NavTraffic any positive experiences to report (re: Boston)

[kj2005]

I purchased a 2015 Q70s and was considering the NavTraffic subscription ($4/mon) if it actually works in the Boston area. I've searched in the Nico forums and even on Google and cannot find any positive feedback and hardly anything recent, i.e. in the last 12-18 months, let alone for the greater Boston area.

I've been using Google Maps for a while with good success, but the integrated traffic data with the car's Nav would be worthy if it actually works and somewhat comparable to Google Maps or Waze.

Any Boston area users out there? Any NavTraffic subscribers who can comment on how it compares to Google Maps or Waze?

Thanks in advance.

[Ilya]

Stick to Google Maps. It's day and night difference. I've been to Boston and NYC and in neither city did I feel like it was re-routing me around traffic, etc. Completely useless subscription but on my year, from what I'm told, I can't split weather and traffic so I'm stuck with it if I want weather.

[jtsull]

I'm from Boston and now in CT. NavTraffic basically sucks. The traffic data is very limited to the Boston area / Mass Pike to Sturbridge. Almost non-existent in Connecticut. Yet Fords, Chryslers, Audis and some others have great traffic data, all under Sirius XM.
Why? Sirius has TWO traffic data services and it is based on manufacturer/installed hardware. Fords, Chryslers, etc has Sirius XM traffic which has great traffic data. GMs, Toyota, Nisson, use NavTraffic which is outdated and even though Sirius touts they constantly updates - I say Bull. I called them and they admitted it and gave my traffic and weather for 1/2 off. Interestingly, the Q50 uses Sirius XM traffic.
I also have a iPAD Air, velcro it over my Nav screen and use Google Maps and WAZ.

[InfinitiAce]

I don't think NavTraffic even does anything. I used it for a while here in LA. It rarely ever changed my route. The routes were always longer than the routes that Waze suggested. Just get Waze.

[lovemycarM35]

I have the XM Nav traffic in my 2014 Lexus GS and I's the same deal very limited I'm not sure why they won't expand the coverage area. Lexus is now going with HD Radio Traffic and weather data and let me tell you it's spot on and it's free, every road every highway it's all covered as long as there is HD coverage. how come XM won't give us more coverage?
or the dealer release a firmware update it sucks I'll have to wait till I trade in.

2015 and up Lexus with nav has this option.

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Great info, I'm going to call Sirius and complain

[kj2005]

Thanks to all for sharing your experiences and opinions. It's obvious NavTraffic with XM is a disappointment for most. My conclusion should not be a surprise - I'll forego the NavTraffic and stick to Google Maps when needed. Actually, for the first 10 days, I've been using both at the same time which is interesting to see them "compete" haha.

I ordered the 2017 Nav DVD update for my '15 Q70, and the instructions say it takes 90 mins to install all updates while the car's ignition should be pressed so the in-dash DVD player has power but apparently it does not need to be idling the whole time. In my town it is technically illegal to do that, I believe!? Anyway, I'll report back if there's anything worthy to share. I was hoping for some type of release notes or indication of the improvements to the Nav software and any improvements to the greater Boston area other than "10%." Maybe I can find it online?

[Ilya]

Thanks to all for sharing your experiences and opinions. It's obvious NavTraffic with XM is a disappointment for most. My conclusion should not be a surprise - I'll forego the NavTraffic and stick to Google Maps when needed. Actually, for the first 10 days, I've been using both at the same time which is interesting to see them "compete" haha.

I ordered the 2017 Nav DVD update for my '15 Q70, and the instructions say it takes 90 mins to install all updates while the car's ignition should be pressed so the in-dash DVD player has power but apparently it does not need to be idling the whole time. In my town it is technically illegal to do that, I believe!? Anyway, I'll report back if there's anything worthy to share. I was hoping for some type of release notes or indication of the improvements to the Nav software and any improvements to the greater Boston area other than "10%." Maybe I can find it online?

I used to do those NAV updates annually but now I stick a year or two...it's usually mostly just POI updates. Not streets.

As for idling...be careful, it may not complete. The car will auto turn off all the power after some amount of minutes (not sure how many but if I have my car on the lift changing the oil it often times will stop playing music on me). I just did it while running errands, etc. Or wait for a day where you're driving a town or two over and do it.