Backup GPS for car

[rob_s]

Most of us use our phones, or the built-in gps in the car, but I’m looking for a stand-alone gps with maps and turn by turn for use in vehicles that don’t have gps and I areas where cell coverage is spotty. Would be great if it worked in Europe too.

Wire cutter recommends this guy, so I guess I’m looking for either a less experienced save option or some reason not to get this one.

TomTom GO 520 5-Inch GPS Navigation Device with Free Lifetime Traffic & World Maps, WiFi-Connectivity, Smartphone Messaging, Voice Control and Hands-Free Calling
by Amazon.com
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07174RPJC/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Pl2cDbRDSMMRK

[mmc45414]

Most of us use our phones, or the built-in gps in the car, but I’m looking for a stand-alone gps with maps and turn by turn for use in vehicles that don’t have gps and I areas where cell coverage is spotty. Would be great if it worked in Europe too.
I have gone through a number of the Garmin Nuvi, and bought most of them refurbished. Not sure the exact one I have now, but here is something similar:
https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Navigator-Foursquare-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B077T3VQQS/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?keywords=Garmin+Drive+51+USA+LM+G PS+Navigator+System+with+Lifetime+Maps%2C+Spoken+T urn-By-Turn+Directions%2C+Direct+Access%2C+Driver+Alerts% 2C+TripAdvisor+and+Foursquare+Data+%28Renewed%29&qid=1561028080&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmr2

Another one might have the worldwide maps.

ETA: I also like having the GPS doing GPS no matter what the phone is doing, and no matter where we are.
A few years ago we bicycled (in five segments) from Cincinnati to Cleveland. Navigating with cell phones was quite a challenge in the "scenic Amish country" areas, busting your balls going over hill after hill after hill, not knowing if you were going the right way...

[rob_s]

I currently have an old Nuvi that won’t seem to hold a charge. I may also be doing it wrong, but it looks like it’s $70 to add the Scandinavian MPs and another $70 to add other regions.

Not opposed to doing that if there is a strong reason to go that route, just trying to not have to plus-plus-plus after the initial buy n

[mmc45414]

I currently have an old Nuvi that won’t seem to hold a charge. I may also be doing it wrong, but it looks like it’s $70 to add the Scandinavian MPs and another $70 to add other regions.

Not opposed to doing that if there is a strong reason to go that route, just trying to not have to plus-plus-plus after the initial buy nYes, I never bought a map, just bought a new refurb Nuvi for the same cost. Was never using it internationally, though.

I also do not use the Nuvi without a charger, seems the battery is only enough to get addresses plugged in while I am at my desk. Also the new one needs to be pugged into the charger to get the proper signal for traffic.

[Erik]

I have an older Garmin Nuvi and bought the maps for Europe. It works well, and I like it ok, but if the functionality is equivalent, the Tom Tom seems like a better deal. Also, I've never been impressed with the Garmin traffic reporting. I haven't used it in ages, though, so it may be better now.

[BehindBlueI's]

areas where cell coverage is spotty.

You don't need cell service for the GPS on your phone to work. Just download the maps for the area you are going to be at prior to leaving then it's irrelevant if you have cell or data connections. I downloaded all of Paris prior to leaving the States since data is more limited on international plans, and I routinely download maps for trails I'm going to hike where there's no data connection.

[S Jenks]

I used Waze through my iPhone in rural Scotland last week- I have Verizon and it would pick up Vodafone signal without issue. When connected to the O2 network the maps would work but I could not get traffic/delay information. This only happened just outside Glasgow.

Just an FYI, as a backup system is never a bad idea.

[TGS]

You don't need cell service for the GPS on your phone to work. Just download the maps for the area you are going to be at prior to leaving then it's irrelevant if you have cell or data connections. I downloaded all of Paris prior to leaving the States since data is more limited on international plans, and I routinely download maps for trails I'm going to hike where there's no data connection.

Yup. Just to tack on, if you want to use a PC for the greater features and user interface, you can also build your route there and then send it to your phone.

[Dan_S]

I use a Garmin in a work capacity.

It isn’t without its faults, however....it’s an awesome unit overall.

Having multiple references is...best. A paper map, one or two mapping apps on a phone or tablet, and a GPS unit, such as the Garmin...is best, in my opinion.

[Suvorov]

Most of us have old smart phones laying around. Most newer phones (iPhone 4 and up) have built in GPS receivers and don’t need a data plan to display location. What gives people the idea that they do is the fact that many apps require data.

I’m installing YouNeedAMap for general use as a backup navigation and then loading the remaining space with tunes. YouNeedAMap won’t provide turn by turn guidance like the online systems will but it’s huge and pretty much packs everything a big gazette had into a small phone with the ability to show your location as well.

There may be better apps out there but this is the best general one I have found. As others have mentioned- apps exist for foreign locations as well.

For most applications (especially vehicle born) I am beginning to think the day of the dedicated gos is over.

[ranger]

I have used WAZE in Europe and Brazil with no issues. ATT&T iPhone.

[Norville]

I have an older Garmin Nuvi with the lifetime maps and traffic. The battery is iffy, but I generally use it plugged in.

I vastly prefer a dedicated navigation device when driving in unfamiliar places, even though it’s another thing to bring. I’ve tried to download the maps to my phone , but it never fails I take a turn off the saved map...

[Jim Watson]

I have had a Garmin Nuvi for some time.
I got a new one for Christmas last with lifetime updates.
I am thinking about paying for a one time update on the old one so I can have one in each car.