Aftermarket GPS Recomendations??

Plenty of new GPS models available at fair prices. I prefer Garmin, and it's hard to keep up with the newer models. Best to stop by a Best Buy and compare what they have on display.

 

I prefer Tom Tom

 

Are you thinking of "built ins or stand alone models?

 

I still use old garmin c330 and use torrents to get yearly map updates for free...shhhhh don't tell

SPH-L710 ? 2

 

Lol Tom Tom free updates for life

 

Why wouldn't you use a smartphone with the most up to date maps? Also, you could use a dynamite app like WAZE and you would have free realtime information about road hazards, speed traps, best gas prices, etc. all in one place.

Regards,
Allen

 

I'm a big fan of Garmin. I have a pocket-sized one (nuvi 1390) with lifetime maps and traffic. I'm sure Tom Tom is great, I've just never used one. I do have a smartphone, and I've used it several times when I didn't have my GPS with me, but for me, it's just not as user friendly or effective. For a trip out of town, I always have my Garmin with me. The big screen (5"? nothing very large), speed limit display, lane assist, and information on the next turn are all so useful. You can get one for around $100, and for me, that's a no-brainer. Lifetime map updates are a necessity. I've had my current hardware for 3 years, so free updates make it not a big investment. When I rent a car, it's so great to have a GPS that I'm familiar with. I'll look up my hotel on the GPS when I'm home, so when I get in the car, the hotel is right there in recent places. Mounted to the windshield with the suction cup, it helps me concentrate on the road and traffic, not on where the heck am I going.

Garmin releases many models every year (no idea why they make so many, but they seem to like that). Getting last year's model saves $$, and they are all fine. Just make sure you have lifetime map updates. They release one or two updates a year, and your unit will update when you connect it to your computer. Pretty easy. Paying for updates is a hassle. Mine has Bluetooth that can connect to my phone contacts, but I have found that to be of limited use. I am usually navigating to an address that's not in my contacts list.

I realize I can navigate with my phone, but the software is just not as easy to use or informative. The great part about the phone is navigating right from an email or web site by tapping the address. That I do use around town.

I got an air-vent mount (Garmin brand), and it's OK, but not great at all in the Prius. I'm still talking myself into mounting the permanent adhesive disk on my pristine dashboard so I can use the suction cup mount. I plan to own this car for at least 10 years, but I'm still having a hard time sticking this thing on my dashboard.

Using a portable GPS with updated software is a big reason why I bought a model 2. I couldn't see any reason to spend serious bucks on built-in navigation that isn't easy or cheap to update and couldn't go with me to a rental car.

 

I've been trying to use the navigation in the PIP. I feel I have to pay closer attention the position of the screen is too low IMO. I've not all have the GPS mounted on the left side of the windshield Eye level.

 

My Garmin GPS mount | PriusChat

 

my 4 years old garmin without any update outperform my prius's navigation for finding the fastest route and fuel efficient route. one example would be prius tells you to get off highway into local roads to spend 30 minutes with billions of stop signs and traffic lights while garmin tells you to stay on highway and get there in 2 minutes

 

Wow! Really?

 

Waze is a good app. However it uses lots of battery and the CPU of your phone is working very hard such that the phone will become hot. My iPhone once shut down by itself due to high temp. detected because of the app. I've deleted the app.

 

Yes those GPS manufacturer out perform fty. installed system because that's the way they need to keep alive.
So aftermarket GPS is always the most update and nice designed.

 

I also prefer the Garmin Nuvi. I've had several Magellan's before the Garmin and although they are easier to input the address, they are not nearly as good. The Garmin has the speed limits displayed which is really handy when in a strange area. They also have the ability to add photo radar locations, as well as customize the vehicle icon and voice.

 

2 tom-tom's and lots of garmins(in this thread), another garmin nuvi here, free updates, till the company get's bought by toyota it's the way to go

 

Any tips for GPS mounts for the Garmin Nuvi or equivalent for 3rd Gen Prius? I'm not a big fan of window mounting, would like a vent/CD clip - anyone have any pics/ideas?

 

I have a portable Garmin Nuvi. I got a center dashboard mount from Proclipusa (kind of pricey but fits very well, right above the display audio screen, $30). Then I got a cheap adaptor plate (Arkon APGN-VSM for Garmin Nuvi 17mm, $8). I did not like the idea of having the plate and GPS bracket attached to the mount all the time (theft potential) so I got also got a Move Clip kit from Proclip for $10 (the clip could be used to attach other devices to the mount; it took a bit of work to attach the plate to it properly). This allows you to slide the whole plate/bracket thing on and then attach the GPS. When it is not in use, I slide the plate/bracket off and store it in the glove box. Overall, a bit expensive but it's a very clean look and very sturdy.

 

Here in the State of Victoria, Australia, using a phone for any reason while driving will incur a hefty fine.

 

Garmin hands down.