nuvi 2598LMTHD factory refurb - $119.99

New, the MSRP is $320, so this seems like a good deal. I might consider it so I could have a dedicated unit for my truck. But the 2598 does not have a powered mount ... so guess I will pass on this one.

I certainly hope Garmin monitors this forum since my thought match your exactly.

PS—Because I am so happy with my 3597 and because it appears future Garmin nuvis will have non-powered cradles, I picked up a used 3597 on eBay so I'll have a replacement already in the event I drop my original one. I can't see buying any new nuvi from the 2014 or 2015 lineup right now. The ebay purchase works fine and successfully was updated with firmware, map, and added voices.

I just re-bought this recertified refurbished 2598 GPS from Amazon (Beach Camera). I sent back the first unit (not certified) because I thought they sent the wrong traffic cable. This unit came with a TA20 power cable (same as the first unit). I can't find this cable at the Garmin site (Garmin has the "GTM™ 60 HD Digital Traffic Receiver" as an accessory for this unit). Now I'm not sure if the TA20 does traffic too. Can anyone tell me what cable came with a new unit? I have this unit plugged in using an ac/DC converter in my house, not my car, so I'm not sure about the traffic displays.

The TA20 power cable (TA stands for Traffic Antenna) is for devices that have the traffic receiver built into the device instead of the power cable. So the TA20 power cable is used only to provide power and serve as the antenna for the built in traffic receiver.

As long as you received a LMTHD unit, you should be OK.

I talked to both the Beach Camera and Garmin reps, and after much research on his part, the Garmin rep found out that the Nuvi 2598LMTHD is the only Garmin GPS with a built in traffic (HD) receiver. I could have saved myself $20 ($109) by not sending back the first unit but maybe the re-certification of the refurbished unit (warrantee-wise) is worth it.

Has the 2598 for $110. (109.95)

I thought that the first LMTHD model was the 3597? But the 2598 it says is part of the 2013 line, not 2014?

The 2598LMTHD is just a 2598LMT with an HD GTM-60 traffic receiver in place of a regular traffic receiver (GTM-35 I think). The updated receiver could have been added to the 2598 after the 3597 went on sale.

Brand new on Amazon, this unit is $174 so don't go by MSRP.

Thank you, that explains it!

Thank you!

I believe that the Garmin reconditioned models provide a very good alternative when cost is a concern. However, buy from a reputable source.

Bought my 2598LMTHD at my local Costco and it came with the TA-20 car charger cable. The traffic works inside my house while using the TA-20 charger plugged into a AC to DC converter.

My local Costco store still is selling, as of yesterday, the 2598LMTHD for $169.99.

I note that the 2598 is a model that I neglected to add to the Model Release Histoy FAQ. As I recall this model was originally released in Europe as the 2598-D around May 2013, but I don't think it was available in North America at that time. If anyone knows when the 2598 was introduced in the NA market, I will add it to the FAQ.

I sent my first refurbished unit back ($109) because I couldn't find mention of the unit's built in traffic receiver or the TA20 power cord at the Garmin site. The second unit was refurbished/re-certified ($129), with same TA20 cord, but with the Garmin 1 year guarantee so I took a chance.

The 2598LMTHD appears to have hit the US market sometime in September/October 2013 per this gpstracklog.com posting: http://gpstracklog.com/2013/09/garmin-nuvi-advanced-series-m...

Thanks bennor3814. I will use September 2013 in the FAQ. It appears that the 2598 is the only one of the 4 models listed in the article that made it to the US market.

I had my unit & power cord in my glove compartment overnight. When I set it up for a trip Monday morning, the cord was very stiff and hard to bend into shape due to the cold. I never had this problem with other GPS power cords. Very cheaply made. I'll see if a power only cord from my old Nuvi 765T will work better.

Let us know if it powers the new device. But also note that without the traffic antenna of the TA20, you will have lost the traffic feature.

I'm not sure if there's anything special built into the TA20 cord to allow it to serve as an antenna. I'll let you know when I get the chance to try my old cord out.

I have the Nuvi 2699LMTHD and it also has the built in HD traffic receiver and came with the TA20 Car Charger.