I used xplane 10 as a training tool during my IMC training- this was with a Carenado Archer with VOR/ADF/DME fit.
Weather can be setup for minima (even below IMC
) and you can practice NDB, ILS approaches, hold patterns all day long without paying your local aerodrome + burning a hole in your pocket for fuel...
It helped me build up a good instrument scan , gain confidence with NDB tracking , flying accurate hold patterns and according to my "real" IMC instructor demonstrated a real benefit.
On xplane you can also "fail" out instruments to really give yourself a challenge !