When we ordered out 08 MCS, it was like $500 for sat, then another option for $1000 that was Sat with a lifetime subscription. That is what we got.

I thought sat radio was a joke, but after having it for a bit, we really like it, lots to choose from, & when you travel, you get all your stations all the time. No crap radio when you are in po-dunk land.

 

I had XM for 4 years with my last car. I couldn't live without it. The Mini's sat radio controls are not as intuitive or easy to use as I had before but I still love it and couldn't see myself driving without it. And like you said, for roadtrips it's even better.

 

I called about mine too. Girl said lifetime was not an option for 2011. Said if I wanted it I could have it for only $799! For this low, low price I would have an unlimited amount of music to enjoy for the rest of my life, as long as I never get another car. Even if I get lifetime sub it cannot be transfered to another radio or car! I would really consider it if the price wasn't outrageous or I could acctually transfer it to my next car later.

 

In planning my next system I was considering getting a Sirius tuner and putting myself on a family plan (for my Jeep and the Mini). I decided instead to pay $36 for a years subscription to Pandora and call it a day. I'll be getting the new Kenwood HU that's Pandora control ready. Satellite radio hasn't kept up with the times and many of the channels I listen to (comedy stations, news) have just as many commercials as terrestrial radio.

 

The lifetime subscription is probably worth it if you are going to keep the Mini. In any event, it should be pretty easy to do the math.