Sirius installation.....Cheapest - how to?

[ItsJustMe]

Hey guys, first post Is there a thread somewhere that goes over the different methods of self install for Sirius? I've found some self install information for the Mazda3, would that be the same process? Do most go w/after market equipment or the Mazda integrated? If you're going w/Mazda, who is the cheapest source? I'm leaning toward the Mazda equipment because it would be streamlined, but in reality I just want whatever is cheap, easy to install, and not hideous.

I have an 09 GT

 

[AwaKeN]

Just buy a Sirius portable receiver dans plug it into your radio input !

 

[62Lincoln]

Hey guys, first post Is there a thread somewhere that goes over the different methods of self install for Sirius? I've found some self install information for the Mazda3, would that be the same process? Do most go w/after market equipment or the Mazda integrated? If you're going w/Mazda, who is the cheapest source? I'm leaning toward the Mazda equipment because it would be streamlined, but in reality I just want whatever is cheap, easy to install, and not hideous.

I have an 09 GT

The OE Mazda parts are going to run around $300, and then dealer install is probably 2 hours @$75/hr., so I'm not sure if that meets your threshold of "cheap". The plus side is it will integrate with your factory head unit, and essentially be invisible to the naked eye. Here's a couple of sources: http://www.mazdaparts.org/au9.html
http://www.mazdastuff.com/product.cfm?ProductID=2723

There are multiple ways to add aftermarket Sirius, you can choose based on your budget and which equipment meets your aesthetic criteria.

 

[Robotazky]

Hey guys, first post Is there a thread somewhere that goes over the different methods of self install for Sirius? I've found some self install information for the Mazda3, would that be the same process? Do most go w/after market equipment or the Mazda integrated? If you're going w/Mazda, who is the cheapest source? I'm leaning toward the Mazda equipment because it would be streamlined, but in reality I just want whatever is cheap, easy to install, and not hideous.

I have an 09 GT

Whatever you do, DO NOT MOUNT THE ANTENNA WHERE THE FACTORY DOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mine cuts out constantly, whereas my Focus' Sirius never does. The reason is that they mount it too close to panel edges and under the radio antenna. It looks really cute, but it doesn't work there. If you read instructions on where to mount the antenna, it will specifically tell you not to mount the thing as close to edges as Mazda mounts it. I tried to pull some slack out so that I can move it, and it's a no go. Really ticks me off actually.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

user id fail.....we already has an imjustagirl...

 

[ItsJustMe]

Thanks for the information. My husband installed an after market on our previous vehicle and it worked great (and looked okay LOL). He's no expert ((lol2)) but can follow directions. I'm just thinking I'd rather have the streamlined look of the Mazda radio, and I'm unclear on how the Sirius installation effects the IPod jack (I've read that some models it effects it???).

 

[Robotazky]

Thanks for the information. My husband installed an after market on our previous vehicle and it worked great (and looked okay LOL). He's no expert ((lol2)) but can follow directions. I'm just thinking I'd rather have the streamlined look of the Mazda radio, and I'm unclear on how the Sirius installation effects the IPod jack (I've read that some models it effects it???).

You are right about the concerns about different models and compatibility. If you go here:

http://www.mazdaparts.org/au9.html

you'll see that there is in fact a different unit depending on whether or not you have Sirius radio installed already. I would look into this before i bought/installed one or the other. It appears just by glancing, that you buy the Sirus and install it, then buy the $119.99 Ipod kit that works with Sirius. IF you have navigation you're screwed, like me. JUST MAKE SURE YOU"RE ANTENNA IS MOUNTED AT LEAST 4" AWAY FROM THE EDGE OF THE BODY PANEL THAT IT'S MOUNTED ON LIKE THE MANUFACTURER STATES. DON'T MOUNT IT WHERE MAZDA DOES OR YOU WILL BE TICKED OFF LIKE ME!

By the way, that link is a great place to get the oil filter kit.

 

[ItsJustMe]

Thanks for the link! I'll have to decide if the $$ is worth it to still have Ipod capabilities. Bummer that the one counters out the other (and no navigation for me.....I prefer to be lost LOL). I talked to my husband about the antenna placement and he seemed to understand what you were saying. Thanks!

 

[Heat]

Does your GT have navigation? If not, you can easily put in an aftermarket radio with Sirius and iPod controls for around $150 or $160.

 

[ItsJustMe]

No, no navigation.

So are you saying w/an aftermarket the Ipod jack still works?