GPS devices

I got a Magellan that came back from Desert Storm way back when, which was a lot of fun but useless for actual car navigation. A succession of Garmins served me better and better of which the III+ was the first that was actually practical for car navigation, but now my car navigation needs are very well met by the built-in navigation in my Tesla.

Maps get updated without my paying or doing anything, which used to be a major gripe against the built-in auto GPS versions. Good traffic information and routing adjustment, also.

I'm happy with my DS65, permanently mounted on my dash next to the DS window. Out of my line of sight yet shows me where I currently am and with the Garmin Drive app traffic. Could easily come up with a number of improvements but this works for me, even though with CarPlay have access to other maps.

I’m still using my DS55. I like it but won’t be buying another one. What I don’t like about a Garmin is that new areas in my city don’t get mapped for years and years. But, on Google Maps, it’s already there soon after. No need to update, has live traffic, uses very little data etc.

2597LMT is my personal favorite, but daily driver is a 255W which still works great albeit a little on the slower side. Supports all the niceties like traffic/tts and no need for bluetooth on your gps if your car has it!

I think that even in 2025, everyone should use a standalone GPS like a Garmin. Although sometimes the traffic isn’t perfect, or the maps aren’t perfect, I think that the bonuses of not using cell service (if you’re not using smartphone connected GPS’s) and having just a dedicated device that you can use is great. I have a DS66, and that’s my main GPS, but I have a collection of older GPS’s that I like to use sometimes too because I think it’s really cool how GPS’s from like 10+ years ago still work so well.

Most important, the garmin's don't spy on you - unless given an internet connection, then all bets are off.

I've used Garmin GPS's for years. The main reason - ability to load POI files and set proximity alerts.

If you are using traffic data then Garmin knows where you are. That doesn't mean they sell your data...

^ x2 been using Garmin Nuvis for awhile now and am happy with them, although my phone is also getting used.

When they make a smartphone with an 8" screen and make it easy to load 5000+ waypoints, I'll switch. Until then, I'll continue to use the Garmin.

When the auto makers stop charging $450/year to update the in dash nav system maps, and make it easy to load 5000+ waypoints, I'll switch. Until then, I'll continue to use the Garmin.

Then, I guess I'll have to wear the 8" smartphone around my neck because it will be too big to fit in my pocket. The new folding screen models show some promise but they would have to make some sort of mount that would hold it open on the dash. Until then, I'll continue to use the Garmin.

Apple Car Play and maps are my daily driver for trips around town. That said, for any roadtrips I'll have my Garmin 2639 riding shotgun. I'll have the Garmin sound off and just use the data displayed.

Why this works for me is trips I've programmed into the Garmin from the POIs here and other maps makes it easy to have multiple waypoints before my final destination. Maybe most importantly are the rest areas with restrooms from POI Factory!

I’ve always enjoyed my Garmin drive smart 50 while I lived in ON and it was very helpful during our 5 day drive west to SK through many areas where there was no cellular signal. But now living in north western SK I’m finding that Garmin maps are very inaccurate and outdated so I’ve been heavily using Google maps on my phone. I will keep my Garmin up to date for trips back east but for now, it’s semi retired.

Between my built in navigation system on my VW combined with Apple Maps and/or Google Maps, I leave my garmins home.

If you can get a "map" on your SmartPhone on CarPlay or Android Auto that has Red Light, Speed warnings, School Zones etc let me know.

I started wit a Garmin 300 and drive a 2026 CR-V and I have tried to find a way to get the CSV onto GoogleMaps, Apple Maps etc. No luck yet...

And you won't either, because Google Maps' POI uploads don't automatically show up like they do on a Garmin. I know because I uploaded my Historic Vessels POI file to Google Maps years ago and, while the POIs are stored in my account they do not show on the map.

Of the free options out there, the only one I know of that does any of what you want is Waze. It points out the presence of red light cameras and railroad crossings. Speed cameras I haven't seen. School zones definitely do not get called out.

You may want to look at Sygic as an option, but in order to connect it to Android Auto you need their Premium+ subscription. I haven't bothered checking the other free options such as Here, but I am fairly sure Here doesn't have alerts.

How much does it cost to update VW maps these days?

GM charges $450/yr and we have 3 vehicles. Not giving up the Garmin any time soon.

I love my NUVIs
so are GPS thieves.

I visit the local pawn shop from time to time to see if there are any bargain GPSr's for sale. It used to be there were dozens to choose from. Now, hardly any.

I found a source on the web where it costs me $ 30.00 for the maps to update the built in GPS. But I still prefer my Garmin for the much easier and more convenient way to operate.

I’ve used both Garmin and iPhone for GPS and prefer Garmin.
I have had both lose signal: Garmin in SF Downtown. . Buildings blocked Satelite. Also in tunnels, but there you can get too lost!????
But have had iPhone lose signal far more often.
What iPhone loses in signal they gain from better and more frequent updates, Yes, but signal loss on iPhone far exceeds times of Satelite being blocked on Garmin! Loss of signal in an unfamiliar location is not wanted, and that is reason for my decision.

Therefore, when Garmin maps are updated I update both our Garmins, knowing that each time I update I get more accurate maps than before.

Now if Garmin had allowed updates via an iPhone map, via iPhone connect to Garmin, that would have been the best of both worlds! Hint, Hint!????!

Supplies of Garmin units do appear to have dried up. The last functional GPS receivers I purchased were a 1300LMT that had Garmin Lock enabled (boo!) and a 1350LMT that just got its 2026.30 update.

The 1300LMT is getting donated. I don't have the patience to sit trying to defeat a Garmin Lock.