# The cost to update GPS maps **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 1, 2013, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053 "2013-08-01T03:38:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![crucible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2013, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/1 "2013-08-01T03:38:45Z")
In factory installed GPS in cars. I was seriously considering a particular model of Hyundai when I was warned about the extreme cost of upgrading maps. So, I asked the sales person, who, after consultation with the service manager, reported, honestly, that $300 was not unusual for each update. Un believe able, right? Try to find out how much this should cost, how much other manufacturers charge? I don’t have a week to waste with emails and phone calls… A new 7" GPS with lifetime free updates can be purchased for less than $125. does anyone else have some real data about updating costs? ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2013, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/2 "2013-08-01T11:36:06Z")
To get updated maps for our 3(?) year old Garmin would cost more than half the price of a new GPS with free updates. So we’ll just wait for the current one to die. I guess it’s like cheap printers with crazy expensive ink cartridges. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2013, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/3 "2013-08-01T12:01:58Z")
Chrysler wants about $200 for an updated map disc, but for my 2006 truck, they seem to have stopped producing updates. Apparently I need to move somewhere that has seen no road construction since 2010. So now, I have a portable GPS with free “lifetime” updates for less than the cost of one disc. (Whose lifetime?) If the in-dash navigation system wasn’t also the radio and CD playing display, I’d glue the mount for the new GPS on top of it. ---
**Author:** ![trupa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/aeb1de/32.png) [@trupa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trupa)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2013, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/4 "2013-08-01T19:53:12Z")
> [@gotpasswords](#): > > Chrysler wants about $200 for an updated map disc, but for my 2006 truck, they seem to have stopped producing updates. Apparently I need to move somewhere that has seen no road construction since 2010. > > So now, I have a portable GPS with free “lifetime” updates for less than the cost of one disc. (Whose lifetime?) If the in-dash navigation system wasn’t also the radio and CD playing display, I’d glue the mount for the new GPS on top of it. In a similar boat with our 2011 Jeep Cherokee. The in-dash integration is really nice, but our Garmin nav unit, part of a $900 navigation package, does not allow us to change voice fonts, is not able to receive traffic information, or change languages (when we go to montreal, a French voice font pronounces the street names correctly) and requires that an actual disk be shipped to us for an update. For the $200 \*\*gotpasswords \*\*mentioned. A $150 winshield suction cup special from the same company has way more features and functionality, and can be upgraded basically for free just by plugging into a computer USB port. I can’t understand why Garmin would treat OEM customers so poorly. ---
**Author:** ![crucible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2013, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/5 "2013-08-10T21:22:01Z")
I suppose they figure that once you have the installed version in your car, you can’t complain about the download new maps cost. But, actually, if the cost is obviously excessive, car owners don’t really care about the suction cup mark on the windshield. Fark it, money is money, and avoiding being screwed is priceless. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/6 "2013-08-11T06:19:27Z")
I bought the lifetime update for my Garmin for $89 three or four years ago. I’ll actually update maybe once a year before I go on a long road trip. Pretty sure the price $300 update falls under the heading of captive audience. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/7 "2013-08-11T13:22:54Z")
My four-year-old Garmin has thus far gone update-less. Haven’t run into an issue yet. mmm ---
**Author:** ![crazyjoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@crazyjoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazyjoe)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/8 "2013-08-11T14:31:28Z")
Is it not possible to “make a backup copy” of the update disc for the mfr GPS? ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/9 "2013-08-11T18:59:22Z")
I hate to be “that guy” but, here we go. I use my smart phone, with a front windshield mount, and get free GPS navigation as much as I want, using the google navigator or any one of the myriad navigation programs for Android. Why anyone would pay for a GPS unit on its own is silly to me, but I understand not everyone has smart phones. Still, this is definitely one of those times I’m really glad I have a smart phone with a data plan. It costs me $100 bucks a month though, so I can definitely understand why people still rely on GPS dedicated devices. Still, hundreds of dollars to do the data upgrade? That’s stupid. ---
**Author:** ![koeeoaddi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/koeeoaddi/32/408_2.png) [@koeeoaddi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koeeoaddi)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/10 "2013-08-11T19:55:48Z")
Each of the three portable GPS units we’ve owned died before it could be updated. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/11 "2013-08-11T21:40:58Z")
I think I paid $70 last year to update my Garmin. I would have just bought a new one except that I didn’t want to learn new controls. ---
**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/12 "2013-08-12T19:41:00Z")
GPSes with lifetime map updates aren’t that much more expensive than those without. I think I paid $80 plus tax for my TomTom with lifetime maps (and Traffic) a couple of years ago. My wife’s Garmin (her preference) was under $140 with the same. I do like Waze as well, but it uses a lot of data, so I try not to use it too much. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/13 "2013-08-13T22:53:23Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > I hate to be “that guy” but, here we go. > > I use my smart phone, with a front windshield mount, and get free GPS navigation as much as I want, using the google navigator or any one of the myriad navigation programs for Android. Why anyone would pay for a GPS unit on its own is silly to me, but I understand not everyone has smart phones. > > Still, this is definitely one of those times I’m really glad I have a smart phone with a data plan. It costs me $100 bucks a month though, so I can definitely understand why people still rely on GPS dedicated devices. Still, hundreds of dollars to do the data upgrade? That’s stupid. Drew, which app do you use for navigating? I haven’t found one I like. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/14 "2013-08-14T16:28:42Z")
I have a CD-based, in-dash navigation system as part of the Porsche PCM in one of my vehicles. When I could upgrade the maps it was $600. Now, it would be much more than that because Navteq no longer provides map updates on CD for Porsche, so I’d need the entire system upgraded. I don’t care anymore as I only drive the Porsche recreationally, but I know that I will never purchase a vehicle with an in-dash navigation system again. As **Drewtwo99** stated above, I use the GPS app in my Samsung Galaxy Note II for directions now. It’s accurate, and I never have to worry about upgrading maps as they’re always up to date. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/15 "2013-08-14T16:40:26Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > I hate to be “that guy” but, here we go. > > I use my smart phone, with a front windshield mount, and get free GPS navigation as much as I want, using the google navigator or any one of the myriad navigation programs for Android. Why anyone would pay for a GPS unit on its own is silly to me, but I understand not everyone has smart phones. > > Still, this is definitely one of those times I’m really glad I have a smart phone with a data plan. It costs me $100 bucks a month though, so I can definitely understand why people still rely on GPS dedicated devices. Still, hundreds of dollars to do the data upgrade? That’s stupid. Problem with using a smartphone for GPS is that it works great 95% of the time; the other 5% of the time is when you are in totally unfamiliar territory and actually need GPS but can’t get a decent signal. For instance, I drove to Chicago a couple of weeks ago; when I got downtown my GPS went screwy and it showed my position as being 2 miles from where I was actually at. Thus it was useless other than being able to pull over and use it like a paper map (what intersection are we at dear?), which is difficult to do in Chicago traffic. Another time was when I was in rural Louisiana and had no signal or very weak signal. Better off not having the thing than it was wasting my time waiting for slow uploads and erratic behavior. ---
**Author:** ![NotDeadYet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NotDeadYet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotDeadYet)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/16 "2013-08-14T16:59:18Z")
So I guess nobody misses the excitement of turning the page on a AAA Trip-Tick on that long drive to Florida from Boston? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Quercus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/7ab992/32.png) [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/17 "2013-08-14T20:02:42Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > Problem with using a smartphone for GPS is that it works great 95% of the time; the other 5% of the time is when you are in totally unfamiliar territory and actually need GPS but can’t get a decent signal. > > For instance, I drove to Chicago a couple of weeks ago; when I got downtown my GPS went screwy and it showed my position as being 2 miles from where I was actually at. Thus it was useless other than being able to pull over and use it like a paper map (what intersection are we at dear?), which is difficult to do in Chicago traffic. > > Another time was when I was in rural Louisiana and had no signal or very weak signal. Better off not having the thing than it was wasting my time waiting for slow uploads and erratic behavior. In my experience, the GPS signal on my smartphone is pretty reliable (assuming you’re not in a cave or something, but getting the data signal (i.e. the signal from a cell tower) can be iffy in the boonies. But there’s a solution. Android maps, at least, lets you download area maps to the phone. So, if you’re going somewhere you’re worried about the data signal, you can download the map for the area ahead of time. The GPS should still work, so you’ll be able to see the map and see where you are. [Getting directions might not work without a data connection, though] ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/18 "2013-08-14T20:40:42Z")
> [@Onomatopoeia](#): > > … > As **Drewtwo99** stated above, I use the GPS app in my Samsung Galaxy Note II for directions now. It’s accurate, and I never have to worry about upgrading maps as they’re always up to date. Except when Google “upgrades” their map and nav apps, resulting in 1. Lost functionality 2. Crashes that require the phone to be rebooted before maps works again. :mad: I too use my GPS app (same phone even). I even paid full price for the phone so I wouldn’t lose my unlimited data plan. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/19 "2013-08-14T20:52:16Z")
> [@NotDeadYet](#): > > So I guess nobody misses the excitement of turning the page on a AAA Trip-Tick on that long drive to Florida from Boston? 🙂 That and the large Rand McNally Atlas that was always in the car. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053/20 "2013-08-14T21:06:10Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Except when Google “upgrades” their map and nav apps, resulting in > > 1. Lost functionality > 2. Crashes that require the phone to be rebooted before maps works again. > :mad: > I too use my GPS app (same phone even). I even paid full price for the phone so I wouldn’t lose my unlimited data plan. I’ve heard others who’ve had similar minor issues with Maps. My experience with it, however, has been great. I’ve never lost access to it and never had a crash. It continues to function even when I lose my data signal, such as when I go through a long tunnel, and other than their recent change to the UI, which I hate, Maps has been absolutely flawless for me. I have Garmin and Mio standalone GPS devices that I’m trying to sell now because Maps in my Galaxy Note II is simply superior in every way that’s important to me. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cost-to-update-gps-maps/665053.md?page=2)