists are displayed when the song is playing.

No problems and well worth the investment as far as we are concerned.