nüMaps Lifetime

Interesting wording as I have been planning to look over these options. Will the smart phone market speed up the demise of these units that most of us use daily??

Flaco, if you sell or give away your 260, the lifetime map subscription ends when you make the transfer.

I hadn't noticed the word "useful" before. I'd hate to think that they have the right to terminate my agreement with them when they think my unit is past its useful life, not when I stop using it.

When the price dropped recently I looked at the current price for a one time update. I was considering updating the mapset on my 260, which I use as a loaner/backup unit. At $50 they won't get a sale from me. I have lifetime on my 1490T, but the price will have to drop to <$10 for me to consider a one time update for my 260. I'll never get a lifetime subscription for the 260.

I think this was done so they eventually can stop delivering updates for old units. This can be caused for example when they change map format (they did it few years ago changing to format that is used now in City Navigator) and after that will be able to simply discontinue updates for older maps.

Nobody can help you in this case, as probably none of us can tell you how long your unit will be serviced by garmin. It is just case of "hit and miss". Many people here is using LifeTime update but how long it will last nobody knows.

If you want to make sure that new owner of your unit will be able to use update the only sure way is to give him unit with access to your garmin account. And of course you will be needing new account for yourself.

isn't in this for altruistic reason, obviously. However, this really does seem like a scam. You pay for lifetime updates with no idea how long that "lifetime" will be for any unit. The lifetime update for my Zumo costs as much as buying a new Nuvi. Really makes me wonder.

I'm sure this will get challenged eventually in court nce a large number of units stop getting updates. The usage of the word "lifetime" has a certain connotation and it will be argued that it is misleading to use that specific term.

I don't think the word "useful" was always in there, I would have remembered that.

That only legitimate reason I can think of for not supporting certain units is that over time the map updates may exceed the available memory space in older units and can no longer fit in them.

I brought up this scenario before on here about the smartphone. I think that it can make a significant impact on the stand alone GPS market but it will never replace it. Not everyone is willing to pay to have data on there phones and that is something you are going to need to use a smartphone GPS. I have Ovi maps on mine but am too cheap to pay the monthly fee to use them. This is where a stand alone gps shines. Paid one time to buy it and I get to use it all I want.

If you we're considering updating to nuMaps or nothing, I'd say flip a coin. However with the price of lifetime maps so reasonable, can't find a reason to update using Onetime.

as I own a Nuvi260. Two weeks ago I upgraded to a Nuvi 1490T. I did not get the lifetime maps, but it came with one free download of the latest map, which is great for now. I recommend not getting a life time map for the 260 as it misses many newer features such as speed limits, traffic, routes, and bluetooth. The 1490 is great for all the added features. Consider the $49 charge for single map updates a discount on the 1490 or higher model. I purchased online through amazon and was quite pleased. This is just my opinion for what its worth.

Any guess as to when the next update is due?

I disagree with Drew that it can be challenged in court, the courts have ruled in the case of Lifetime Warranty “Lifetime warranty is for replacement of like items only. Lifetime warranty does not cover items out of production if {"the company"} no longer stocks them.

This warranty is valid only for the original buyer but not transferable. (Lifetime is defined as the lifetime of the product on the market. Outdated technology is not covered by lifetime warranty if the item is no longer available on the common market as a new product.)

Living in California, I see first hand how just about anything can be challenged in court if you have a lawyer willing to take the case. I can order a hot cup of coffee, spill it on myself and sue the establishment for the injury. Fast food restaurants can also be sued for selling food that make people obese. (using these examples tongue and cheek from similar cases that garnered national attention).
I never said if the plaintiffs would win the case, only that it will probably be challenged at some point.

I wasn't referring to a lifetime "warranty" for the GPS devices, only of the inference of maps being available for the lifetime of the unit. If maps will only be offered for a few years for a particular unit, then the term lifetime maps can be argued as misleading.

Anyway, that's my opinion since I see how litigious we as a society have become.

Title 16, Part 239.4 of the Code of Federal Regulations may be cited as reference for the lack of clarity this "lifetime" offering has:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=74a...

Many electronic products are required to be supported for seven years from the date of manufacture. This would be for parts and service. I don't know if that blankets all electronics or certain items like TV's, etc.

I never signed up for updates on my 765T or 200W, and the most recent on both of them is CNNT NA 2009.11 (don't ask..). Anyway, I recently saw Lifetime update cards for $69 so I went ahead & bought two. Haven't used them yet since my 765 is recalled, and decided to buy a new unit to replace my 200W. I'm waiting for the new unit, but decided to look on Garmin's site to see what the current map set (2011.20) looks like in an area near me that I really want an update for due to heavy traffic and a major road realignment. Mind you this is a suburb of D.C. and a VERY heavy traffic/shopping area.

Garmin 2011.20- same as it was a year ago. WRONG
Google Maps- shows the realignment on old sat image.
OSM- Beautiful map of the realignment plus all small streets correct, excellent building & features details.

I'm downloading the 'routable' OSM maps for the area, and if they work well.. maybe I'll sell my update cards!

(edit- note I previously posted the incorrect Garmin web map update #..I corrected it)

On second thoughts I agree with you, Lifetime Warranty is something a company gives you to entice the buyer, nüMaps Lifetime is something you buy to maintain your product up to date. Where is Johnny Cochran when I need him?

Consider the (Lifetime MSN Traffic Service) when you think about the lifetime Maps.

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I would feel better if they had on the disclaimer something like “If you purchase a nüMaps Lifetime™ subscription (sold separately), you will receive up to four (4) map data updates per year, for a minimum guaranteed of three years when and as such updates are made available on Garmin’s website, for one (1) compatible Garmin product until your product’s useful life expires or Garmin no longer receives map data from its third party supplier”

This way Garmin will stop selling it three years before a product is deemed to have its useful life expired and the client will buy with confidence that he/she is not being ripped off.

For myself, I always consider that if the cost comes close to the cost of 1/2 a new unit, better to wait and get a new unit. ( features, battery life, etc of a new one and it includes the latest map )

I ride a 2008 Goldwing that has a built in Garmin Navi unit that had reached the end of its life before the bike left the factory. Makes me a little skeptical of buying any life time offers from Garmin.

Units with Lifetime MSN were supported for the life of that service. That service will cease to exist soon so its lifetime is over. nuMaps is still around and should be expected to support the units people bought lifetime subscriptions for unless nuMaps ceases as a service altogether.

I think you are spot on here. At least there would be some clarity to their usage of the term "Lifetime." The deliberate ambiguity in the current Garmin wording is what I take issue with since they are using the term Lifetime to entice users to purchase something with the expectation they can keep updating their device while they own it.

When entering into a contractual agreement, such as purchasing a "lifetime warranty", it is understandable that we (the customers) would want good value for our money. But what is reasonable in this type of situation?

Personally, I don't think Garmin is misleading people or outrageously misrepresenting their warranty. If someone can get so upset about spending $90 (or less), they would consider suing on the interpretation of "lifetime", they should also take the time to confirm the specifications of the warranty with the company. Then, if they don't like the conditions or restrictions - they won't take the warranty.

Of course, while driving through Salt Lake City a couple of weeks back I saw a large billboard advertising a law office. The company's slogan was JUST SUE 'EM.

Reasonable is often decided in the courts. We will see when units that people have purchased "Lifetime" maps for are no longer supported in this lifetime program and for what reason(s). This isn't a warranty on the unit itself, it is a lifetime subscription to update your GPS units with the most current map available.
It is an apparent attempt to entice users to subscribe with the reasonable expectation that they can keep their specific GPS unit updated with current maps.
It can be argued there is deliberate ambiguity in this statement when more specific language could have been used regarding the realistic term of this subscription. I don't believe it realistic to believe all or most subscribers should call a company to ask them what a lifetime subscription means.
Anyway, time will tell when units are actually discontinued from this program and whether it gets challenged. There are many precedents of companies being litigated against for misleading consumers with either false or ambiguous statements.

with just about any guarantee you buy? I have 6 Nuvi's, and have "Lifetime" on all of them, Hell, I can have alot of these buggers go out on me until I get down to only one! I have invested over time alot of money into these things, but they have saved me countless dollars of frustration!!

Flaco, your lifetime card will be good on any one device. Once you use it, it becomes tied to that unit. You do not have to use it on the unit with which it came. Case in point: I purchased a 1490T with Lifetime Maps and used the Map card on my 760. Many people have different thoughts on how to use their card. This is the way I decided to go and wound up with a new 1490T and my old 760, both now with current maps.

if you get 2 updates on the lifetime that is less than 2 one time updates, but wait there's more?
Who doesn't want/need another gps?
any garmin with LM includes lifetime maps
(LMT is lifetime maps & Traffic)
http://www8.garmin.com/automotive/lmt/
The Gps get better and Less expensive (not cheaper)
just to keep up with the smart phones!

Units with Lifetime MSN were supported for the life of that service. That service will cease to exist soon so its lifetime is over. nuMaps is still around and should be expected to support the units people bought lifetime subscriptions for unless nuMaps ceases as a service altogether.

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Just pointing out that lifetime subscriptions did not necessarily mean the life of the equipment. As Garmin stated in their terms {or Garmin no longer receives map data from its third party supplier} changing suppliers of the map could end the lifetime support.

Yes, that could effectively end their lifetime support across the board. I think that would be more acceptable than if only some units were no longer allowed nuMaps updates while others were. Although it would be somewhat suspicious if the name nuMaps were changed to something else and some units that had nuMaps are grandfathered into the "new program" while others are left out by claiming nuMaps service has ended.
It will be interesting to see how it plays out in the future. Right now as some other posters have correctly pointed out, Garmin is looking for ways to compete with the ever emerging smart phone market. These offerings will definitely increase Garmin's profits in the short term, but what will it mean for them long term?

I love my 765 and would hate to have another GPS just b/c the lifetime maps were discontinued for that model. Hopefully the POI Factory members will monitor this and we can all take action if, and when, something like that occurs.

Hi, everyone,

I purchased my "lifetime" subscription online in May, 2009 for ~$100. So far, I've updated my unit (nuvi 660) quarterly six (6) times. I'm certain I've received my monies worth. Before "nuMaps", I updated my unit twice. Once for half price, about 6 months after purchase, the second at full price. Without the updates, I have little confidence in my nuvi's accuracy. I also buy an updated Road Atlas from Sam's Club every year so that I can see the "big picture". On my computers I use DeLorme's Street Atlas for trip planning. I like having accurate, up-to-date information at my fingertips.

Miki

I have a StreetPilot c530 that is no longer listed as supported by Garmin. However, lifetime maps still continue to work. I found it was a good investment.

Do everyone in your family have one, or do you need alot of backups?

I just use my 1390T and gave my others to my family.

Does the NuMaps Lifetime card have an expiration date?

I recently bought a Nuvi 255, which came bundled with a NuMaps Lifetime card. I did my free 1-time update, but have not activated the card. If I don't register the card for a year, and at that time decide I want the latest/greatest Nuvi to replace the 255, would the NuMaps card still work (for the newer unit)?

(I've read through search results, but not sure any definitively answered the question, so apologies if this has been covered elsewhere!)

in terms of cost a couple of map updates and you are better off buying the lifetime maps vs single updates. Also hopefully the updates will have more junction views. I have seen the Lifetime maps on amazon for around $79. Lifetime may get canceled like the traffic service but still its worth it.

You've a couple of questions here.

First, the card doesn't expire, but it does have a condition that affects its life. That is, from my understanding, it will be valid as long as Garmin receives its maps from Navteq.

The second question is a little more complicated. The card is (or will be) tied to a single unit. The updates do not transfer to either another unit nor do they transfer to another owner. So, the updates are non-transferable. Garmin will transfer the updates to a new unit if the original unit is replaced by Garmin due to a failure, but that is the only reason reported so far.

I have had my unit for about 4 years and have not updated the maps. It is very infrequent that I find a mistake. A number of road that didn't exist when I got the unit are in the database so I think updates are oversubscribed.

If not much is happening in your area, of course you'll be fine with old maps. But if someone is in a large metropolitcan area with huge construction projects, they'll benefit immensely from constant updates.

Nicolod,

Your Lifetime maps will be tied to whatever unit you register it with. If you hold the card and wait until you buy another GPS, and then register it with that new unit, it will be tied to that unit. If you register the card with your original unit first, it will be tied the original unit.

Do we know of any units that Garmin has quit supporting the lifetime maps too?

I do not have any specific model numbers but older devices that do not support the "NT" compression format are no longer supported or updated. 2009 was last map update supporting "non-NT" devices.

I just sent my 765t in for repair and got a refurbished unit back. Garmin transferred the lifetime maps to the new unit.

I too used to feel that map updates were unnecessary for me on my first unit because there wasn't much road construction going on. Once I got my new unit, and I started to seriously use the built in POIs I found that updates were a cheap way to keep the unit as up to date & useful as possible.