GPS Recommendations? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chad300tdt · #1 02-12-2009, 09:20 PM

I would like to get a GPS and keep the cost around $200 if possible.

I just started looking into these and don't really know what to look for in a unit.

Anyone have a recommendation?

79Mercy · #2 02-12-2009, 09:22 PM

We have a TomTom, so far its been great.

Chad300tdt · #3 02-12-2009, 09:24 PM

Which TomTom do you have?

That's part of what's confusing me. There are too many to choose from and the prices aren't that different between most of them.

iwrock · #4 02-12-2009, 09:28 PM

This is my GPS

79Mercy · #5 02-12-2009, 09:29 PM

to be honest I don't know but its the cheap one. I think I paid about 150 for it.

Models above mine will say "turn right on pine street in 100 yards". Mine will say "turn right in 100 yards" or something.

Chad300tdt · #6 02-12-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

This is my GPS

That's what I've been using, but it's too hard to use when you're solo ... unless you pull over.

I think a GPS would make trips more care-free and let me and my wife relax and chat more instead of focusing on the map and when the next turn or exit is.

Chad300tdt · #7 02-12-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

to be honest I don't know but its the cheap one. I think I paid about 150 for it.

Models above mine will say "turn right on pine street in 100 yards". Mine will say "turn right in 100 yards" or something.

That's the kind of stuff I need to hear (about what to look for). I'd like a unit that can talk to me so I don't HAVE to look at it.

Rahulio1989300E · #8 02-12-2009, 09:34 PM

Hey there!

Garmins are my favorite, however, I like to try things not so mainstream. For better or worse.

I got this unit:
http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PIOAVICF500BT&location=homespecial

With a coupon code, it ended up at $200 with free shipping! Right in my budget.

It features a 800x480 5.8" LCD, SDHC card slot, etc, just look up the specs.

Why this unit?
I like the multimedia features as well, not just GPS. I like to listen to music when I drive, what is cool about this unit is that it lowers the music volume before announcing the next direction, can read street names for you as well.

I already upgraded my stereo to a mid range Pioneer unit that I am plenty happy with so I ordered an aux in cable for to use with the harness that came with the new GPS unit. Once I get the cable, I am going to install the mount which can run a single cable for power and input which connects to the mount. With a 16GB SDHC card I can have all the music I want and GPS in one removable unit. Exactly what I wanted! :-)

I plan on drilling a hole for the cable at the top of the wood trim near the AC vents and running the one cable down from the mount to the stereos aux in.

The actual GPS usage is bang on for the 6 times I have used it in the Atlanta area so far. Recalculates any missing turns within 2 to 3 seconds. Refresh rate for the map is quite good, following your orientation and movement quickly with little delay if any at all. Really impressed with what I got for $200.

iwrock · #9 02-12-2009, 09:37 PM

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8947312&st=insignia+gps&lp=2&type=product&cp=1&id=1218016571923

My friend got that one over the xmas sales for $249 on sale. Its nice as it does Google Searches, finds cheap fuel, does text to speech, bluetooth, and you can send destinations to it from Google.

Me personally, I have a Fujitsu Loox with Tom Tom Navigator installed onto it. It gives me turn by turn directions, and does text to speech. I got it on sale from Buy.com for $69.

lutzTD · #10 02-12-2009, 09:39 PM

I got a very nice Sony Nav-U from Sears mailorder for $79 right after xmas. works well so far, and it names the street in turns. They may still have something similarly priced

LUVMBDiesels · #11 02-12-2009, 09:47 PM

I have the Magellen 780. It is an older model with both buttons and a touch screen. HERTZ uses them in it's cars. It does the 'Turn right on Pine Street' thing. It was about $140 last time I checked.

I bought my son a Garmin NUVI 200. It is a good compact model that is battery powered. My Mag only runs off the car, which I don't like. The NUVI only has a touch screen, but is really fast in processing and has a ot of features like Bluetooth. It cost me about $250 last year and is probably much cheaper now.

Don't forget to check shopper.com for deals.

You want a GPS with the latest reciever as the new ones are much faster and more accurate.

Hatterasguy · #12 02-12-2009, 09:51 PM

I love my Garmin, I have had it for years and it's more than paid for itself. I have the old one, C340 or something like that. I paid a lot for it when it was new.

WVOtoGO · #13 02-12-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

This is my GPS

BINGO !!
You got that right !!
Agree X 1000

Ara T. · #14 02-12-2009, 10:09 PM

Get a Magellan Maestro 4250. Mine was $120 on amazon.com

Text to speech, lots of points of interests, no glitches (update the firmware). The touchscreen is quite nice and it finds satellite reception very quickly.

Check the reviews on it, for the most part it is the best GPS for the money.

WVOtoGO · #15 02-12-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

That's what I've been using, but it's too hard to use when you're solo ... unless you pull over.

I think a GPS would make trips more care-free and let me and my wife relax and chat more instead of focusing on the map and when the next turn or exit is.

yes, it certainly can be.

Look over the trip before you start.

Use a hi-liter for the exits if need be.
Learn how to read the mile markers on both the map and the road.
They jive with the exit numbers too, so it's not too hard.

A little "pre planning" goes a long way.