Chad, I've been an XM customer for a few years now. I'll tell you this much -- I don't listen to terrestial radio anymore.
Here's a few reasons why I switched to XM and why I stay with XM. First, its cheap monthly service. I'm paying $12.95 a month. They may sound steep, but since I have XM, I don't see the need in buying CDs. CDs typically only have a few songs that I really enjoy and after an hour or so, the CD is over. One CD is roughly $15, so it works out.
Second, I love all types of music. However, local radio doesn't provide a wide spectrum of genres. Now, you know I'm in the military, so I move around a bit. I went INSANE the first time I was in Mississippi, because they had a very limited spectrum of music. Same goes for when I visit my parents -- country and oldies are your two choices. I can't handle that limited selection. XM provides all sorts of options. They have channels dedicate to specific decades, country, bluegrass, folk, pop, christian, rock, hip-hop, urban, jazz, blues, latin, dance, world, and classical. Of course, they have several news channels, sports (including ACC, PAC10, and Big 10 college sports and MLB). They also have comedy, talk, traffic and weather. Much nicer than local radio.
Third, the music is deeper. They'll play songs that the local DJs don't even know about, like special releases by popular artists.
Fourth, the DJs are typically better than your local DJs. See, since they don't have to worry about silly 30-second spots by local companies, or local traffic and weather, they can focus on what you paid for -- the music. Their battering is rather limited.
Five, the display. How many times have you drove down the road and heard a song you really like, only to ask yourself, "who sings this?" Of course, when the song is over, the DJ becomes wrapped up about some nonsense, leaving you without a song name or artist. With satellite, you look at the display and you know. While listening to a song, you can flip through the display to see what's playing on other stations before you change the channel.
Six, travelling. Going back to the military subject, I do tend to drive a bit. For example, a short 5-hour trip between here and my parent's house would be a nightmare with local radio. I'd have to change stations at least five times with that lovely gap between towns where you really can't get a station well. With satellite, I can drive from LA to NYC without ever changing the station. I will say, however, in some locations the satellite does cut out. That happens in cities, such as Omaha, where they don't have terrestial repeaters, but the large buildings block out the line-of-sight of the antenne. This isn't a problem in bigger cities, however. In KC, they have repeaters so you get continuous music.
I'm sure there's more, but I think I'm tapped out.
Anyway, since you're asking about putting XM in your car, I'd suggest either the Roady or the SkyFi2. (
http://www.xmradio.com/get_xm/) What I did was I went to Circuit City and bought the receiver and a car kit and had them install it for me. That way I knew it was done right, or at least it should be.
It can go through an existing radio. I actually bought an FM modulator for my car. That way I can listen to FM (for whatever reason) and then just tune the radio to a certain frequency and get XM.
The antennes go on the car roof. That will get the best coverage. If you put it inside the car, you run the risk of increased black outs from a loss of line-of-sight.
Also, (and this is fairly new) with a subscription to XM, you get their online service for free. So now when you go to work or you're sitting at home, you can log on through their website and get their music stations plus a few additional channels via the web.
Here's a pretty good message board on XM:
http://www.xmfan.com/index.php
As for XM versus Sirius, that's another huge post. They both have pros and cons. All in all, I believe XM is probably the better provider. (Plus, they have more experience and are more dedicated to music)
Also, (slightly off topic, but I'll say it anyway) XM also provides a weather service for those who have some extra cash hanging around. (
http://www.xmradio.com/weather/learn_about.html)
It's pretty expensive, but it's really neat. (Actually, if I'm not mistaken, Mark Sudduth and the H.I.R.T. crew have XMWX with them, although I'm not positive)
Hopefully that helps. If you have more questions, ask 'em!
(Now, I'm waiting for XM to send me a check for helping advertise lol)
