manecda

Just got a notice from Chevrolet to update my Navigation system (2014 model year) for only $160 , but it does include free shipping. Think I should use my wife's Garmin since it has FREE lifetime updates. Is this the infamous "Corvette" tax?

alienranch

This is typical with any OEM auto nav systems. Ripoff, but pretty standard.

Zymurgy

Nope, not "Corvette" tax - same price for any GM nav update.

Here's a cool tool to see how much information has been updated, both nationally and for approximately 50 metropolitan areas:

MapChangedDashboard

dmhines

Ford charges similar prices also.

rudolph schenker

Kracka

The C7 update is actually a little cheaper than some nav updates since it is no longer disc-based. The C6 update disc is currently $180.

I'm tempted, but think I might wait another year to update. I of course just ordered an update disc (v2014) for my Volt a few months ago, and they now have released the v2016 version for $20 cheaper.

Anyone know what the update schedules are? Annual? Every other year?

BIG Dave

Software updates don't just materialize out of thin air, a programming team creates the software (constitutes wages and salaries), it is then formatted to be compatible with the vehicle (manufacturing cost), and finally shipped to the consumer (shipping cost). All these processes carry a cost which (along with a profit) is passed on to the consumer.

Blue Demon

How is the update loaded, thumb drive? I am guessing it is only good for your specific VIN to prevent it from being passed around.

green2000

That may be true but aftermarket suppliers such as Garmin also have update costs but can offer free updates and still make a profit. I updated my factory GPS in my C6 and it still did not recognize several major road changes and the update cost about $180.

ratman6161

And yet, somehow I can buy this garmin for $89 including lifetime map updates.

Zymurgy

Updates are annual, around September.

Steve Garrett

I haven't updated mine since I took delivery of the car (October 15, 2013). I might do this update.

JoesC5

I purchased a Garmin 52LM(an inch wider than the 42LM) back in the Spring from Walmart for $99 and micro SD card for $1.99(needed to have enough memory for all the USA). I update it every six months, and have it in my C6 Z06.

I have an older 40LM in my daily driver, that works perfect, even though it's going on or 7 years old(and I still update it every six months, for free).

BIG Dave

Garmin spreads the cost of its lifetime maps over the 141 million GPS devices it has sold since the inception of the company. In 2014 alone, Garmin sold 15 million GPS units. Try doing that with a vehicle that sells only about 40,000 units per year and the economics are far from similar.

graj6

Atleast isn't the $250+labor that BMW wants every time they have a map update. But yeah, I'd just buy a new garmin instead of the update if only I wasn't a sucker for nav integration into the car itself.

Rossi6998

Yes... Just updated mine the other day.

C7Joy

I really hate this but in fairness to GM, it just cost me $211 to get the map update for my wife's Subaru.

Kracka

Correct on both.
Thank you. I should have done my research before updating the Volt in May!

ratman6161

I get your point but the 40,000 units per year is not really correct. Remember GM uses the same electronics across all its vehicles. If I took a closeup of the screen in my friend's Silverado and one of the screen on my C7, if I got close up enough so you could only see the screen, you really couldn't tell the difference. Its probably the same set of maps across every car and truck GM sells that has built in NAV.

Another thought I've had is that it would be cool if GM would just partner with Garmin and use their maps. I'd gladly pay Garmin $200 for a lifetime map update package. This would be good for both companies. Its a selling point for a GM car and also Garmin would get to sell me the update package even though they didn't sell me a GPS.

Zymurgy

This is partially true. There are multiple GPS units across GM across model years. If you look at the C7 updates, it will say that it is compatible with:

Buick LaCrosse 2014-2015
Buick Regal 2014-2015
Cadillac ATS 2013 - 2015
Cadillac CTS 2014-2015
Cadillac ELR 2014-2015
Cadillac Escalade 2014-2015
Cadillac SRX 2013 - 2015
Cadillac XTS 2013 - 2015
Chevrolet Colorado 2015
Chevrolet Corvette 2014-2015
Chevrolet Impala 2014-2015
Chevrolet Silverado 2014-2015* (*Vehicles with MyLink systems only)
Chevrolet Suburban 2015
Chevrolet Tahoe 2015
GMC Canyon 2015
GMC Sierra 2014-2015* (*Vehicles with IntelliLink systems only)
GMC Yukon 2015

Very few pre-2014 vehicles. Also, not the full GM lineup - for example, does not include the Buick Encore or Enclave.