our 2350LMT gone--replace or not?

 

A little context, we're planning on getting a new car and it will take 4 mos as planning to order it (GM).

The 2350LMT no longer works.

Should we buy a Drive 53 Traffic and load it with the POI file for rlcs?

The new car will have Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

I've heard Apple maps has rlcs.

What does everyone think, if anything? lol I know this is not a hot topic anymore. Is it simply foolish to spend $170 for the sole purpose of rlc alerts....

I am inclined to spend the money as I have a 2007 screenless car, and the 2006 has NAV but also no integration etc....also the new car won't come for 4 mos.

First world problems....

If you don't want to spend

If you don't want to spend so much money there are plenty of older models on ebay or Facebook Marketplace that should be more than sufficient to fulfill your needs. Amazon is another option: refurbished DriveSmart 65 models can be found there for about the same price as a new Drive 53 but with the larger screen and Alexa integration (if desired).

I feel it worthwhile to have a GPS in the car, and not just for the red light camera alerts. In my experience the GPS is simply more robust for long trips than a smartphone. I have friends of mine who ended up borrowing my DriveSmart 65 for a trip to Georgia last year simply because their smartphones overheated at the half way point of the trip. When they came back from the trip, upon returning my DS65 I gave them an old nüvi 57LM that was in my possession. For future trips they are always ready.

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

2350

If you liked your old 2350, there is a new open box unit on eBay for $70:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226766583027?_skw=garmin+2350&epid=...

You may also be able to get it cheaper by making a lower price offer.

If you rely on the RLC's, consider the update frequency. It's been my experience that the Apple database isn't as complete, or updated as frequently as the POI file maintained here. At least that has been the case where I travel.

Consider other models

Some have suggested eBay units but if you go that route I’d suggest going to something later with a larger screen. I’m partial to the 2689. I’ve rarely used the phone which has let me down in some of my travels.

--
John from PA

thanks

for the ideas, still haven't decided so we shall see...

Well, if you don't run RLs,

Well, if you don't run RLs, you don't need rlc alerts. However, for longer trips, a Nuvi is better than a Smart Pnone because it works anyplace except maybe in a cave. You don't need a cell signal.

replacing NUVI

I am replacing a Nuvi 3597LMTHD, which I loved. Would it be better for me to get a Drive 53 or DriveSmart 65. I dont want to get one that is no longer supported by Garmin.

I

was looking at the Drive 53 without traffic and it's $99.xx on amazon. I think the price dropped since I first looked. I know it's at a price point where we shouldn't stew about it, but I still wonder if I need one at all....I can do without the traffic. Using the old one isn't an option for us it was damaged...

Interesting the 2350 did in fact last about 14 years. The 660 prior only 3.

660

I must have lucked out, My 660 is over 14 yrs and still going strong. The only problem I have is if I don't take the exact route it will try to recalculate and get lost sometimes but rebooting fixes the problem

--
johnm405 660 & MSS&T

265w

also still going strong after 18 years. It’s a backup only and long ago I paid for lifetime maps.

--
John from PA

the 660 was

johnm405 wrote:

I must have lucked out, My 660 is over 14 yrs and still going strong. The only problem I have is if I don't take the exact route it will try to recalculate and get lost sometimes but rebooting fixes the problem

our first and as I recall it was not cheap--I waited until gps dropped into the $300's before getting it. Oddly, it only lasted 3 years, something went wrong with the screen. I believe it was not uncommon as there were kits and repairs all over eBay/. Good to hear yours is still working.

The 2350 didn't fail on its own, it was perfectly fine after I think maybe 13 years? I took it with me when I traveled for rlcs on co business. It burned up along with our vehicle so that's on GM, not Garmin....

I stopped thinking about it and would probably get the Drive 53 without traffic for $99.xx

replacement GPS

I would not get a unit without traffic, especially in donwstate NY. we have a lot of traffic.

EX models

Does anyone know what EX stands for?

on eBay, brand new Drive 53 EX is $79.91 shipped, new condition. About $20 less than amazon or Best Buy on the Drive 53.

Amazon's $99.99 for a new Drive 53, is not in stock and says delivery 6/20-7/5.

Here's what I could find.

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=FgDD7xDDmt45fpcYITOGj5

Also interesting, something I've dealt with for 10+ years on company vehicles--our new vehicle has zero cigarette lighter plugs. All USB-C, and I believe one USB-A. Then a few 120V AC. So this product is technically obsolete as one needs a cigarette lighter plug?

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=qovIMMpjh67kUuIOBw1qg8

Found this, looks like it would work:

https://a.co/d/cP2hhCD

Garmin Drive™ 53 EX

Comparable Model: Based on Garmin Drive™ 53 (traffic not included) with these notable features:
North America mapping.
Traffic is only supported when powered with a GTM 36 or 60, but supplies Garmin Traffic only, no HD traffic.
Mini USB connector.
Includes a 12V power cable, USB cable, and suction cup mount

120 volt to 12 volt accessory plug adapter

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Power-Inverters-Transformer...

Double check for clearance around your particular 120 outlet

--
John from PA

Thinking of replacing nuvi 3790LMT

I am tossing around the idea of replacing my Nuvi 3790LMT which I got back in March 2011. It is starting to reach the end of its life. I've replaced the battery twice so far. The LCD panel has developed dead spots and I have not had any luck yet sourcing a replacement LCD panel/touch screen unit because of the age of the unit.

I like to use it for long trips as I always seem to end up in spots where cell service is spotty which causes havoc with the the nav apps on the mobile phone. Plus the routing on the phone just randomly ups and quits or locks up during a trip.

What are folks experiences with the Drivesmart 66, Drivesmart 76 or Drivesmart 86? Pros and cons for each of the units? I haven't found many recent comments in the archives which is why I am asking.

Thanks

Retail Store Exclusives

johnnatash4 wrote:

Does anyone know what EX stands for?

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=FgDD7xDDmt45fpcYITOGj5

In short, these are made specifically for sale in certain stores, for example, WalMart. Certain features found in the Garmin model may be absent in the EX variant, such as Real Directions.

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

DriveSmart 76

kennethhlee wrote:

What are folks experiences with the Drivesmart 66, Drivesmart 76 or Drivesmart 86? Pros and cons for each of the units? I haven't found many recent comments in the archives which is why I am asking.

In general I have a positive experience with mine, outside an occasional reboot or two that could be the result of a firmware bug. Unlike your 3790, the DriveSmart x6 series use USB-C cables and have a detachable 12V power adapter that has a second USB port included along with a 3.5mm AUX jack for direct connection to a stereo system. DriveSmart x6 series units have both built-in WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities along with support for natural sounding voice commands not requiring a menu, along with nice high resolution screens. While providing traffic support with the included cable, for best results using the Garmin Drive app on a smartphone is recommended. The Drive app will update the traffic far more quickly and accurately than HD traffic using a cable.

Cons? Other than the occasional reboots mentioned above, nothing.

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

btw

I ordered the Drive 53 no traffic on eBay, from, Best Buy.

I got a pop-up that I could get $5 off if I used Klarna.

After verifying they don't affect credit scores, I did, so it was $94.99 plus tax.

Yes, I do put this much thought into a $100 purchase lol

It will be fine, I think....