New Models Comparable to 3597?

The newest Garmin models are now called "Drive" and the Nuvi line is no longer.

I guess the nearest model to the Nuvi 3597 would be something like the GarminDrive 51 LMT-S but there are other Drive models including larger 6" screens versions like the Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S

IMO, the 2016 DriveLuxe 50 is the closest in features to the nuvi 3597LMTHD. It has the GTM-60 HD traffic receiver and functions very similar to the 3597. The main things the 3597 has that the DriveLuxe 50 does not are the external speaker (in the mount) and the DEM map/3D buildings which show terrain and images of large buildings when navigating in 3D mode. With the DriveLuxe 50, you do gain the built in Four Square POI's and some driver alerts (like curves and RR tracks) that are not on the 3597

The 2017 DriveLuxe 51 is also similar, but you don't get the GTM-60 HD traffic receiver with it. With the DriveLuxe 51, you gain WiFi capability for map and software updates without connecting to a computer.

I believe the GTM-60 is still compatible though although not included. If you use it, you will lose the Smartphone Link options since it can't be both. Traffic from Smartlink or traffic from the receiver.

Thank you very much for the replies and comments.

Sounds like the 3597 id still the premier Automotive GPS from Garmin, even if it is discontinued.

A 6" screen is kind of appealing though.....

It's confusing when Garmin offers: The DriveSmart 51/61, DriveAssist 51 and DriveLuxe51.

Geez.... too many models/options to keep straight.

I see that GPSCity is no longer showing the 3597 as "Out of Stock". Instead it is "Coming soon Arriving on Tuesday June 20". Unfortunately the price has gone up to $229.95, but if you really want one of these, it may be worth watching to see if they reduce the price when it is in stock.

I bought one of the refurbs when they first became available. I can't remember exactly what I paid, but it was a much smaller amount than $229.

It was something like $179 or so....

But I may still pick another one up when they are available since it seems nothing new has really replaced it that has all of the same features.

But I will admit that some of the new features are interesting.

Well, you currently can get a refurbished DriveLuxe 50 LMTHD at theGPSstore.com for $179.95. That is a good deal. If I needed another GPS, I would probably go for that instead of a 3597 for $229, although if they were the same price, I would prefer the 3597.

True. But the DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S will probably be on the market in a year as a refurb too.

It has a couple more tweaks than the 50 doesn't it ?

on whether you want the GTM-60 traffic receiver as part of the package. The 51 doesn't come with it so you will have to buy it separately for an additional $50 to $80.

Compared to the 50, the 51 has more internal storage and the WiFi.

For me, since I use SmartPhone Link instead of HD traffic, I wouldn't care if I didn't get the GTM-60. The additional storage would be nice, but I probably wouldn't use the WiFi (as it is poorly implemented IMO).

I guess I could always grab the GTM60 from the 3597 and use it on the 51.

I actually like the 3D view with the buildings etc shown on the older models.

I also liked the pedestrian mode on my 3590. I don't think the 3597 has it.

I did note that the newer model indicate only a ONE hour battery life instead of the 4 hours on previous models..

I don't think there is any way you will get 4 hours on the 3597 either unless you dim the screen way down, turn off bluetooth and anything else that can be turned off. With usable screen brightness, I am lucky to get an hour out of my 3597.

Unfortunately, pedestrian mode is one of those features Garmin removed after the 34x0/35x0. I recently ran into an interesting fact about the 34x0/35x0 series in another forum. Not only did that series have a pedestrian mode, it had a built in electronic 3 axis compass, so it would show true direction even when standing still.

Thanks for your post and for those that have replied. I own both models and I find that the 3597 is quicker to boot up and find signals. Both are similar in operation. Regards,

I never had interest in the 5" screens but I wonder what the 3597 has. The Drivesmart 61 lmt -s has a high resolution. The GTM 60 works with the 61 as I had used it for a while. I read the data used is very mininal so I use the Smartlink and traffic cams weather radar..cheap enough.
I must say thus 61kmt s is fast vibrant and the menus now are awesome. As well as the speed for searching. I sold my Dezl.2797 as this is so much better. Just two small nit pit's are speaker isn't as great as the Dezl 760 but volume is fine.

....No!

My wife used her Nuvi in hand using pedestrian mode frequently when she traveled.

It's another one of those features that Garmin removed that we were fond of using.

The biggest disappointment was when they decided to remove much of the detail displayed on the newer units.

Garmin maps used to display the names of Lakes, Parks, streams etc., along with nearly ALL of the street names.

The information is still on those maps, but Garmin decided that "we" (the consumer) didn't like the screen clutter.

WRONG!!!!!. They should have added the option for us to show ALL details if we wanted it.

Having used many gpsr's in Marine,Auto,Outdoor by Garmin only except my first one a Northstar 941XD back in 1996 (commerical marine) ..they have come along way. With that said..I to miss some features and don't like others. But I will say this 61Drivesmart lmt-s is the best all around yet for Automotive far as I'm concerned.

I think DriveLuxe51 is pretty solid.

So many threads on the 3597. What's so good about this model that everyone wants to buy one? Is it better than the Drivesmart 51LMT-S that I want to buy?

It is a matter of opinion and what features are most important to you. For me, the powered mount is important, so I would prefer the 3597 over the DriveSmart.

I agree, the powered mount is what I'd always prefer, and to get that in a Drive model, you need to go for a DriveLuxe.

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/45200

Other reasons for there being so many threads on the 3597:

-being around much longer than the Drive models, there are more threads for the nuvi than for any of the newer Drive models, and since refurbed 3597s are still offered now and then, these old 3597 threads are kept active.

-there was a time after the Drives came out where great refurbed 3597s were available cheaper than an equivalent Drive model (DriveLuxe)

-some threads on the 3597 dealt with map update issues created when performing a map update with the older GarminMapUpdater program rather than the suggested Garmin Express.

A powered mount is a requirement for me so I have to stick with the Driveluxe models.

Garmin sometimes makes the marketing mistake of designing a particular GPS with every single good feature that everyone wants. They did it first with the nuvi 760 and again with the nuvi 3597. Whoever owns those models hangs on to them for many years.

Every other model in their product lineup lacks one or another of the best features. I haven't compared the very newest of their high-end devices. For example, how many have a powered mount? Sorry, I haven't looked at the Drivesmart 51LMT-S.

dobs108 - owner of a 760 and a 3597

So many of you talk about the Power mount.. My question is ...

"Why do you like the Power Mount so much?"

I do have the 3597 too and find that I can live without it if I had too. what about you?

The power mount has a much louder speaker in it and I can hear it better.

Not that everyone agrees, but for those who do, it's summarized in the FAQ:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/45200

Additionally, the 3597 has a better speaker built into the mount which adds additional benefit beyond what the typical powered mount offers.

You're right though, if I had to, I could live without a powered mount. But before Garmin gets any ideas about dropping it, note that when Garmins starts a series of new On The Road devices and none have a powered mount, I'll wait until my 3597 dies before shopping for a newer device with extra bells and whistles but without the powered mount.

i agree on a powered mount.
my 1490 without has a connector that has taken a beating and my fall apart soon which is pricey to replace since the traffic receiver is included in the cable. My wife's 765 is perfect.

The new screen resolution is just plain awesome in the 61DS S dont know about the 51DS S. I do miss the power mount and speaker etc but I woudn't go back. This 61DS S is fast etc.

The use of a powered mount means that the mount is connected to the GPS with a large connector. The devices that lack a powered mount have the power cable connected directly with the GPS using a small connector that is subject to damage with constant use. The GPS side of the connector may pull away from the printed circuit board inside.

dobs108

There were so many around here saying how great this unit is & praising it that even though I didn't need a 3rd GPS, I went out & bought one

It's a big upgrade from my 255W, very reliable & as many others I highly recommend it.

It is interesting that there now seems to be only a couple of online vendors that claim they have the 3597LMTHD refurb's in stock. And they have raised the price to a whopping $399.95! That is $20 higher than the MSRP that Garmin announced when the 3597 was introduced at CES 2013. As much as I like my 3597, I would not pay $400 for it.

At that price, I'd be thinking DriveLuxe 51 at $330MSRP if in the market. But knowing me, I'd try to wait for a refurb.

OR ... the DriveLuxe 50 LMTHD refurb, now selling in the $180 to $215 price range.

Been looking at the Garmin DriveLuxe 50LMTHD and Garmin DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S and attempting to figure out what the differences are. They look to have exactly the same specs and all I can assume is that the Traffic feature is different (HD traffic vs. Digital traffic) and the 51 has Wi-Fi capabilities.

Does that seem to sum it up?

That was my conclusion about differences between the 50 and 51. On the 51 you give up the GTM-60 receiver, but gain the Wi-Fi feature. I also think I read somewhere that the 51 has 16 GB of storage. Hopefully someone will confirm or debunk that.

Thanks Alan.

I ordered a refurb DriveLuxe 50LMTHD last night from GPSCity and it should arrive in a couple of days. I'm interested to see if it's enough of an update to justify keeping it and use my 3597 as a backup or do I just send it back. Only time will tell.

Thanks for the infomation

I look forward to hearing about your conclusions Rick. Keep us posted.