Sat Nav - UK or US to buy?

[arieliwish]

Hi,

I'm considering buying a sat nav system (like Tom Tom) and I'm wondering if its better to buy one in the UK and buy software for the US, or is it better to buy one in the US and then buy software for UK?

Anyone have any experience of either way? Pro's and cons would be greatly appreciated.

Lynn

 

[Disneybubs]

I would buy one here in the UK (I have myself) as if you get stung for import duty it would make it rather more expensive.The price in dollars does not work out any cheaper than buying it here and warranty issues would also arise.

The difference in the price of the maps is GB = £89 USA = £120 So you could save £30 on the price of the maps whether this is enough of a saving to make it worthwhile is debatable.

 

[arieliwish]

Thanks for that Disneybubs.

 

[carl_w]

One of the problems is getting hold of the USA maps if you're in the UK -- don't know if that's been fixed yet. But the Tomtom prices in the USA look expensive compared to here in the UK, IMHO. Tomtom is a Dutch company.

Edit: just had a quick look on the Tomtom website and they're now doing the USA maps for €169. I presume you want a GO of some sort (I have both a GO and the PDA version, and the GO is much better). So the question is, is it cheaper to buy a UK GO + USA maps before you "go" (), or to buy a US GO + UK maps when you're there? If there's not much difference in price I'd "go" for the former, because then you can add all your points of interest (e.g. favourite restaurants, shopping malls and attractions) and stuff before you leave.

Comparing prices on amazon.co.uk it's £364 for the GO 300 plus £128 for the USA maps, so that's £492. On amazon.com it's $700 for the GO 300 plus $126 for the GB maps, so $826 at $1.75/£1 which is £472. If you buy locally in Orlando you will have to pay 6% sales tax on that, plus VAT and duty when you come back to the UK if you declare it.

 

[CowGirl]

Just seen on the Dibb that a company called rentasatnav hire them out for about £30.00 a week! Might save you some cash!

 

[Aceman88888]

Ive Just got Tomtom Version 5 and US maps from Ebay for a ridiculously cheap price. Its worth taking a look there before you part with your cash elsewhere.

Ive checked the Florida state map, and it includes virtually all of the new developments in the I4,HY27 and LBV areas. Hopefully it will work like a dream on my trip. Feel free to mail me off list if you want the sellers details etc.

 

[arieliwish]

carl w thanks for doing the maths for me! Looking at that info I think it would be easier to buy in UK, as you say. It is the GO I'm looking at.

Aceman - I'll look on ebay and contact you if I need more info.

Cowgirl - thanks for that, that's an option if I don't get myself sorted with one before my trip.

Cheers everyone. I love these boards!!

 

[disney13]

I also have a TomTom for PDA and puchased the US maps on eBay for a rather stupid price! Having said that, they work a treat!

Andy