DriveLuxe 51

Sold

The two devices are back, now with a "Make Offer" option.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285256700278

I usually avoid such "deals" b/c they seem to be too good to be true.
Nice to hear that it is not a scam.

As Craig suggests, check with the vendor to be sure it comes with the magnetic mount. I bought one last year from a different vendor for $99 and the mag mount was not included.

You're right, I see two current auctions (overpriced) that do not offer the powered mount and don't even include a cigarette lighter power cord. But from the photos of these two available now, the photos show the powered mount attached to the GPS.

One interesting thing from the photos. The main photo shows a red sticker, probably from a thrift shop where the eBay Seller found them, showing that s/he got at least one of them for $10.

The missing mount wasn't a problem. I had ordered an extra mag power mount to make it easy to move the 51 between vehicles.

If the eBay picture shows the mount and doesn't mention in the writeup that it is missing, eBay will force the vendor to accept a return. Otherwise, it's buyer beware.

Remind me what are the differences. Also what do I lose from my 3597?
Thanks

I can't remember all the differences, but a couple of main ones ...

One thing you give up going from a nuvi 3597 to a DriveLuxe is the 3D terrain view when navigating.

One of the main differences between the DriveLuxe 50 and DriveLuxe 51 is that the 51 is WiFi enabled for direct WiFi software/map updates. The 50 and the nuvi 3597 require that updates are performed through Garmin Express/USB connection.

I know there are a few other differences and hopefully someone with a better memory than me will point them out.

All three of these models were the premium offering from Garmin in their day, and remain popular with Garmin users who want a 5" display. Some users have reported that the software on the DriveLuxe isn't as stable or reliable as the 3597 (especially the DriveLuxe 51). I have owned and used all three and continue to use the 3597 and DriveLuxe 51. I like them both, but if I had to give one up, I would probably keep the 3597.

I too use both but much prefer the shaded green topo display on the 3597 over the rather plain display on the 51.

The WiFi feature on the 51 is handy but I need to use USB to connect with Garmin Express anyway so I can update the maps on my computer for Basecamp & Mapsource.

I wish the two used the same mag mount though. It would make swapping units much easier.

I have and like both the n 3597 and dl 51. One feature I miss on the DriveLuxe is a speaker built into the magnetic mount. In a noisy vehicle, the 3597 can be understood better than the 51.

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

I lived in northern AZ for 22 years and my 3597 really surprised me a couple of times.

Driving the park road along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is very interesting!

Driving through Oak Creek Canyon (the better alternative to the Interstate) between Flagstaff and Sedona, the screen goes very dark south of the Switchbacks. Thankfully, there aren't that many turns as you drive through the canyon.

Excellent point CraigW, and you are absolutely right about the speaker built into the mount.

One would think that when Garmin comes up with an improvement in a new model that they would keep that feature in later models, but time and again they have eliminated wonderful features when they release a newer model. I think that is why many of us still consider the 10 year old nuvi 3597 to be the overall best unit Garmin ever made for automotive navigation.

Thanks for the update. I have 2 3597s but on one of them the SD card won't lock in place anymore.
Local shop has both a 3597(no mount) and a DriveLuxe 51(all accessories) for about $50. I think I'll pickup both for spares. DL mostly to try and see if I like it.
I still use my iQue for day to day travel when I'm overseas as I can install current maps. It also has a couple features that were dropped in Nuvi models.