Garmin GPS Update

[msminniemouse]

Do any Garmin GPS owners purchase the GPS updates? It is $70 for 1 time update and $120 for lifetime. It seems pricey and was wondering if it was worth doing.

 

[MinnieMe2]

It's definitely worth it, and it's a lot cheaper than a new GPS. Roadways are changed, new highways open, old ones shut down. In an unfamiliar area, this could add indefinitely to your travel because if you're like me, you'll become hopelessly lost ...

I love Motor Mouth, and I trust her implicitly -- as long as she's up to date!

 

[Lewisc]

It depends on where you live and how you use your unit. I live in the NE and there are very few new roads being constructed. Other parts of the country have new development and new roads. The points of interest also get updated. It may be worth getting updates if you use the find feature to locate service stations, restaurants, etc.

I guess it also depends on which unit you own. A basic unit, 3 1/2" screen with no "extras" can be pruchased for around $100. Probably makes sense to just replace the unit.

 

[grimley1968]

That update cost is pretty cheap compared to other units or types of units.

I'd do it. I realize not all parts of the country are changing their roads as rapidly as other parts of the country, but the GPS unit needs to be up to date for anywhere you might drive, which could be an entire continent.

Also, do some research on Garmin's website about when they actually post updated information to their downloadable files. If it's just once or twice a year, I'd time your update download to be right after the update occurs at Garmin.

 

[loveswdw]

We updated right before our last WDW trip. We bought our update (CD) at Best Buy as they were on sale that week for $50 or so. A little cheaper than Garmin. They don't always run sales but every now and again you'll see them.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd second the advice not to buy directly from Garmin. Shop around and you'll find a better deal - I got mine at Amazon.

Another tip is not to update every year. Things change, but not that fast. I'm planning on every 3rd year - if I keep the unit that long.

 

[tiggerplus5]

Does anyone know of a current sale price? Our trip is only a few weeks away and we are thinking about updating. Our garmin doesn't have the Western Way changes and who knows what else down there.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I agree with not updating every year. I do the same thing with the GPS buitl in to the dash of my car. The yearly updates from Honda are $180, so this year will be my first update since I bought it in 07... even though I drive on a new road daily that's not on the map. It just looks like I'm driving through the park!

I'd second the advice not to buy directly from Garmin. Shop around and you'll find a better deal - I got mine at Amazon.

Another tip is not to update every year. Things change, but not that fast. I'm planning on every 3rd year - if I keep the unit that long.

 

[Brian Noble]

The lifetime service may be well-worth it. I subscribe to the TomTom update service---about $40 a year. It's not very expensive, and I often travel in unfamiliar places with it.