Best GPS system??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,840
Likes: 65
From: Tree City
Best GPS system??
My 2005 didn't come with the factory GPS system.... 
....So, if I wanted to get a regular GPS system to carry with me and not install it in my Vette, what kind should I get? And how much should I expect to pay? And where can I get one? Thanks.
....So, if I wanted to get a regular GPS system to carry with me and not install it in my Vette, what kind should I get? And how much should I expect to pay? And where can I get one? Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,247
Likes: 8,509
From: Rochester, NY
Garmin makes a good unit, they have many different models with various features. Price wise anywheres from $99.00 to $300.00.
You should go to Best Buy, or Radio Shack where they have them all on display so you can try them out in the store and see for yourself which one meets your needs in both features and price.
You should go to Best Buy, or Radio Shack where they have them all on display so you can try them out in the store and see for yourself which one meets your needs in both features and price.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 599
Likes: 20
From: Santa Clarita Valley
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 11
From: Dawsonville, GA
Garmin is the only way to go.
FWIW, Kenwood makes some affordable in-dash head units that use Garmin GPS software. I just put a used one (DNX-5120) in my '05 a couple months ago... and have approx $500 into it.
FWIW, Kenwood makes some affordable in-dash head units that use Garmin GPS software. I just put a used one (DNX-5120) in my '05 a couple months ago... and have approx $500 into it.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,567
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From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I use cheap Garmin, with life time for updates, while other unit you have to pay for map updates.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: La Marque, Texas
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I just mentioned this in another thread. I highly recommend the MotionX-GPS navigation app for the iPhone. MotionX-GPS navigation does it all and it's inexpensive....live voice guidance, current traffic information, updated information, etc. You can port it through an existing in-car (Nav) display and/or through the car's speakers. MotionX-GPS was rated higher than the Garmin offering. In several instances I got more accurate information with this app than my friend did using his expensive, dedicated Nav system. I was impressed. If you have an iPhone check it out. I think you can use the basic system for free but the live voice guidance is something like $10 a year.
For Android phones I've heard Google (the evil empire) has a good, navigation app.
For Android phones I've heard Google (the evil empire) has a good, navigation app.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 157
Likes: 4
From: Valparaiso IN
It depends what you want. If you want to be able to customize your unit, such as different voices, add customized Points of Interests (POI's) etc... Garmin is the best choice. I do find that the use of Garmin could be a little difficult to navigate. Garmin is the unit I recommend to people that don’t have difficulty with electronics.
If you're not that good with electronics and just want a unit to get you from point A to point B and ease of use. I would go with a Magellan. This is the unit I would recommend to my parents.
One option I would strongly suggest is to get one that has unlimited updates to their maps.
If you're not that good with electronics and just want a unit to get you from point A to point B and ease of use. I would go with a Magellan. This is the unit I would recommend to my parents.
One option I would strongly suggest is to get one that has unlimited updates to their maps.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 599
Likes: 20
From: Santa Clarita Valley
I just mentioned this in another thread. I highly recommend the MotionX-GPS navigation app for the iPhone. MotionX-GPS navigation does it all and it's inexpensive....live voice guidance, current traffic information, updated information, etc. You can port it through an existing in-car (Nav) display and/or through the car's speakers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,312
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From: Murfreesboro, TN
CI 2-4-5-6-7-8-10-11-12 Vet
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '08-'11-'13-'14-'15
IMHO, you absolutely need to, at the very least consider, be buying a replacement head unit for your car. I specifically did not want the GM NAV unit, and went with the Kenwood DNX9960 which does everything - from Garmin NAV with free lifetime traffic, to "watching" DVD's, bluetooth telephone, voice activation, iPod connectivity, satellite radio, rear camera with on screen backup vision, etc.
Be smart and do it right! (imho) I'm just sayin'
(if you're interested, just go to the audio forums here on the CF, and look for C5BearsFan (Dennis) and he will set you up with everything you need with probably the best prices around - tell him I sent ya)
Be smart and do it right! (imho) I'm just sayin'
(if you're interested, just go to the audio forums here on the CF, and look for C5BearsFan (Dennis) and he will set you up with everything you need with probably the best prices around - tell him I sent ya)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,840
Likes: 65
From: Tree City
I just went to Best Buy and bought one. I got a Garmin 2555. That thing is awesome. You're right TOBASCO. Maybe I'll put one in my car, too. Thanks for all the advice, guys. I appreciate it.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,681
Likes: 2
From: Mooresville (Race City USA) NC
The cool things about a Garmin GPS: 1. Better models display the posted speed limit as well as the speed you are driving, 2. mounted on the windshield they are "heads-up" (if legal in the state/country you are driving in), 3. you can take them on a business trip/vacation to use in a rental car at no extra charge, 4. you can transfer them to a new car or another car in your family.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
I have used Garmin two different models, Tom Tom, and Magellan.
The Magellan I like the best so I bought two of these as they are very user friendly and less cost. I use the Magellans over the Garmins as I find Garmins have too many bells & whistles that I don't need like I don't need to know how long I have been idling or the Eco status of my car. Also the Garmin program that came with first unit I bought from them I had to return twice because directions were inaccurate.
Tom Tom was not user friendly. So now I ended up with 4 GPS units.
The Magellan I like the best so I bought two of these as they are very user friendly and less cost. I use the Magellans over the Garmins as I find Garmins have too many bells & whistles that I don't need like I don't need to know how long I have been idling or the Eco status of my car. Also the Garmin program that came with first unit I bought from them I had to return twice because directions were inaccurate.
Tom Tom was not user friendly. So now I ended up with 4 GPS units.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,717
From: Springfield MO
I picked up a new Garmin(to replace my old one that was working great, but needed a map update) for $85 At Best Buy's Black Friday. It's a 40LM(FREE lifetime map updates every 3 months). It has the 4.3" screen and the kind lady tells you the name of the street you are supposed to turn on, not just "turn right in 200 feet" like the old ones. For a few dollars more they have the 50LM with the 5" screen.
I think most places have the 40LM for around $115. Be sure to get one labeled LM or it won't have the FREE lifetime map updates.
I think most places have the 40LM for around $115. Be sure to get one labeled LM or it won't have the FREE lifetime map updates.
