maps

I haven't heard of Garmin cutting anyone off that purchased lifetime updates. As there is only the one "report" I would pass it off as a disgruntled user that thought they were getting something they weren't. It may have been they purchased a second hand unit that had a map subscription which does not pass to another owner.

I agree with Box Car, that post you read probably didn't state the unit was bought second hand.
Never heard an original owner complain they had lifetime maps and was cut off.

As many of us know Garmin Lifetime Maps are NOT transferrable to a new Garmin unit. OR to a new owner if sold.

I see many used Nuvi's being sold on Ebay & CraigsList as having lifetime maps. Either they are unaware the subscription CANNOT be transferred to a new owner, or they are aware and use it as a selling point, pleading ignorance when it doesn't work.

I think I know of the other forum post you are referring to. That user who had an older StreetPilot has since reported that it was an issue with one map version and he either found a work around or the issue has since been resolved by Garmin.

I suspect at some point, the map data and formats will change enough that Garmin will have to declare some older models "end of life" status and no longer provide map updates. But AFAIK, Garmin Lifetime map updates are still working for all models they were sold for. Because of growing map size, on some units you may need to use a SD card or restrict the map area you install, but at this time the updates are still provided.

As a point of information, Lifetime map updates were first announced by Garmin in late 2008. The first lifetime update came out in Jan. 2009 and was named CN NA 2009.10. The second Lifetime update was in April 2009 and was version 2010.10. Prior to that map updates were purchased separately and came out approximately once per year.

I have a StreetPilot c340, and have updated the maps every time an update comes out. I've had no issues with any of the maps or routing.

I can't imagine anyone being denied a map if they have Lifetime Maps of some sort, and wouldn't worry about it at all.

If I do need to purchase a new unit at some point in the future, I'd definitely go with LM.

compared to lifetime?

Current Amazon prices:

CN NA one time update: $53.77
CN NA lifetime update: $73.73

So if you intend to update more than once, lifetime is the best deal.

If you use a GPS for more than just a toy, or a cool gadget, LM's are essential to keep the device current. It would be like using a 3 year old roadmap; good for basic navigation, but could be useless.

I bought LM for my 775T for $120USD, and still consider it good value.

I guess the refurbished Garmins available at Wall-Mart, etc still could have lifetime maps available?

Units repaired and refurbished by Garmin come with a full year warranty and all included features which would include maps. Units done by third parties (such as reboxed units from some retailers) do not come with anything including a warranty or refreshed maps.

Does Garmin do a good job with refurbishing their units?

You can't tell the difference.

A while in the past I purchased a used 750 - it worked perfectly in my hands, but would have problems operating from the powered cradle. I bet it was returned for this problem, but the refurbishing people didn't fix it. So, refurbished is a risk, but you can always send it back if you find a problem within 30 days.

I agree the 3790LMT refurb I bought from walmart was as perfect as any new one I have bought and the lifetime maps and traffic are both working fine. All the accessories were brand new in sealed packaging and brand new documentation.

When I went to register it the unit registered as never been registered before with the full brand new 1 year warranty and at first start up all the files and first start screens were as a new one.

My unit went bad after I had purchased lifetime maps for it. I called Garmin. They offered to send me a replacement even though mine was out of warranty. They transferred my LM to the unit. The refurb is much better than my old one. I saw no signs that it had ever been used before.

My experience with refurcihed units has been a good one. Bought a 50" LCD TV direct from Sony 6 years ago and not a bit of trouble. Also bought a Harmon Kardon stereo reiver about 8 years ago, it too is trouble free and working well.

They both arrived looking brand new and came with full warranty. I bought both direct from the manufacturers.

Before buying anything refurbished I personally would make sure the full guarantee is applicable as well as any other benefits a new unit may offer.

I think they do a better job with quality control on refurbished units since they don't want it being returned again.

I bought 2 LMs on ebay for $50. each.
YPMV but why pay more?

Many times the refurbished products and up being better that the newly manufactured ones. This is more so with products from Asia as the refurb's are done here in the US and are gone over more thoroughly than the end of line test at the point of manufacture. I have been a Garmin owner for quite some time and have had 3 going on 4 refurbished units as my 3760 will be replaced due to an LCD issue. From my personal experience the refurbished units look as if they are brand new and IMHO have functioned flawlessly and performed better as many times updates and fixes are applied to the refurbished units prior to being implemented in production. All that to say that I am quite satisfied with Garmin and the replacement units they provide.

Good to hear of all these positive experiences with refurb units. It's been a couple of decades since I've partaken but I might consider it once again going forward.