Auto GPS systems ?

[renovation]

about how long have you owned your gps unit and how often do you buy update replacement units.
i have own my garmin street pilot 550 for like 3 years now. im thinking about buying a newer unit just to get the voice command. anyone have this on there garmin unit and can say how well it works at getting the info right,

[DarkFury]

I still use my Garmin Nuvi 350... and I don't plan on replacing it anytime soon.

[ray]

i've had my TomTom One for 2 years now. best $75 I spent and don't plan on upgrading it until i get a new car

[Markel]

A friend of mine has an Acura SUV with the built-in GPS which recently stopped working. Acura wanted something like $3000 for a new unit, so my friend asked the dealer about sending the unit back to Alpine to be repaired, which the dealer said would cost about $200. Makes me think that going with a stand-alone GPS is a better idea than going with the manufacturer's unit.

[renovation]

my 2008 Saturn vue came with onstar and a gps that was built into the radio that show a LCD text message as to were to turn and what direct to turn .but no map system so you see the road were your at and there to turn. and you have to pay for the use of it after 90 day it may of been 30 days whenever did renew this service it was nice that you speak to a reap person to give them your needed info so they send out a signal to your car radio .but it also was a distraction use while driving .as you want to speak into the over head counsel snd take your eyes off the road when asking for directions. they want $2500 extra to the price of a car to get a dash unit with road maps from gm and a extra service fee. to keep using the unit after your free trial time is up.

[Jeffbx]

A friend of mine has an Acura SUV with the built-in GPS which recently stopped working. Acura wanted something like $3000 for a new unit, so my friend asked the dealer about sending the unit back to Alpine to be repaired, which the dealer said would cost about $200. Makes me think that going with a stand-alone GPS is a better idea than going with the manufacturer's unit.

I'm really amazed that manufacturers have the gall to still charge thousands for integrated GPS these days, and even more amazed that there are people who will pay for it.

Total cost to the mfr for the system AND integration into the dash can't be more than a few hundred $$ today.

[DarkFury]

A friend of mine has an Acura SUV with the built-in GPS which recently stopped working. Acura wanted something like $3000 for a new unit, so my friend asked the dealer about sending the unit back to Alpine to be repaired, which the dealer said would cost about $200. Makes me think that going with a stand-alone GPS is a better idea than going with the manufacturer's unit.
Honestly, I made that same assessment before I bought my 300C...

Why give the dealer $1,500+ for a GPS system that you can buy aftermarket for like $200? Just because it integrates into the dash? And keeps you a hostage of the dealer? No thanks... Just give me the plain stock stereo and I'll upgrade myself. Pffffft on them!!!! :2far:

[attgig]

I liked volvo's solution, although, again, it was definitely an overcharge. They have the dealer installed option of an integrated base that's on the dash so that you can plug the gps right into it. cost 950 that included a 300 buck garmin.... shrug.

One thing I realized with integrated gps's is that they like to tell you when you can use it. seriously seriously annoying.

[DarkFury]

I liked volvo's solution, although, again, it was definitely an overcharge. They have the dealer installed option of an integrated base that's on the dash so that you can plug the gps right into it. cost 950 that included a 300 buck garmin.... shrug.

One thing I realized with integrated gps's is that they like to tell you when you can use it. seriously seriously annoying.
$950 for a GPS "cradle"... Seriously, you've gotta be KIDDING!!! :eek:

I have a friend that has a small audio shop who will custom install a GPS into your dashboard for MUCH less than that. Afterwards it would look like it was supposed to be there all the time for less than 1/3 of that price.

[Jah Rulez]

I have the factory navi built into my 2004 Maxima. I upgraded the map disc for $30, it has worked flawlessly. I bought the car used so I didn't pay extra, but I find it a handy tool as you can see a map of the streets. I find once I'm in the general vicinity I'm ok.

I just hate when the navi wants to take you the roundabout way. Stupid thing was taking me the backroads to Six Flags in MD once until I figured out all I had to do was shoot down 95. Grrrr!

[Cheesypuff]

I still have my mio c220 standalone gps. There are some roads that are a bit old (like new bridges in the bay area that when i go over, the gps shows me as floating on water). But all in all, many of the roads haven't changed and it gets me from point A --> B very well. I can honestly say the $100 I paid for the mio has already bought itself back from the Gas i saved from not getting lost. hahah. I love my mio. The POI's are good times also.