Auto GPS buyers guide
Quite often, I am asked to recommend a GPS receiver. The answer typically is, it depends — primarily upon the price you can pay and the features you want. So here is an auto GPS buyers guide that runs the gamut, identifying some key features along the way. I’ll make a recommendation in each price category, based upon value, feature set and user reviews.
A few notes first:
- I’ll admit a bias towards Garmin. They manufacturer quality units with intuitive interfaces. Many of the models listed below are Garmin nuvis. You may find this Garmin nuvi feature comparison chart useful.
- All the receivers listed below have a color touch screen interface and give voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions.
- These lists of features worth paying extra for and features you don’t need may prove helpful.
- Prices on GPS receivers are dropping rapidly. The prices listed below are current as of the last update of this post. Keep an eye on our companion GPS Deals site for some great values.
- Finally, unless otherwise indicated, the links go to auto GPS reviews here at GPS Tracklog, where you’ll find several places to track down each model’s current low price from trusted vendors.
Budget auto GPS receivers
Our choices:
The Garmin nuvi 1200 has a 3.5″ screen, text-to-speech (calls out street names for upcoming turns) and maps of the entire U.S., except for Alaska. Like all the nuvis, the 1200 has around 6 million points of interest (POIs). The nuvi 1200’s retail price is $149.99, but as of this posting it can be found for around $105.
The TomTom EASE comes with pre-loaded maps of the entire United States and offers text-to-speech, calling out street names on turns. The big draw here though is the inclusion of TomTom’s historical traffic speed database, making the EASE an excellent choice for folks living in areas with routine traffic problems. At the time of this posting, the TomTom EASE is available for just over $100.
Alternative recommendation:
- Step up to the Garmin nuvi 1250 to get maps of all 50 states and Canada too
Mid-range auto GPS receivers
Our choice:
Moving up to the nuvi 1300 gets you a 4.3″ wide-screen. Like the 1200, it comes with maps of the entire US except for Alaska. As of this posting the nuvi 1300 can be found for just over $130.
Alternative recommendation:
- Step up to the nuvi 1350 to get lane assist, speed limit display and to add maps of Alaska and Canada
- The nuvi 1350T adds lifetime traffic to the 1350’s feature set
High-end auto GPS receivers
Our choice:
Looking more like an iPhone than a GPS, this recently released model is (IMHO) the best auto navigator out there. Its got nearly all the bells and whistles including voice commands, 3D terrain view and the ability to rotate to portrait or landscape orientations. Since its so new though, it’s hard to find it for much less than the list price of $449.99.
Alternative recommendations:
- Garmin nuvi 765T – An older high-end unti that includes some audio features not found on the 3700 series; currently priced at around $235
- Garmin nuvi 855 – Voice commands!; currently available for around $140
- Garmin nuvi 1690 – Offers Bluetooth as well as connected services like Google Local Search; currently priced at about $300
- The TomTom GO 740 LIVE offers more customization options, and connected servcies such as Google Local search; as of this update, the 740 LIVE goes for around $260
More resources:
Hello – I have lifetime maps for a small Nuvi that I have now lost – or had stolen. I’m guessing I won’t be able to transfer that scrip to a new one?
Anyway – after three days of research, I’m still unable to tell which Garmin will give me these features/options:
- Voice commanding
- Video input (for auto reverse cam)
- Route planning by PC to GPS input
- Bluetooth
- FM transmit
- Adjacent street names on map
- Custom POI data input
- Lane assist
- Internal battery
- maybe more . . .
thanks!
The backup camera is the biggest problem. They had backup camera inputs on the voice command nuvi 8×0 and 8×5 series, but I think the implementation was problematic. I’d investigate the costs and installation issues thoroughly before deciding to do this. The nuvi 5000 may be a better choice. From garmin.com support:
Question: Can I use a backup camera with my nuvi?
Answer:
It is possible to use a backup camera with the nuvi 5000 and the nuvi 8xx series. The nuvi 5000 can be used with a backup camera by purchasing the following A/V Cables.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1375
The nuvi 8xx series requires the purchase of the VIB 11.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=164&pID=9653
Thanks much for the reply.
So, dropping the backup camera requirement (stand-alone units are inexpensive enough – just wanted to preclude a bit of clutter), which Garmin is recommended for:
- Voice commanding
- Route planning by PC to GPS input
- Multi-Point routing/optimization
- Blue-tooth receiver/transmitter
- FM transmitter to audio system
- Adjacent street names on map
- Custom POI data input
- Lane assist
- Internal or removable battery
. . . keeping in mind functionality, accuracy, etc. After a fourth day of review, I seem to be down to something like the 885T or 3790T, but there are just too many variables and too many sites seem to have different specs. Price is not a huge concern; just want something without major flaws, and with good reliability.
Thanks much!
The 3790T is new and will likely have more bugs than an older unit. These will probably get fixed in relatively short order; still, its something to be aware of. FWIW, the 885T is officially discontinued and uses the soon to be defunct MSN Direct service.
885 advantages:
-Wider range of voice commands available
-Can do route planning from PC (with MapSource City Navigator software, which you’ll probably get as a free download assuming your unit doesn’t already have the latest maps)
-Easier to use multi-destination routing
-FM transmitter
3790 advantages:
-Easier to use, faster, voice command
-Shows more adjacent street names
The 3790 doesn’t currently support the import of routes from a PC, and the multi-destination routing, though good, has a few other bugs. Hopefully these will be fixed before long.
Hope that helps.
I am a novice when it comes to auto GPS receivers. I have been living abroad for quite sometime. I am moving back to the states, to a new city and I would like to purchase one as I learn to get around. I really just want a basic model. Some of the features I would like are:
1. Voice commands giving street names.
2. adequate time to make turns or change lanes
3. points of interests
4. avoiding traffic
5. neat model that allows you to connect it to a computer
Just trying to avoid getting lost or ending up in the wrong neighborhoods.
By voice commands, I assume you mean one that will call out directions to you. If, on the other hand, you want one that you can speak to and issue commands, that wouldn’t be a basic unit.
So I’d recommend something like the Garmin nuvi 1250T or 1350T. The latter has a larger screen.
Rich,
I am looking for GPS whereby I can coose a route based on a map view as opposed to shortest distance, least use of freeways etc. So I would enter an address and then the GPS would give me a couple of routes to choose from on the map (by color). Similar to say Google Maps/Directions. I need to see it on the screen in order to make the best decision for me. I have seen this feature built in on some new GMC models.
Rich, what are your views regarding refurbished GPS units. Any reason to think they would not provide the same service as new units?
I think it is probably fine, but it might help to buy from a place with a good return policy, just in case.
Rich,
I just mail-ordered a Garmin 785t from BBuy. I know it’s a discontinued model but think I’ll like the features and the price seems right to me. A friend of ours has an old 200 nuvi and I’m quite impressed. Anyways, assuming this unit will have outdated maps and Garmin will allow me to download MapSource City Navigator software, would I also be able to use this with my 60csx that I currently own and Mapsource that is already on my computer? Probably a long shot I know…
Thanks
Sorry Joe, but City Navigator maps are locked to a single unit. You will be able to use it in MapSource though.