Updating Factory GPS

You really should not be paying for the SD card, IMHO, just for the map update that's on that card. Granted, $149 for a map update is pretty expensive but it's what these vehicle manufactures charge. Ford's recent map update, if I recall correctly, was also $149.

This is the reason I didn't buy the navigation package in my 2006 Honda Odyssey. Went with a Garmin 1390T instead. Way cheaper and I can move it to my other car.

I agree. But they tell me some sort of system software is on that SD card. Besides, you can't deselect the card. Seems like everytime you want to purchase the map update, you're going to have to buy the card.

They probably lowered price for map update, so to get even raised price for card and make it mandatory to buy. So they can advertise lower price for map update and at this same time get higher price for "update set".

I have spent a total of less than $75 total net cost to update my factory corvette nav 3 times.

When I purchase the newest map update I sell the prior years on eBay and after selling the old prior year map DVD on eBay it has cost me less than $25 per update.

Factory installed GPS option was probably expensive to begin with when the car was bought. Updates are just a money maker....

But on the other hand GM, and probably others, offer OnStar, which was quoted to us at $300 yearly, for voice navigation. Passed on that. The Nuvi 50LM the wife has in the car now is good enough.

I looked at a new HD Limited with the built-in Infotainment system. They say HD provides free annual updates to the maps.

This is one of the biggest drawbacks for it being in the system of the car.

I think for at least in the future when I purchase a new car, I will make them include map updates for free within my contract of purchase.

Yet another reason I really think separate units are the way to go. With everything built-in or tied in, you are restricted if you want something different. With a stand alone, one can easily change as your preference changes. Best move by me was going to a Garmin with lifetime free map upgrades.

I have a 2011 Taurus Limited that includes the factory GPS. There is no way in the world I will spend $200 or so to update the maps. I don't even like the freaking GPS and greatly prefer my ancient nüvi 760. Heck, I have lifetime maps on that unit and I think I'm two updates behind on the unit as it is.

...for an update to a factory installed system. That's one reason I won't buy a factory system. My Garmin does everything I want it to and it costs me nothing to update it.

I have updated the factory nav maps in my GM built in nav unit 3 times and averaged less than $25 per update after selling the prior years map DVD disc on eBay. For me it is money very well spent.

The convenience of not having to remove the Garmin every time I park the car and then remount it when I return to the car is a major factor plus the safety factor of having the turn direction, distance to turn and street to turn on displayed in the windshield HUD display are worth the map expense alone.

I use my Garmin 3790LMT as a backup, when I'm on foot or in another vehicle without nav but it is no way as sophisticated or convenient as my built in factory nav.