XM Radio Scam by Dealers???
#11
Re: XM Radio Scam by Dealers???
Originally Posted by ElanC
So I wonder, why are you protecting this shark?
Seriously though, I'm not going to let my one bad experience, that may have only been a one time occurance, tarnish the reputation of an otherwise very respected dealership. Besides, it really wasn't much more than a difference of opinion between me and the sales manager, and I got what I wanted. Plus, I sent a slightly revised addition of what I posted here as an additonal item when I sent in the post sale "Dealership Questionaire". I'm told that these go straight to the Dealership's GM, so hopefully the sales manager will be dealt with.
#12
Re: XM Radio Scam by Dealers???
Dark Horse: The sales manager should have not agrued with you and said, "sir I will take car of this." Instead he left a mild sour taste in your mouth and you had to fight to get what you were promised in the beginning. If he had done what was right this post's tag line would be quite different.
#13
Re: XM Radio Scam by Dealers???
Alot of people are pissed off about the so-called "XM Ready" radio in the 2006 Civics. Lots of people were complaining about it way back in September when the '06 Civics started arriving.
The problem is, this is an industry wide problem - not Honda's (save for the fact that some dealers still don't understand what "XM Ready" means).
If you do research at Best Buy (or any other online site) any CD Player/Car Stereo Unit that says "XM Ready" requires the purchase and installation of the XM receiver - all they provide is the connector & firmware to understand XM's signal from the XM receiver.
For example:
Satellite Radio-ready: compatible with XM and Sirius Satellite Radio (XM or Sirius tuner, antenna and subscription required for activation)
Just because this unit is "Ipod ready" doesn't mean it includes an ipod.
I agree it is silly terminology and cryptic to those who don't understand the lingo, but it is the way it is and I don't think Honda is anymore at fault than the people who created this "standard" terminology.
The dealers should be a bit more clear with the definition of XM Ready.
#14
Re: XM Radio Scam by Dealers???
Originally Posted by geeckk
Not that I agree at all with the terminology "XM Ready", but it is used across the industry, and it in no way implies that XM is installed. The problem is that anyone who hasn't researched satellite radio (including myself) gets mislead by the "XM Ready" statement. The assumption is that it is ready to activate (I also thought this before researching).
#15
Re: XM Radio Scam by Dealers???
They should call it "XM Compatible".
We were going to get it, but when I saw the price, I balked. If it were Sirius, I'd just buy it and install it myself, but I haven't found any XM content I couldn't live without.
We were going to get it, but when I saw the price, I balked. If it were Sirius, I'd just buy it and install it myself, but I haven't found any XM content I couldn't live without.
#16
Re: XM Radio Scam by Dealers???
Originally Posted by Archslater
I agree, this is a problem. Just because it is industry wide terminology doesn't make it right. Especially since XM is relatively new and purchasing this car is most people's first experience with XM. My last car was an 05 Honda Element which came standard with XM. When I saw the XM logo on the Civic Hybrid I naturally assumed that it also had XM, despite the tiny "ready" beneath the logo. Making it a 900$ procedure to get XM is also unexcusable given that aftermarket systems cost a small fraction of this.
Well put. I thought XM was included prior to my purchase. I then discovered it wasn't (again before the purchase). Fortunately it wasn't a deal breaker. I bought the Pioneer Airware and it works just fine for a fraction of the cost. $900 is just unreasonable IMHO.
#17
Re: XM Radio Scam by Dealers???
I had the same experience. The problem is, my dealer assured me that all I needed to do was activate XM through the screen. A number of calls and a subsequent online search confirmed that it was only "XM Ready." A follow-up survey was sent to me, wherein I complained about the false assurances, but does Honda management actually even read those things? By the way, the dealer is Gardena Honda in Gardena, California. I love my car, but didn't appreciate the lying.
#19
Re: XM Radio Scam by Dealers???
Originally Posted by HyMinded
I had the same experience. The problem is, my dealer assured me that all I needed to do was activate XM through the screen. A number of calls and a subsequent online search confirmed that it was only "XM Ready." A follow-up survey was sent to me, wherein I complained about the false assurances, but does Honda management actually even read those things? By the way, the dealer is Gardena Honda in Gardena, California. I love my car, but didn't appreciate the lying.
#20
Re: XM Radio Scam by Dealers???
Same here... my salesperson implied it was "ready" to be activated. My only interest was in integration with the Navi controls. When he said it would be $900 to activate, I almost died! I've been an XM customer for several years, with three activations on the family plan. I know that each activation only has a small (maybe $15) fee. When I pressed harder for info, they advised me of the added hardware needed.
Since I had my XM Roady from my old vehicle, the $900 wasn't even a consideration. Navi integration would be fun, but not $900 worth of fun.
What in that kit could POSSIBLY cost that much? My Roady was $40 and came with the antenna, wiring and receiver... in fact, more of a receiver than in the Honda unit, since Honda's receiver doesn't need a display nor input buttons, since all of that is controlled through the Navi.
Even if half of that is labor, that's still $450 for a part which shouldn't cost more than $100 (even with customized harness connectors). Shame on Honda for this one!
Since I had my XM Roady from my old vehicle, the $900 wasn't even a consideration. Navi integration would be fun, but not $900 worth of fun.
What in that kit could POSSIBLY cost that much? My Roady was $40 and came with the antenna, wiring and receiver... in fact, more of a receiver than in the Honda unit, since Honda's receiver doesn't need a display nor input buttons, since all of that is controlled through the Navi.
Even if half of that is labor, that's still $450 for a part which shouldn't cost more than $100 (even with customized harness connectors). Shame on Honda for this one!