Any opinions on this?

I've read the manual online and was disappointed that Lexus chose to put in something that requires a paid subscription, as opposed the to one that Volvo uses, that uses info broadcast on the FM radio (free).

 

I can be stuck in traffic and there will be no indication of a problem on the navigation system's map. I've found that these systems only work if you're near a major metropolitan center. I'm not, so I'll be letting my subscription lapse after the introductory period.

 

XM traffic is worthless because it only covers major highways. The free Google maps on your smartphone has traffic for hundred times more streets. That's won't help with automatic rerouting, but at least it gives you a much more comprehensive picture of the traffic in the area.

 

I continue to pay for it, but its pretty much useless. It only covers highways, and then only in major metropolitan areas, when you're traveling and you leave DC for instance you quickly loose coverage. I just returned from a trip to NJ in the Lexus and I continue to be surprised that even heavily travelled I-95 between DC and NY has no coverage from about 10 miles north of Baltimore. Even in NJ, NJ Parkway and Turnpike have no coverage either.

 

Maybe it's east coast thing but I love my XM traffic on my ML. Mind you I also have free Navtraffic through HD radio network on my Z. So far XM is better. HD version is not very current but XM is very good. There were handful of instances where traffic was not current but overall XM traffic is worth it. I think it's something like $2.99/month, skip on your latte for one day.

 

Do you have coverage on most highways out there?

 

I have coverage everywhere I've been including trip across 6 states. XM traffic comes handy in congested socal roads, I use it every time I drive it.

 

Thats really the big thing, I would find it way more useful on trips if it didn't just die 10 miles out of town in all directions. Around here I know where the traffic is going to be depending on the day, so its not really necessary. But on a trip, I'd like to know if theres traffic 10 miles up ahead so I can adjust.

 

I have started using WAZE on my Iphone this week. ( yes, even though I have a nav ��). Looks promising for traffic routing and alerts as well as posting where police are.