Die Hard DIY'er here who thinks he may have just cost himself trying to save a buck. I have listened to Sirius since its inception and I recently bought an RX8 and it did not have the Sirius installed. After searching around, I found a unit that was being sold with everything but the cable that connects the Sirius tuner to the RX8 head unit, so I bought it for half of the new cost.

Now I am dreading that I might have made a mistake. Does anyone know if this cable can be ordered/purchased separately? I have tried to do some preliminary searches, but I only come up with the install kits or the radio kits themselves, no individual parts.

I have not called any dealers either.

Thanks!

 

Well, I can't take the suspense so I will respond to my own post and share the misery. Yes the noob is a boob! I bought a Sirius Paper Weight!

Somone at Sirius or Mazda in their infinate wisdom decided that you can only purchase the Sirius Radio as a kit, so as I understand it from the dealer components can't be replaced individually.

Which begs the question? Am I foolish enough to spend $300+ on this knowing that if any single part fails I have to buy everything all over again? NO

There is always CDs and free radio, as for this paperweight and other parts, they are going on eBay with a full disclosure.

 

Have you checked out these guys?

http://www.tss-radio.com/

If anyone will have what you need they will.

 

Why not check with mazmart? They might be able to get you the cable you need.

 

Thanks JD, I did try them and they are a great resource, but they don't have it either and in Mazda's defense, it sounds like it is Sirius or Sanyo behind the issue.

Apparently, it is up to them as to whether or not the car manufacturer can sell individual parts or entire kits.

I guess they hae to force people to by the entire kit so they can afford to continue paying Howard Stern

Thanks for the reply,

 

Thanks Juice, I sent them an email.

Whether they have it or not, they are definately a huge resource for stuff.

I did not even know they existed, that is why I like these fourums so much-they contain a wealth of information and past experiences from other owners.

 

I'm not sure how much you are in the hole, but I have a good set up with Sirius. My car did not come with it, but my wife was kind enough to purchase the Stratus kit for a Xmas present a few years ago. OK, not the best unit out there, but she bought it for me and I can't really just get rid of it! These units can be picked up for next to nothing at the moment.

Anyhow, I mounted mine in the sunglass holder, between the map lights. It will just barely fit in if the bulky, black plastic mount the unit plugs into is slight trimmed after being taken apart.

I am using a direct FM cable that works pretty darn good IMO. I need to thank Smokey at Best Buy in Conroe for the set up. It was his idea and he did a great job. Only charged my $50, too!


I picked up a remote for the Stratus on Ebay and that makes it much easier to change stations, even though I listen to one or two sports stations most of the time.

Here's a couple of pics.

 

I dont know where abouts you live, but have you tried a junk yard? Most yards are linked and you can search their "network" for cars, it might mean a drive to get it but its worth a shot. Better then having a $300 paper weight.