Sirius Xm - Is it worth it?
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Sirius Xm - Is it worth it?
Friends,
I've been considering replacing the original Stereo/Navigation with an aftermarket unit, but then I decided that I would leave it as it came from the factory since I like the navigation directions showing up on my HUD. Hence, Im considering getting a subscription for Sirius. They are running a special and it doesnt sound too bad; except that there are always hidden details that you dont learn about until later on, specialy when you try to cancel. Im always weary of "contracts" vs going on a month to month basis.
If you are using or have used this service, Is it worth it? Is it easy to cancel later on if you are not happy with it?? Thoughts??
Many thanks in advance.
I've been considering replacing the original Stereo/Navigation with an aftermarket unit, but then I decided that I would leave it as it came from the factory since I like the navigation directions showing up on my HUD. Hence, Im considering getting a subscription for Sirius. They are running a special and it doesnt sound too bad; except that there are always hidden details that you dont learn about until later on, specialy when you try to cancel. Im always weary of "contracts" vs going on a month to month basis.
If you are using or have used this service, Is it worth it? Is it easy to cancel later on if you are not happy with it?? Thoughts??
Many thanks in advance.
#2
Way too many threads on this but it all depends on what you want and are willing to pay for. As well as how many times in your life are you willing to call them to cancel only to haggle for the best deal if you want to keep the service.
I've had Sirius or XM off and on since they came out. Over the years they've gotten a bit better but there are a couple items to consider - lots of channels result in overly compressed data streams and that means less than optimal quality (some people ignore it or can't tell) and no matter which station you listen to, you'll hear lots of repeats. I've even listend to stations I wouldn't otherwise normally listen to and within a few days or weeks I start hearing the same songs over and over. With hundreds of thousands or millions of songs out there, you'd think you wouldn't hear that one song you haven't heard in years more than once a week but I do. Conversely, I have an SD card in my car with over 35,000 songs on it and I can put that on random and not hear the same song again for well over a year (unless it's on more than one album of course). I'm pretty sure Sirius/XM has more music than I do so I'd think I'd hear more diversity and less often repeats. But no.
So, I currently have a special - All Access for 1 year for $99 after buying a new car. That's probably the best deal I've ever had. I'm sure they won't extend that deal again so when it's up for renewal I'll probably cancel because I don't like calling them every 3 or 6 months to get the same deal (generally about $5/month for a lower tier plan). I might pay $99/year for all access but they don't really offer that on a regular basis.
I'm generally a "no" on satellite radio now what with streaming on my phone or huge SD cards or full iPods that all connect to my car.
That's my two cents.
I've had Sirius or XM off and on since they came out. Over the years they've gotten a bit better but there are a couple items to consider - lots of channels result in overly compressed data streams and that means less than optimal quality (some people ignore it or can't tell) and no matter which station you listen to, you'll hear lots of repeats. I've even listend to stations I wouldn't otherwise normally listen to and within a few days or weeks I start hearing the same songs over and over. With hundreds of thousands or millions of songs out there, you'd think you wouldn't hear that one song you haven't heard in years more than once a week but I do. Conversely, I have an SD card in my car with over 35,000 songs on it and I can put that on random and not hear the same song again for well over a year (unless it's on more than one album of course). I'm pretty sure Sirius/XM has more music than I do so I'd think I'd hear more diversity and less often repeats. But no.
So, I currently have a special - All Access for 1 year for $99 after buying a new car. That's probably the best deal I've ever had. I'm sure they won't extend that deal again so when it's up for renewal I'll probably cancel because I don't like calling them every 3 or 6 months to get the same deal (generally about $5/month for a lower tier plan). I might pay $99/year for all access but they don't really offer that on a regular basis.
I'm generally a "no" on satellite radio now what with streaming on my phone or huge SD cards or full iPods that all connect to my car.
That's my two cents.
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JoeMatilda (12-09-2018)
#3
Melting Slicks
I have SiriusXM and I enjoy it. However, I learned years ago to follow this set of rules:
1-I pay by credit card for a one time charge and require them to bill me annually. They do not keep my card for auto billing.
2-I enter the renewal date into my calendar and I call each year to cancel. This sends me directly to the cancellation section.
3-I review my latest bill with them which is about $238
4-I tell him that I am willing to renew at the $99 rate and he then ’confers with his manager’ (can you say used car dealer?)
5-I agree to $99 for another year. The cost with taxes and fees is $117.91
i have done this for years. This is worth the cost for me but I won’t pay more. If I were to replace my OEM unit that has streaming I wouldn’t use SiriusXM.
1-I pay by credit card for a one time charge and require them to bill me annually. They do not keep my card for auto billing.
2-I enter the renewal date into my calendar and I call each year to cancel. This sends me directly to the cancellation section.
3-I review my latest bill with them which is about $238
4-I tell him that I am willing to renew at the $99 rate and he then ’confers with his manager’ (can you say used car dealer?)
5-I agree to $99 for another year. The cost with taxes and fees is $117.91
i have done this for years. This is worth the cost for me but I won’t pay more. If I were to replace my OEM unit that has streaming I wouldn’t use SiriusXM.
#4
Safety Car
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It depends what you like. I’ve had Sirius since 2005 and couldn’t live without it. I’m a huge music fan and Philly has absolute garbage rock music stations. You also get any genre of music you like plus all sports and news channels. Commercial free music channels are worth the price alone to me.
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JoeMatilda (12-09-2018)
#5
Le Mans Master
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I have it for less than $74 a year. Would NEVER pay more. Forum search will reveal lots of guys getting it for this rate and how to get it.
Last edited by Vet Interested; 12-09-2018 at 07:10 PM.
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JoeMatilda (12-09-2018)
#6
I had XM/Sirius for a long time in all my cars and played the cancel game every few months but will the addition in newer cars and head units with Android auto and apple car play i switched to one account with Pandora. I have a family plan with Pandora so i pay 15mo but with an XM/Sirius account i had to pay per vehicle which cost more than the 15mo i'm paying with Pandora. Switching to Pandora gave me all kinds of options i didn't have with XM/Sirius like skipping songs i didn't like.
I just drove from SOCAL to Washington state and had Pandora on the whole time without issue. Pandora was cheaper and worked out better for our family as they all can setup their own accounts under the plan and can listen in their vehicles or their rooms.
I just drove from SOCAL to Washington state and had Pandora on the whole time without issue. Pandora was cheaper and worked out better for our family as they all can setup their own accounts under the plan and can listen in their vehicles or their rooms.
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JoeMatilda (12-09-2018)
#7
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I have Sirius radio for years. I happen to like it over regular radio in both my cars, the DJ are lot of fun to listen to and music is much better then regular radio.
Here's the thing, they have different package they don't tell you, so ask for the limited package, and when they tell the price, tell them to high, let me speak to manager, and then magic comes for 99.00 plus tax for the year. Just remember when subscriptions ends, cause they will charge you full price, so call week before and start negotiating they don't want to loose you!
Here's the thing, they have different package they don't tell you, so ask for the limited package, and when they tell the price, tell them to high, let me speak to manager, and then magic comes for 99.00 plus tax for the year. Just remember when subscriptions ends, cause they will charge you full price, so call week before and start negotiating they don't want to loose you!
Last edited by 1bdvet; 12-09-2018 at 06:55 PM.
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JoeMatilda (12-09-2018)
#8
Le Mans Master
I had Sirius in my 2014 Silverado. Called and got a good price for 6 months...like $30 for the music package. Forgot about it and months later, looked at my bank statement....$149 Siruis charge. Called to cancel, took me over 2 hours on the phone with a female who spoke very broken english. I asked for supervisor at least 50 times, she would tell me no supervisor available. I even spelled it...C A N C E L...and asked her if she understood English. 2 hours and 20 minutes later, finally got my $149 back and cancelled it. I do like the service, but its not worth the hassle in my opinion.
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JoeMatilda (12-09-2018)
#9
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks for everyones replies.
The bottom line seems to be that it may be worth having as long as you remember to contact them to renew/renegotiate the subscription a couple of days before it expires; otherwise, they will stick it to you.
Much appreciated.
The bottom line seems to be that it may be worth having as long as you remember to contact them to renew/renegotiate the subscription a couple of days before it expires; otherwise, they will stick it to you.
Much appreciated.
#10
Le Mans Master
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#11
Racer
I had it when I bought my Silverado. I liked it but not enough to pay full price. I just bought a new Sierra SLT and have it for 3 months free and won't be renewing. I don't need it around town. I wish they would offer a short term plan - like 2 weeks for $10, so I could take it on vacation when traveling. I would do that anytime I travel.
#12
Race Director
I’ve got XM in 4 vehicles. Had it from the day it came out. I go into convulsions every time I have to renew but I do it anyway because I like it and it’s worth it to me!
#15
Melting Slicks
Since you are sticking with OEM system, I say yes it's worth it as long as you negotiate the price every year as others have said. If you were going with an aftermarket system, I would say definitely not at any price, there are too many free or lower cost options to listen to the genre(s) of music you like.
#16
Safety Car
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I have 6 months for $30! Before it expires it’s a hassle but I call them up to tell them I want this promotion or forget it as I will cancel. I have been doing this for years. I also do not have a credit card on file this is for my other car. The Vette I only use once a week so it does not pay. The lowest I ever got was a special that a few others got as well. 3 years for $99.i asked if they can do that on my daily driver and they said no. You can definitely negotiate with them.
#17
Team Owner
I have had it since 2008. Love it and will probably always have it...as long as I can keep getting it at a reduced rate.
#18
Drifting
I just renewed mine for another year for $99. I feel it's worth it, but the most annoying thing about it is the ever increasing chatter, and trivia! I subscribed to listen to none stop music, not about bands getting back together and tour dates etc. It doesn't seem commercial free anymore. This chatter seems to get worse on the weekends, when you want to put the top down and enjoy going for a nice ride and listening to music, not incessant talking!
#19
Melting Slicks
I was able to get a year for $59.88 plus tax. I gave them a one time credit card number so it can never be charged again (call or check your CC on line, most of them offer this service). I only do it in my truck because it gets used for the long summer vacation and Christmas road trips.
#20
Heel & Toe
My subscription ran out yesterday and I called them Saturday to renew. I did the 6 month for 30 buck deal originally. They are now running a 5 dollars a month for a year promo. With taxes and fees it came up to 77 buck a year. Definitely a deal for me, as I live in a poe dunk town with limited radio stations.