Nuvi 660 owners and Map Update 2009

I just bought two Garmin GPSr Nuvi 660 and StreetPilot c340 four weeks ago and registered both at Garmin. Got the free update for Nuvi 660 but not for StreetPilot c340. I downloaded it and installed on my Nuvi 660 with no problem.

Nuvi 660, StreetPilot c340, Magellan Maestro 3225

Their customer service is horrible. I talked to them previously about free update and they said it would be available. Now they are saying it is not on the 600 series. I told them I would have bought another company and they said well you already purchased ours, and blew me off. If i knew their customer service was so bad, I would have never bought from them.

Customer service in the US has got alot worse over the years. Companies just don't care about making a happy customer, they just want your money.

I got pretty much the same deal with them! I bought 670 two weeks ago. They gave me Europe 2008 update free but not NA 2009. After numrous phone calls, alot of complaining and finally speaking with supervisor, I got the 50% off discount (including shipping) - total of $35 for the 2009 update. I took the deal!
There is not a single word on Garmin's site about 6xx being discontinued - you'll find this after talking to their reps. When you buy a new 6xx now, you are actually buying a discontinued product, with outdated maps! Then you have to pay even more for the updates - this is pretty lame policy for "end-of-life" product! I spent total of almost 45 min, just arguing with them to get the update! 3 phone calls to the support line yielded 3 diffrent stories! If the rep doesnt like to help, just ask for supervisor! Last time I called, the rep told me that "NOBODY at the call center can assist me with the free update" but then the supervisor did give me a discount!
Its just lame what they are doing with those updates!!!

I bought mine from Amazon and I contacted Amazon and told them the story and they told me that I can return it fora full refund, I am weighing my options here.

I can basically return it, get a newer model, qualify for the free map upgrade and still end up where I started, $330, what do you think?

oh yah, and please if you experience the same issue, write a review about the 660 so they know we can do something about their reputation if they try to screw with their customers like this.

I remember when I bought the tomtom they had a policy of free map updates the first 30 days so no matter what happens, you always get the latest map free.

I wrote a bad review about their customer service and I wrote a letter to some of their executives, maybe they need to look at what's going on and get some feed back from real people

They've been great to me on every issue I've ever dealt with them on.

If they were treating me that way, I wouldn't even pay $35. I'd return the unit and get a Tom Tom or Magellan.

Everyone wants something for nothing...why would anyone want to buy the 6XX series when the new 7XX series was out unless they were at exceptional prices and then you would get what you paid for. The new series has been out since last year around August or September. Those of you complaining should have know better. Why do you think they came out with the new series in the first place. What would you do with any other electronic device when new models came out like TV's, DVD Players, cell phones, cameras, etc. etc. etc. Garmin has the best GPS customer service by far of any manufacturer. Go buy a Tom Tom or Magellan and see what you get. Sorry for being so direct but it is tiresome listening to all the crying...

I bought mine from Amazon too. Decided to pay the $35 and be done and over with! Probably shipping back to amazon would be $15 anyway! I just dont understand one thing - why they are causing ppl to return their units to the stores - that's plain dumb - the stores would have hard time to sale the refurbished, discontinued models. At the the end of the day Garmin looses! Instead they can offer the free update and everybody will be happy - garmin makes a sale, customer gets an updated unit!
I certainly dont like to be treated as the dumb sucker who unknowingly bought a discontinued model and have to pay another $70 just a week or so after the purchase to be up to date.
No wonder ppl are pirating the updates on bit torrent!
And those so-called updates are not really updates - most of the roads added in the updates are not just built between the map releases - they are adding things they missed the first time!

I think this is a result of poor communication on Garmin's part. A lot of people are going to buy on price without knowing the reason for the low price is that the model is being discontinued. If a model is not going to be eligible for a free update because it is being discontinued, then that should be made clear. With such information, people can make an informed choice and maybe choose a 7xx instead.

But I still don't see why Garmin just doesn't support all models the same. This doesn't make good business sense, although it may save them a little money.

I just received mine, registered it and got the update. It did take a shot or two on the site.

If you register your 660 on the MyGarmin site it will automatically give you the Update. No Phone call nothing..Just register and click on Upgrade..I know because I have a 66o and registered my on April 2..

I had been eyeing the nuvi 660 for quite some time (1st clue). It had all of the features I wanted and none that I didn't. Then I saw the $400 price Best Buy was offering last year on "Black Friday" (2nd clue). I knew then the 660 was near its production end and this would be just the beginning of price drops.

Finally, in January of this year, I was able to pick one up online for $360. It had the 2008 maps and I was happy.

I registered the unit in February and I am not entitled to a free upgrade to the 2009 maps now, in May. But, I figured that would be the case and wasn't expecting a free update.

I could see the handwriting on the wall the end of last year that the 660 was near the end of its product lifecycle. I still have the 1-year warranty. For what I saved in the purchase price, I can buy a lot of map updates.

In my case I knew they were coming with new maps, it said it on their website but they didn't say which model is not getting it (their mistake).

second, I called support last week and I asked the girl, she said that I would qualify for the free update since I bought it and regsitered within 30 days (second mistake)

so, others and I have been misled by Garmin all along since they dropped the price on the 660 in March.

Go to your MYGarmin page where you registered your unit. Click on the 660 and all the registration information will come up. Then Click On Upgrade. It gave me my Upgrade free. On the first of may. I bought mine the Same time you did..I have not had to Talk to or threaten anyone it was a 1 click order..I did have to pay the 10 bucks for shipping..But hey I saved about 400 on the 660

I had my 760 from X-mass, had to turn it in, due to a power problem, would not turn on.
They sent me a new refurbished unit, which had a new ID# which i then regestered, so it showed like i actually bought that unit. I checked today I am able to DL the updated map for free.
I dont know if it is because they think i bought this unit a few weeks ago, or if for everybody.

My buddy also bought his for x-mass, and i will see if hes able to DL it this weekend.

Or does anyone else know?

I am glad Garmin offered it for free, I would not pay out money for it

I planned on waiting until new maps were out to purchase but went ahead and bought a 660 when we heard new maps were announced and that we would receive updates if purchased after that date. To me it as if we were being sold last years car after the new models are out without receiving an appropriate discount.

It would be a different situation if they had said in advance that we are fazing this madel out and it will not qualify for the free map upgrade, but it is still being sold as a current model not as a discontinued item.

------
Garmin 660

Zecpull,

I already did that and I have no free update. I am fully registered on their website and I even had support check my serial number and they said that my unit does not qualify.

It seems that some 660 units got the updates and others didnt! it doesn't make sense

I registered my Nuvi 660 at Garmin. I checked my Garmin tab at their website and it says I'm entitled for free update 2009v. I didn't even call the customer service, I just registered my unit that was it. I downloaded it and installed on my Nuvi 660 without a problem.

Nuvi 660, StreetPilot c340, Magellan Maestro 3225

I haven't called CS yet; I had a busy weekend. But I too bought and registered the 660 in April, purchased 4/12, registered 4/17 all this assuming I would get the free update. MyGarmin page is offering me the update for the nice price of 69.99. ARGGHHHHH!! I bought mine from amazon as well. I hope to call cs tomorrow and beg, threaten, etc. whatever it takes.

And yes I got mine for a nice price, but I got the 660 because it had the features I wanted. I didn't know it was discontinued and don't expect to get treated any differently because of the product I chose to buy. Good customer service is deserved by all. I'll let you know how it turns out......

I finally got a reply from Garmin, this is their explanation

"Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

Because the nüvi 660 is nearing the end of production, it will never
come pre-loaded with the 2009 maps. Map updates are only provided free
of charge to those units that could have been purchased with the newest
maps pre-loaded (with some exceptions). Unfortunately, the nüvi 660
will not be eligible for free map updates. As always, updating your
maps is strictly optional and most customers have found that older
versions of the map work very well for them. When an update is
released, we only recommend purchasing it when errors or inaccuracies in
the maps on your unit are frequent or severe enough to warrant an
update. I am sorry for the inconvenience.

With Best Regards,"

so there you have it, of course I removed the sames for obvious reasons. It seems that two garmins, bought at the same time, two different serial numbers yet one qalified for the free update and the other didn't

I bought the damn map for $35, after all it comes down to how you treat your customers equally and whatever exceptions there are they should be publicly stated on their websites and properly communicated by their support staff. Not give different messages to customers giving the impression that when May 1st. comes, Garmin will be right beside you.

I called this morning and was told that indeed 660 owners would get the free update; assuming that i was registered/purchased after 3/1/08. He said I needed to email techsupp@garmin.com - that was the only way to get the update free. So, I emailed them with my serial number, address, etc. asking for the disc. The guy (Mike) told me I needed to do this.

I didn't understand why he couldn't just order it for me by getting my serial number, etc. But he tells me the only way to get it is to send this email. So, reluctantly, I did what I was told. Later in the day, I go to mygarmin log in and sure enough, the 69.99 had changed to a free download and/or $10 disc order.

uspackman

I purchased mine on the 30th and activated when I received it on the 4th. I talked to Garmin 2 times over the phone and few times over e-mails and on May 2nd. they said I would not qualify and offered me the DVD version half price. It cost me $44.33 including shipping. Well, after I read your post I logged back again and what do you know! They now say that my serial number qualifies contradicting everything they said earlier. I have the free download link and the $10 DVD version.

All of this after I have verbal and written communications with them telling me that my serial number didn't qualify. It seems someone made a mistake there and Garmin has now realized it.

So, I was pissed off to see that I am now getting it free after I ordered it on Friday so I just called them and they credited me the difference since I like to keep the DVD copy, that was sweet and I am now a happy camper.

Hi all,

As I noted in another thread, I'm a new 660 owner (my first gps) which I ordered from Buydig.com for under $300 and I registered it on April 24th. I called CS last week and they told me I would get the update for free and they are sending me the DVD in the mail for free! She told me, that only I would get this for free. I didn't argue. The inconsistency is unsettling. Now I only hope the DVD actually arrives I do have an order number, etc.

I believe the policy change occurred yesterday (5/5) after the numerous complaints they received, so those with the 660 that meet the requirements for the free update should see it in their myGarmin now.

Nice to see that Garmin fixed this before it became too big of a crisis.

I agree. I wrote the CEO & Chairman by snail mail, something that I have never done before to any company. The letter went on Saturday so I doubt that it played any part but maybe does indicate that they may have received numerous complaints. Anyway glad it is resolved in a favorable way.

Just checked my MyGarmin page and I am able to download or purchase (just shipping costs) the 2009 maps.

smaul

I wrote to the executive team, the webmaster and support and I have been exchanging emails with them back and forth since then.

They told me yesterday that some 660's did qualify but now they changed their policy so that any nuvi 660 that was purchased after March 1, 2008 would qualify for the free upgrade.

I am glad they fixed this issue oh yah and i did menation that their online support website is useless when you get an answer and I am not able to read it due to the issues they have on the server. They acknowledged the existance of the problem and they are working on a solution, that's why they have been sending me e-mails directly

Oh well, that doesn't help me. I registered my 660 in Feb, 2008.

Woo hoo. Just checked and mine is now eligible too. Glad Garmin fixed this issue. Oklahoma City was very out of date on their maps (about 5-10 years in some areas), so I am glad to get this update. Thanks everyone

Joe..
I bought my 660 almost the same day as you did..Registered mine with the MyGarmin site. I didnt have to Email or call anybody. On May 1st it was a one click deal. Mine is already installed and working fine. shipped in 3 days...and one hour to install.

We bought the Nuvi 660, registered on-line on 10may08, and were offered a click-to-download the 2009 map update. The download is over 2.o4GB, so it takes a few minutes.

The automated registry acknowledgment email offered a 10% discount on Garmin selected accessories that expires in 30 days.

Couldn't be much better. Apparently, someone at Garmin is listening and responding appropriately.

ANY upgrades to a purchased unit should be free for one year from date of purchase (or during the warranty period). THAT seems fair to me.

The 660 has WAAS and the 760 does not.

I didn't know that. But I've been happy with my 660 and my 680. I AM looking forward to the 880 being released.

I was able to do the free updates to both the 660 and 680 this weekend. What a GREAT deal!

Joe

Considering what you now pay for a 660, even if you have to pay for the update you are getting a great GPS for half of what some of us paid a year ago.

Just because you get a 660 on Sale should not be a reason to not get an Update..Right now Cabelas are selling the Nuvi 200 for $139...and You will get the update with it also..so it is almost cheaper to get a Nuvi 200 than to buy the Update...

Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

Why no Free Map Update?

Garmin does not offer free map updates as a standard policy. However, if you purchase and begin using a device, after Garmin releases new map data, we allow you to update your device one single time for no charge. This policy is only in effect if that particular device is being sold from Garmin into the public with newer map data.

Garmin does not offer free map updates as a standard policy.

Garmin does not plan to manufacture the nuvi 6xx models and 3xx models with the 2009 maps.

Unfortunately, if a device is not

going to be manufactured with the new map, it will not be eligible for a free map update.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this might cause.

With Best Regards,

Lori F

Product Support Specialist

2nd Shift Automotive Team

Garmin International

913-397-8200

800-800-1020

913-397-8282 (fax) Att: Lori F

www.garmin.com

The My Garmin account now says that there is a free upgrade. Downloading it right now. The free upgrade is only good for 30 days and it costs 10 bucks if you want the CD.

Is March 1st the "cutoff" date for those that can get the update free and those that have to pay? I don't see anything on their site, and the myMap section is really hanging.

Hi folks
I qualify for the free update for my 660. I"ve had a hell of a time getting it. I cant get to the download manager for my mac, it stopped once, did not fully get the full file. On my widows machine, I can't even get to the "my garmin" page or the download page. Anyone else having these issues or any advice?

Looks like a mess-

Not sure what is going on, but the myGarmin site is saying that updates are in progress. However it has been since late last night and all morning.

I just called TOMTOM customer service yesterday for my Father-inlae TOMTOM one 3rd Edition. They oicked up right away. The Customer Rep gave his name, and stated, "Something about They must completely give you a satisfying customer support" as part of the companys protocol. I was surprise from that response before he asked me what help he can provide. Don't know if that was a fluck but he did help me with my question. By the way I have a nuvi350

Jim, so you are seeing this too? Glad its not just my imagination!

I managed to d/l the 2.2G file on May 2, but it wouldn't open-- did not complete. Since then, the site has been down. Garmin site gave me an unlock code for my 660 purchased at Xmas, after accepting its serial #. Stay tuned-- the site still seems to be down.

Even refurbished C550.

well, this is how I did it.
1. My mac version would not download
2. did download the windows version to my mac
3. transfered the windows version to my windows box from the mac
4. installed it on the garmin via the windows box.

The web site is still messed up ...not sure how I got it, but I did.

I registered my Nuvi in March 2008. Would I be able to get the update?

Yes, you would be eligible for the update if you indeed registered in March 2008. I believe that in order to qualify for the free update, you would need to have registered the unit on March 1st or later.