The Good, The Bad, and some other stuff

[4two4me]

Thanks roverallover. I too would like cruise control if it becomes available. We have it in all 3 of our current cars. Apparently there is no XM or Sirius satellite radio available. Too bad. I put a XM compatible radio in the ZX2 and love the XM. Both Mazdas came with Sirius compatible radios and we installed Sirius in both. I like the XM better, but Sirius isn't bad. Anywhere we go, we get the same stations. I once drove from VA to CA with XM and got the same stations the entire trip, including the middle of the Nevada desert.

I know I can add an external XM or Sirius receiver, but it looks... well... ad-on. I have one I used before installing the new radio in the ZX2, but there's a reason I installed the new radio. I guess I could change out the radio, but why pay for one if you're going to change it. I could get the pure without a radio, but I want the passion for all the other stuff, not just the radio.

[Smartfor2guy]

you will probably have to use one with fm modulation

[jwight]

4two4me, just swap out the factory head unit for one that's sat radio capable, HD, CD player, front aux jack, USB connector - whatever. There are plenty of choices out there.

[4two4me]

jwight, it just seems wasteful to pay for the factory radio and change it out. Smart should offer XM, Sirius, or both. Just about every other car manufacturer does now. They could probably get a kickback from the provider for each customer that signs up. I put a JVC in the ZX2 that also gets digital FM (aka FM HD). I got it for around $150 on sale, then bought the XM receiver for another $100. Mazda charges over $300 for just the Sirius box. Smart could make extra money like other dealers by charging outrageous prices to add an XM or Sirius box, then the dealers could rip us off... I mean make money by charging dealer hourly rates to install.

[MrVvrroomm]

Originally Posted by Smartfor2guy

you will probably have to use one with fm modulation

XM & Sirius will both patch in through your aux jack. I did this on my wife's MINI.

[4two4me]

Originally Posted by MrVvrroomm

XM & Sirius will both patch in through your aux jack. I did this on my wife's MINI.

Thanks for the info!

[doc540]

Roverallover, thanks for the real world report.

I got to thinking about the "easy tip" factor. Be careful where you surf so the locals don't give you a "tip".

btw: What part of Sandy Ego? I lived in Encinitas for 10 years and have family out there.

[jediknight36]

Originally Posted by 4two4me

Thanks roverallover. I too would like cruise control if it becomes available. We have it in all 3 of our current cars. Apparently there is no XM or Sirius satellite radio available. Too bad. I put a XM compatible radio in the ZX2 and love the XM.

The dealership here in Dallas is offering an after market stereo with Sirius and GPS. I m just going to get the XM $7 radio they offer to members and another black friday tomtom.

[roverallover]

Originally Posted by doc540

Roverallover, thanks for the real world report.

I got to thinking about the "easy tip" factor. Be careful where you surf so the locals don't give you a "tip".

btw: What part of Sandy Ego? I lived in Encinitas for 10 years and have family out there.

I'm in Clairemont. Part of the BMC ... Black's Morning Crew ... so Gidget is safe from any serious tipping attempts as the boyz will keep a good eye on her. But if I'm elsewhere ... or these guys feel like hiding here behind a bush ... I could be in trouble!

[doc540]

We still need of pic of her in the Swami's parking lot at sunset.