Auto GPS Units

[MtGoat]

I have a mobile GPS that I like alot, Garmin 60CSx. We are planning a trip to the Olympic Penninsula the first of June and am looking at the auto units to put in my wife's van. I prefer to stay with Garmin but am not sure which model would work well and what features to look for in a unit.

What features are:
a) Must have
b) Nice to have
c) Not really useful

I used one (on my daughters phone) today and see the value in having one in an unfamilair area. The odd thing was it was wanting to take us the long way around (trying to get us on the freeway which would have ended up 2 miles longer) rather than a straight path. I am not sure if that is systemic with the GPS's or if "there is an app for that"

Any information before I buy or leads as where to do some research would be appreciated.

Thanks
Pat

 

[leagle2]

Re: Auto GPS Units

I have never had anything but Garmins and have never had a problem with any of them. They make some great machines but they add crap I'll never use (Bluetooth, MP3 player, picture viewer) I like the "Speaks street name" feature and "Lane Assist/Junction View". My current Garmin (850) has voice recognition which is a nice safety feature (keeps your eyes on the road)but not used all that much. I live in a rural area so the traffic updates are not something I'd use. I'd take a look at the Nuvi 1450

 

[MtGoat]

Re: Auto GPS Units

Thanks

Pat

 

[BALLISTIC]

Re: Auto GPS Units

I am currently using a Garmin Nuvi, and it is very easy to use, and works well. Get one with the features you like and roll on.

 

[oldgrayone]

Re: Auto GPS Units

The wife and I both have been running the NUvi for a few years, we are both happy with them.

 

[Moonraker]

Re: Auto GPS Units

I used a friend's the other day and was quite impressed. It was a Magellen. It was a few years old, but the thing I liked about it is that it runs on standard AA batteries. About 12 hours on a set. From your post, it looks like you're wanting a mobile car GPS, but the Magellen can be used in the car or while walking. If in the car, it plugs into the cigarette lighter outlet.

 

[Pete E]

Re: Auto GPS Units

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MtGoat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The odd thing was it was wanting to take us the long way around (trying to get us on the freeway which would have ended up 2 miles longer) rather than a straight path. Thanks
Pat </div></div>

I hav an older Garmin Unit that would do that. Part of it is down to the User Configuration, but even with the "correct" configuration, mine would still do it.

Further more, last week I was in an unfamiliar city and the GPS was actually getting its "turn left/right" mixed up alhough oddly the map display was correct. It did it several times on different days so I suspect its developing a software problem.

One feature I would like to be able to do is manual route selection. If I am on making a long trip, I would like to be able to imput a rough route for it to follow rather that it picking one out ofthin air....My Garmin doesn't have that facility as such, but I am sure the new models have.

 

[MtGoat]

Re: Auto GPS Units

There seem to be a number of Nuvi's avaialble. I don't think I need to be able to use it as a speaker phone but voice commands look useful (turn left, turn right, turn around...dumbass

) and get in the other lane might be nice. Some friends had one that would guide them around construction (not sure how that worked or if one has to sign-up for some annual service). It would be cool if there was a way to if the local PD would broadcast traffic accidents and the GPS would automatically route you around the scene (maybe too Buck Rogers???).

Pat

 

[JeffryW]

Re: Auto GPS Units

I have the Garmin Nuvi 760. I think the current model is the 765. I like it a lot. In the navigation setup you can choose shortest or fastest, shortest will sometimes take on Mr. Toad's wild ride. I use it in the car but mostly on my motorcycle (headphones) The memory card stores my tunes and the bluetooth lets me know if I've gotten a phone call.

Good luck, go Garmin

 

[Bob Shaver]

Re: Auto GPS Units

I use a Garmin Nuvi daily and after some initial skepticism I found myself hooked on it.

I like the search feature. Type in the word "gun" and it searches for all the places with that word in their name. Granted It'll find Gunner's BBQ, but it'll also take me to all the gun shops in the area.

 

[Pete E]

Re: Auto GPS Units

MtGoat,

Be careful with some of the NUvi units; to get all those realtime updates/information they use cellular updates. Basically the thing is its own cell phone and in the UK at least, you have to pay for the cellular service after the first year (first year is included in the price)

I'm not sure which of the range this applies to, but certainly to the upper end ones I was looking at here in the UK...

Regards,

Peter

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Auto GPS Units

Recently got a Gamin Nuvi 265WT from COSTCO at a good price. It has Bluetooth and live traffic feeds to direct you around congestion.

If headding through Washington the Bluetooth is a must as they just passed a no cells phone while driving law making it a primary offence.

If I recall correctly the 265WT was 170.00

 

[leagle2]

Re: Auto GPS Units

Pat, usually you can configure the GPS to give you the "shortest" route or the "fastest" route. (for example the interstate, because of it's higher speeds, may be faster than the most direct route through the middle of town)

 

[MtGoat]

Re: Auto GPS Units

Sooo many choices. I was hoping it would be like the hand helds....get a 60CSx and you are good to go. The auto units seem to have a huge number of options features and model numbers.

Pat

 

[TitaniumBlue]

Re: Auto GPS Units

Ive always used Garmins, and when I sold them while working at a sporting goods store, they always seemed to be leaps and bounds ahead. Occasionally they will tell you to take an odd route, but it has always ended up being the most efficient way.

 

[heydavemd]

Re: Auto GPS Units

Just got the new Nuvi. Huge data base. large screen. Direct routing. Also will route you the "cheapest way" if miles are more important than time. The only problem I have had with it is because the screen is larger (5"), the self adhesive pad to mount it on my dash wont stay attached. After a month, it came off (and yes I prepped the dash prior to mounting), so now I am using the portable dash mount/suction cup. works great.

 

[Strickland]

Re: Auto GPS Units

I rode with a guy last week who had the Nuvi 855. I was very impressed with it. It has voice activation, although he mainly used the keypad to punch the data in.

I'm debating between a 855 and a 755. You can get them about $170.

 

[buckskin52]

Re: Auto GPS Units

Definetly stay with Garmin. I have used them all and they are the best. Stay away from Navigon. Even if someone gives it to you for free it is not worth it.

 

[MtGoat]

Re: Auto GPS Units

I believe I have narrowed the search to a Nuvi 765T. I don't really need bluetooth enabled or a few of the other features but lane designations and the like seem to be worth the extra when traveling through a new area (Seattle). Now to decide it I want a unit that has less than 30 days use and is refurbished with three year warranty or a new unit with one years manufacturers warranty for about $200 delivered??? I have not tried the refurbish route before. Anyone have first hand knowledge, good or bad with refurbished units?

Thanks
Pat

 

[SuckitTrebek]

Re: Auto GPS Units

get yourself a subscription to consumerreports.com and save yourself a whole lot of bs.

Traffic-ready navigators Approximate retail price


Garmin Nuvi 885T $400

76
2.0 6.5
Garmin Nuvi 1690 $430

76
2.3 6.2
TomTom Go 740 Live $350

75
2.0 7.6
Garmin Nuvi 765T $250

74
2.0 6.5
Motorola Motonav TN765t $280
73
1.8 6.2
Garmin Nuvi 1390T $270

72
2.8 5.7
Motorola Motonav TN565t $260
72
2.0 6.0
Garmin Nuvi 760 $200
72
3.5 6.2
Magellan Maestro 4350 $200

71
2.8 7.2
Garmin Nuvi 1350T $250

71
2.8 5.7
TomTom Go 930T $350
70
2.3 7.7
TomTom Go 730T $300
70
2.0 7.6
TomTom Go 920T $330
70
2.3 7.7
Garmin Nuvi 660 $250

69
4.5 6.7
Garmin Nuvi 1260T $200

69
3.0 4.7
Garmin Nuvi 265WT $180

68
2.8 5.9
Garmin Nuvi 265T $150

67
3.3 5.0
Alpine PND-K3msn $200

64
1.3 6.8
Magellan Maestro 4250 $130

64
5.3 7.3
Harman/Kardon Guide + Play GPS-810 $300
62
2.0 8.1
Garmin StreetPilot c580 $300

62
5.3 9.1
Magellan Maestro 3250 $120
62
3.0 5.4
Magellan Maestro 5310 $220
61
1.5 10.0
Cydle T43H $220

61
3.0 7.4
Magellan RoadMate 1430 $150

60
2.0 6.6
Sony Nav-U NV-U94T $200
60
2.3 9.0
Telenav Shotgun $300
58
2.3 7.2
Sony Nav-U NV-U74T $150
56
1.5 7.3
Alpine Blackbird II PMD-B200 $500
52
2.5 8.5
Mio Moov 310 $150

52
1.5 7.6
Nextar 43LT $120

52
2.0 6.1
Insignia NS-CNV20 $350

51
3.5 7.4

Navigators with traffic optional

Magellan Maestro 4700 $220
72
2.0 6.0
Motorola Motonav TN555 $220
71
2.0 6.0
Garmin Nuvi 1350 $170

70
2.8 5.7
TomTom Go 930 $300
70
2.3 7.7
Magellan Roadmate 1470 $170

69
2.5 5.9
TomTom Go 730 $280

69
2.0 7.6
TomTom Go 920 $300
69
2.3 7.7
TomTom Go 720 $200
68
2.5 7.6
Magellan Roadmate 1440 $160

68
2.0 5.5
TomTom XXL 540 S $200

68
2.0 7.1
TomTom XL 340 S $180

68
2.8 6.0
Magellan Roadmate 1340 $140

68
3.0 4.4
Garmin Nuvi 1300 $150

67
2.8 5.7
Garmin Nuvi 500 $270

67
4.3 7.7
Garmin Nuvi 5000 $300

67
NA 8.6
TomTom One 140 S $120

67
3.0 4.9
Garmin Nuvi 255W $220

67
3.0 6.0
Garmin Nuvi 1200 $150

66
3.0 4.7
Garmin Nuvi 350 $150

66
4.5 5.1
TomTom XL 340 $150
66
2.8 6.0
Garmin Nuvi 255 $130

66
3.8 5.0
TomTom XXL 530 S $180

66
2.0 7.1
Magellan SE4 $100
65
1.5 5.0
TomTom One 140 $100
65
3.0 4.9
TomTom XL 330 S $150

65
2.8 6.5
Garmin Nuvi 205W $130

64
3.0 6.0
Garmin Nuvi 205 $120

63
4.0 5.0
Magellan Roadmate 1220 $120

63
3.0 4.4
TomTom XL 330 $120

63
2.8 6.5
TomTom One 130 S $120

62
3.0 5.1
TomTom One XL S $170

62
2.5 7.5
Magellan Roadmate 1210 $115

61
3.0 4.4
TomTom One 130 $100

60
3.0 5.1
TomTom One XL $150

60
2.8 7.4
TomTom One 3rd Edition $130
58
3.5 6.1
Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U $200
54
4.3 9.6
Mio Moov S501 $200
53
2.0 5.9
Mio Moov S401 $180
52
2.0 5.4

Basic navigators

Magellan RoadMate 1700 $300

69
NA 0.3 10.6
Garmin Nuvi 260W $150

65
NA 5.0 5.9
Alpine PND-K3 $200

63
NA 1.3 6.8
Garmin Nuvi 260 $170
63
NA 4.0 5.2
Harman/Kardon Guide + Play GPS-310 $200
60
NA 3.5 7.0
Garmin Nuvi 200W $200
60
NA 3.0 5.9
Garmin Nuvi 200 $120
60
NA 4.0 5.3
Jensen Touch & Go NVX430BT $150
59
NA 3.5 7.9
TomTom EASE $120
59
NA 2.5 4.3
Mio DigiWalker C230 $90
58
NA 3.5 5.1
Magellan Roadmate 1200 $80
57
NA 3.5 5.0
Motorola Motonav TN30 $100
56
NA 3.3 6.1
Sony Nav-U NV-U44 $100
56
NA 4.3 5.7
Maylong ML-500 $200
55
NA 3.0 6.4
Motorola Motonav TN20 $90
55
NA 4.3 5.0
Mio Moov M400 $150
54
NA 2.0 5.3
GPS Navigation for Dummies FD-220 $110
54
NA 2.5 4.9
Mio Moov M300 $120
54
NA 3.0 4.1
GPS Navigation for Dummies FD-420 $140
54
NA 1.8 5.1
HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion $350
54
NA 2.8 6.7
Lowrance XOG $200
53
NA 4.0 5.3
Mio Moov 500 $150
52
NA 2.0 6.7
Rightway GPS Navigator Dale Jr. $125

50
NA 1.5 6.5
Nextar I4-BC $230

48
NA 2.0 6.7
Pharos Drive GPS 250 $200
48
NA 3.3 7.4
Nextar Q4-01 $130

47
NA 2.0 6.1
Pharos Drive GPS 200 $150
47
NA 3.0 7.3
Insign

 

[smokshwn]

Re: Auto GPS Units

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MtGoat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I believe I have narrowed the search to a Nuvi 765T. I don't really need bluetooth enabled or a few of the other features but lane designations and the like seem to be worth the extra when traveling through a new area (Seattle). Now to decide it I want a unit that has less than 30 days use and is refurbished with three year warranty or a new unit with one years manufacturers warranty for about $200 delivered??? I have not tried the refurbish route before. Anyone have first hand knowledge, good or bad with refurbished units?

Thanks
Pat </div></div>

I don't have any experience with the refurbs but I did find my Nuvi 1390T at Target.com for about $100 less than everywhere else. It definitely payed to search around once you pick a couple models that you like.