upgrade GPS?

Is it worth it to upgrade to a new GPS like Garmin?

not looking to spend $500 on a large screen dash right now. Sony head unit works fine.

I have a Garmin Nuvi but it has some pros and cons that has me weighing out replacing it

pros:
-Garmin GPS. It works.
-updatable maps
-can be hidden or mobile

cons:
-it’s really old and cheap
-to the point where replacing the holder that just broke probably costs more than the actual GPS
-not really mobile anymore because internal battery is worn and depends on charger for life support
-big clunky heavy ugly tends to fall off

why I don’t use my phone instead:
-that would require turning on a bunch of apps
-would suck data
-using a Garmin seems a lot faster, simple, and more straightforward

don’t get me wrong for trails I’d use something like Onyx or Gaia

am talking about regular commuting navigation though
Going to look more into repairing the windshield holder socket and what Garmin has out available now that’s not a crazy price with unnecessary capability ie onroad vs off road

random pic for clicks


hopefully they don’t have a million to sort through
Edit: good, only one that is without traffic. Garmin Drive 53 5” $150
Plus is new so may hold value better to sell if changing mind after

 

I’m still using one from like 1997.

 

I could use the any one of the navigation apps on my Joying head unit or my cell phone, but I use the Garmin Nuvi 50 LM as my primary navigation tool.
I try to stay off the interstate highway system when traveling and with my Garmin I can "map out" and save a planned route.

 

Take a look at using a tablet and GAIA mapping software. I have a Garmin also but really want a larger screen for navigation. The handhelds are great for hiking/hunting but less so for driving as the screen is so small.

 

How much is your phone bill, is data pricing a big issue?

I recommend trying Waze, you'd only need the one app if you're not towing stuff
It's crowdsourced with traffic info, and the map is updated by local volunteers with far better accuracy than the Garmin subscription gives you
Saving time on daily drives is saving money

 

If you don't want to replace the radio then get an Offroam phone mount and use either Google Maps or Waze, they are almost the same since Google owns Waze. The mount will put the phone screen right in front of your right hand between the wheel and the dash. Unless you are running an absolute bare bones phone plan data is almost free with the amount you would be using for navigation.

Ignore the radio for your application but you can see my phone mount and it's placement.

 

okay, I rock a garmin NUVI with the life time maps, battery replacements are like $14-$21 on Amazon, and the holders are cheap on amazon too. use that as the oh crap back up. and the best thing is buying a used LMT after the numbers means i can download maps for free from garmin as long as the unit is alive.

but on the road I use Waze, and my cell, which auto connects to my head unit. use on-X for offroad in my daily.

 

pretty much wanted to keep it cheap for now just didn’t know if it’s worth putting any amount of money into a 2012 Garmin

might try replacing broken holder ($30)
Update maps
Maybe new $30 battery

the new Garmin 5” 53 at $150 doesn’t seem to have any improved capability from what I’m reading besides a sleeker appearance

phones usually plugged into aux for music, having it in a holder for GPS is a pain. Usually only do that on trails

eventually would be interested in changing radio to a big screen it just doesn’t seem really necessary right now

 

I added a mount for my motorcycle gps in the truck. I can swap between vehicles now.

The Garmin Zumo XT doesn't fit your price reqs though. It was $600. It can be oriented vertical or horizontal, wifi updates, and you can filter for "more adventurous" routes. There are more features too. Its a really good setup, for a little more than a standard car setup.

 

Still using an older Garmin as well. It's not tracking me for starters (it's the principle as much as anything and no, I don't always carry my phone) but when I do have the phone such as on trips I often use it to listen to podcasts so I'd rather have the GPS running on the dash.

I've bought some stuff from GPSCity before including one of their refurb Garmin's that I had on one of my motorcycles and never had any problems with them. I'll probably buy another refurb unit to replace the one in my truck when it finally dies (I've done the Amazon battery replacement once or twice as well; couple of bucks, a youtube video and about twenty minutes).

 

left my Garmin at home to map update
Might need to add microSD card if it even takes it, for larger update.

had to use the phone to find a place and holy crap did it suck battery.

my fault for not having a charger though. Just an aux music cord.

just added ram mount holders at the HVAC panel still need to order other parts like Ram Ball(s) and pray it doesn’t interfere with operating other things including 6MT shifter.

have an EE 2TPAM that I think offers power tap charging just need to install it.

probably gonna replace broken Garmin mount, maybe replace battery
See how it goes. Seems like the cheapest option out of everything.
Never had an issue with it besides that.
Took me the wrong way to Imogene pass but that’s my fault. Not to be relied upon for off roading, over FunTreks book or Onyx/Gaia.
Buddy who already did pre area familiarization and used those two above methods didn’t have that issue and went the right way.

Idk if my Garmin tracks me. Wouldn’t want someone busting my window grabbing my Garmin scrolling through history seeing I went to buy a burrito.
Or hiding a silenced AirTag under my truck watching me get a burrito.