Best aftermarket GPS

Which do you use and why ? Looking for a permanent install in my Tacoma but will take to the next vehicle in 3-4 years.

 

Hi,

I can't help you with a model but I like Garmin. They stepped up and replaced my Zumo 450 with a 550 free when they could not replace the 450's battery pack with a working unit.

Jim

 

iPhone with MotionX GPS Drive?

 

In three or four years any model, brand or make will be completely out dated.

 

Garmin, mine has 4x/year free updates, along with traffic warnings, and you can change the voice. Don't install perm, they change and get better all the time.

Picked mine up at Costco Less than $200

 

If you get one with out free up dates it's all most cheaper to buy a new one every 2 or 3 years. At this point you can get a decent Garmin for under a $100 on sale.

 

smartphone w/ google maps

 

I wouldn't permanently install it...

I have about 4 Garmin devices - 2 street navigators (Nuvi) and 2 handhelds.

You can get a fairly cheap unit that works GREAT without all the extra stuff (like Bluetooth, XM, MP3 player, voice activated, etc bla bla bla). The bluetooth uses FM transmission to your radio and is horrible.

We have a NUVI 2450LM. Anytime you look at the GARMIN NUVI models, pay the extra $$ for the LM version. LM gets you the lifetime free map updates. The larger the number, the better the unit (per say) and the better the navigating experience. My sister-n-law has a Nuvi 50 and she can't personalize the main screen with extra buttons for quick access.

You can hook up the NUVI's to your computer to get updated firmware and updated maps (LM versions) from Garmin. It's easy to do.... Updated firmware & updated maps will keep the unit updated for years & years to come.

 

I have an android phone and their maps with built in navigation are really good. I also have a Garmin unit with lifetime maps and traffic updates which is pretty good.

 

FOr work, we have both a Garmin and Tom Tom, I use the Garmin, my driver the Tom Tom.

The Garmin has some nice features, like telling you the speed limit along with your speed, identifying traffic safety cameras and the lifetime update service. There is also a 3D map view that is helpful in urban areas.

I gave my driver the Tom Tom simply because rerouting for detours is easier, if he comes to a no trucks zone, it is a simpler operation to replot the route.

 

I have an android tablet for GPS. I run Backcountry Navigator for Topo gps, and Co-Pilot for turn by turn.

 

my android phone mounted using google nav for city navigation and a 7" samsung tab mountd where my rearview mirror used to be running backcountry nav for everywhere else navigation (also works for city, just doesnt give turn by turn directions)

 

Whatever you do...dont get a TomTom Total POS!!!

 

Samsung Galaxy S3 w/Google Navigation. I like the way it turns to "Street View" showing you the actual buildings when you arrive, plus the maps are constantly updated. I use the Exomount windshield/dash mount. I retired my Garmin.

 

I use my phone in the city but have a TomTom XL and have never had a problem with it!

 

I just use Google maps on my Samsung Galaxy Nexus with a windshield mount. Hands down much better than the navigation I've used in touch screen aftermarket stereos in the past as well as the Garmin unit I used to have.

 

Got a pic of this ? Sounds like what I want

 

I was kind of soured on TomTom after this stuff a couple years ago. They say they stopped but once trust is lost, you know...

http://www.techradar.com/news/porta...a-to-position-speed-cams-948770#ixzz1KlB8sKyv

Garmins are nice but aren't perfect. For some reason on the nuvi 765 no matter how many times I update it the first direction it gives is always the wrong way, something that's really fun when plotting a course out of a city with a lot of one-way streets.

Android GPS software works pretty well for giving directions. That's all I use anymore.

 

This^^^

I've used Garmins and had no trouble with them. Very user friendly. Bought a TomTom for my step daughter for going away to college. She started complaining about it so I took it to use a few times and wanted to toss it out the window. Over all it works but it's not user friendly imo. My wife started playing with it and defended it telling me I just didn't have enough patience. That I just need to keep using it to learn how to work it.

I never had an issue with the Garmin and never even looked at the manual.

 

Another vote for Garmin. Works great and free map updates makes it well worth the price.

I fabricated a bracket to mount mine on. I removed the stereo bent a thin piece of metal for the bracket. The mount is screwed to the dash (behind the stereo on the left side of the stereo opening). If I decide to change or remove it there won't be any evidence it was there. Placement works perfect and keeps it out of the way while still allowing the GPS to acquire satellites very well.