Legend75

Is it worth subscribing to the XM-Radio Satellite network after the initial trial period ends of the 3 month's free, that Acura gives you after you purchase a new vehicle? If not, is it possible to subscribe to the Sirius network? Was just wondering if the cost is worth it or not and if the XM-Radio company is worth the money or am I better off going with Sirius or nothing at all. Thanks for your time folks!

Ocean66

Well, you had 3 months to use XM, didn't you like it? There isn't a way to swap to Sirius, but I personally love XM. I've put it in the truck too. Heck for the cost of a few pennies a day, I get fantastic choices. Thats my 2 cents. But you are the one using/paying for it.

marquis

I was a little dubious at first, but now I can't live without my XM. It's kinda like when cable first came out - why should I be paying for something I was used to getting for free? Now can you imagine yourself without it?

But it is up to you....we can't answer that question for you. Everyone will have a different opinion. In the end, it's only yours that counts. I have no idea if XM is *worth* it for you.

Legend75

Thanks guys, was just curious, I have ordered my car and was just curious about the XM-Radio etc and people's perspectives on this matter.

varanelli

I am so glad that I kept XM. I rarely listen to FM any more.

PhilB

Check out the fourth post in this thread:

http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82059

A company is working on a Sirius gender bender kit.

-phil

cM3go

I miss XM, I need my job back

Dkrudop

If nothing else....I love having the amount of choice available with XM. i only wish the sound quality was better.

Legend75

Thanks PhilB, good link to that forum. It is a shame that Acura does not provide the consumer the choice in a $35,000 automobile between XM & Sirius! Just my 2 cents!

PhilB

It's called kick-backs, baby!

-phil

cdbell1201

I think the most important variable in deciding whether to keep XM or not is the type of music you like. I'm probably in the minority on this one, but I honestly haven't found an XM station that I enjoy too terribly much. I like alternative rock with a little punk thrown in, and there doesn't seem to be an XM channel (or channels) that's consistently playing something I would listen to. I don't like top 40, rap, country, jazz, classical, and on and on. I also spend much of my time listening to the local AM sports radio station in town (any P1's out there?). So, for me, I have no need for XM. However, this is exactly why I am thankful Acura gave me the chance "test drive" XM.

NOX 3.2

I think Sirius makes you have a contract.
with XM you can cut it off anytime,
and you'll get the unused portion back.

I like flexibility.

Mindworm

Lucy, Fred, and Ethel are the best, IMHO....

Sherlock

FM ?? what's FM.. isn't that the All-Commercial network ??

XM Channel 81 for me.

Unless it's heavy stressful traffic then it's 103 to keep my nerves from exploding, or 150 to make me LMAO (gets you really strange looks too)

redhawk

I'm also in this minority. Since I have similar tastes to the afforementioned, I have found XM to be a little lacking for my tastes. Where I live, there are plenty of stations to listen to and since I don't drive out of the range of many of the stations that I like, I have no need for XM. However, that could change if the NFL started carrying all of their games on XM. I think they went with Sirius, but I can't justify that investment.

JetJock

I like XM. It's not perfect, but it's nice to have. It's not that expensive, most people loose that much spare change monthly from their pockets, so cost isn't the issue. I'm keeping my subscription up to date unless their quality drops like Direct TV did when they started adding too many extra channels to their programing lineup.

TBone2004

this morning's commute is my first without my XM. Very sad. I miss channel 150 bigtime! I will resubscribe in the future - $10 is just too much to part with for now - I was hoping they would offer me a deal like others on this forum mentioned - $5.99 / month for 3 months etc. I am not in the car long enough for 10 bucks - but once we start taking long weekend trips as the kids get older - I am sure we will have it back by then!

FM - nothing but commericals this morning - I was F-riggin M-iserable!!

Stewie

This is like me asking "when I go to the grocery store tonight, should I buy some broccoli for dinner?'

Well, if I like broccoli I should buy it and if I don't then I shouldn't. If I have never had broccoli I should try it and then make a decision.

Try XM for free for 3 months. If its worh $10 to you then subscribe. If not then don't.
Its got some problems but they should all be very apparent within the first week of ownership.

Tedanddenise

My wife and I certainly like the various choices that are there from XM. After the first week, I paid for 2 years and saved $40. We wouldn't do without it - of course, both of us are retired and will be using the radio a lot during our retirement trips. I wonder when they'll also have internet available through the XM medium? Maybe the next TL

marquis

I went with the 5 year plan and saved $150. I figure I'll have the TL that long anyway and if I tire of XM, I can always cancel it and get a prorated refund. But the multi year deals are definitely the way to go, no matter what term you get them for.

ccin1492

I have a long drive everyday, and drive out of my local radio stations range so XM is a real blessing for me. I divvy'd up for 2 yrs.

TBone2004

What did they charge for 5 year plan?

marquis

$449. Works out to $7.48 per month (or about 25% off from month-to-month plan)

Multu-year pricing info from the xmradio site:

soljc

In the last month, I've had my 88 year-old grandmother in the car who loved the 40s station, a 50 year-old co-worker who loved Hank's Place (country), my 11 year-old neice who loved the Top 20 station, my 30 year-old friend who loved the hip-hop stations, and I listen to BPM, Comedy, Sports, and the NYC traffic report. For me, the $8/month is well worth it.

Legend75

Wow, I am surprised w/ the amount of feedback, thanks a lot guys! This is really informative. Looks like I will enjoy the XM when I the dealer gets delivery of my car in August! Think I might just continue the subscription!

Big Ped

OK, I still have about a month and a half of free service left. I have been tinkering around with the XM for a few weeks. I primarilly listen to CDs. I don't do MP3s and sound quality to me is very important. The only major problem I have with XM is that it sounds horrible. Sound volume is not high and it sounds worse than regular FM Stereo on most other mid to high end cars. What's up with the sound quality, is it because of our sound system configuration or does XM sound like that on all other systems. To me, sound is poor. Any thoughts that will help me make a decision?

PS. The XM cuts off if I go under a tree or something. I would think that XM technology would incorporate buffering so that you can maintain steady sound even when your sight to the sought is blocked. But I don't think it does, and for $10 a month, I think it is pricey for poor sound and inconveniences associated with loosing a connection every now and then.

narnia

I agree the sound quality is poor, but I subscribe for the selection.

So far I've only had drop-out in one spot, and ironically it's the Northern State exit I use for my dealer!

mlewbart

I wish Acura had offered the choice of XM or Sirius...but Honda of America backs XM with millions of dollars. That being said. I called Soundgate today and they confirmed that the Sirius adaptor is in the pipeline...unfortunately the pipe is about 6-9 months long. I can't wait that long so I am going to put my FM modulated system (with lifetime subscription) back in my TL. I just looked and figured the control box will fit nicely in the top little box below the radio. All I use that compartment for is my EZpass anyway. Once it is installed I'll get pics up.

DeathtoToasters

I use Siruis in my TL.... I cannot live without my Hair Nation!!

dtrose

I also have Sirius installed via a Aftermarket RF Kenwood H2A unit. This is a major issue for me. If Acura does not provide a choice in future models, then bye bye Acura for my next purchase.

I've said it once and I'll say it again, XM plays too much bargain bin type music.