gooselee

Hmm...I may sign up for a trial.

Did you happen to notice exactly how much data it was using, say, per hour of streaming? Even if I have to up my data plan a bit, might be worthwhile.

Man, I miss those unlimited data days...

plagwate

No, I didn't notice. It was that negligible. I have a 2 GB plan and and only used 1.5 GB total last month. That's with all the other data I pulled for other devices. We probably spent three of our travel days in the car streaming and I don't even think it drew 200 MB over that time.

If it helps you decide, I love the streaming that's available online when I'm at work. I pull the site up on the web and play it through my computer's speakers. Plus, there are a number of online only channels that add to the value.

dwbf11

Data point: Current rental is a new Ford Fusion Titanium with 500 miles on it. No active SXM.

gooselee

Thanks. Looks like there's a free 30-day trial that I'll give a shot on my next few trips.

aww3583

That stinks. Big time.

I just turned in a 2015 Chrysler 200 with 18,600 miles that came with full XM.

zdcatc12

Remember, the owner has to activate the subscription, they probably forgot/elected not to. I have had this happen with a new Cadillac one time. It does not appear to be uncommon.

PKCorey

Try active it here

https://care.siriusxm.com/newradioin...ialView.action

See what happens?

I know, some companies don't turn it on, if it is a fleet order.

justhere

Another data point: Picked up a 2016 Chevy Malibu with 38 miles on it on Thursday. No active SXM.

dwbf11

In my experience, at least with Fords, they used to come with a 3-6 month trial, no activation required. Maybe they've changed the procedure though.

This actually doesn't surprise me. GM vehicles come with a 3 or 7-day trial. I've had several delivery mile only GM vehicles (5-10 miles) with no active satellite.

aww3583

Picked up a 2015 Enclave with 230 miles on the odometer. No active XM.

I had a 3-hour drive, so I figured I'd call in.

First agent took the radio ID number and put it into his system. He said "the owner has not added that radio ID to their account. You'll have to call the rental car company." I said "OK, thanks" and hung up and called again.

The next agent was much more successful. She said "GM vehicles come with a 30-day trial and yours is expired". I asked her if we could refresh the trial period and after a few clicks and keystrokes, she said "try tuning to a different station" and it worked. She said the vehicle has a new 30-day trial period attached to it.

Phone number is 855-697-3373. When the automated system asks for your account phone number, hit "0" and someone in the call center will help. Took about 5 minutes.

cowtipn

https://youtu.be/acaLr9wlvkk

Such a shame on National. I've built up such loyalty to them for so many years because of their XM cars. I feel like a rug is being pulled.

dwbf11

I think that's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think? Plenty of vehicles still have their factory trials turned on. Most of us on here know which cars to go for if SXM is a priority, but for the frequent traveler who doesn't use brain space to hold that information, National is just offering a service that its competitors offer too. Hertz has done it for years.

Coastercameron

Dwbf11, I would agree that this would seem like an exaggeration except it is becoming clear that National is actively canceling the free trials. My friend got a Dodge Journey with 4 miles last week. The Sirius worked for 6 hours then deactivated. If this was only to supplement the existing trials I wouldn't have a problem with it.

dwbf11

That's an interesting data point. I hadn't heard that before. If that's the case, then yes, I agree it could be a bigger issue.

bocastephen

Does XM limit the number of times you can update the radio ID on your account? If this turns into a trend, I am thinking about signing up for the 6m/$25 deal and just adding the radio ID to my account each time I get a new rental, then updating it when I pick up the next car.

If this is not possible, I will get the $10 monthly music service (I only listen to one channel anyway) and streaming it from my phone to the car.

No way I'm giving National one red cent for this "service".