Thanks for the quick reply. Was it a national outfit that did your install or a local one? Did you use the VAIS unit? Were they able to use the shark fin antenna, or did they install a windshield unit? The reason I ask is that I spoke with my Lexus dealership today and they said they'll install XM and it will be seamlessly integrated into the system. I know they offer XM as an option when you purchase, but I'm interested in Sirius programming (specifically NFL programming) which XM now doesn't offer. The service manager said they "tried Sirius but didn't get the reception and service" that they receive from XM. I don't know if this is just the corporate party line, but I suspect it is.
How have you found the Sirius "service and reception"? Any complaints other than fewer available presets?
I have dealer installed sirius in 06 GS300. at that time, lexus offered a choice between that and xm and i chose sirius for the same programming reason. I have been very frustrated with the lexus reception and have taken it to the dealer several times trying to address it. happened across another customer in the lobby who was there for the same reason so i actually think the dealer is giving you real information in this case. In fact, the dealer installed unit (they finally replaced the receiver and antennae just to satisfy me that there wasn't a defect) gets spotier reception than the little magnet antennae/after market device we have in our 2nd car. for the most part reception is fine on open roads tho it does drop on occasion. it's much spotier on secondary roads where there are more trees nearby etc. (understandable but the $99 Best Buy portable gets better reception on those same roads.) All that said, there are a number of satellite boards that aren't lexus specific that have a lot of chatter about xm signal being more reliable in general. I figure the VAIS unit can't be any worse if you're considering the switch. The ipod interface alone would be an upgrade for me even if sirius is no better tho as others have posted, sat3 preset is used by ipod so you have 6 fewer sat presets.