Satnav rip-off

geoffeales
geoffeales Forum Participant Posts: 322
edited May 2021 in Towcars & Towing #1

Having purchased a gem of a Mazda CX-5 (2015 model with 22k on the clock) I set about updating the built-in GPS. So I downloaded the Mazda app and inserted my SD card, to discover they only provide free updates for the first three years and then wanted £160 for the next three years. My £60 TomTom came with free updates for life, but I really didn't want things stuck to the screen with cables dangling down when I have a factory-fitted GPS already, so I went to Ebay and found a ready updated card for £25. Let the buyer beware - it pays to shop around!

Comments

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited May 2021 #2

    Think yourself lucky that you can do the updates yourself. My Merc's COMAND requires updating via Merc's own box of electrickery.

  • davetommo
    davetommo Forum Participant Posts: 1,430
    edited May 2021 #3

    How often does a sat nav really need updating. Roads do change but you can get round the changes following signs. About 5 or 6 years ago I got off the ferry in Holland and according to the Land Rover sat nav I was going through a field. I just followed the signs till the sat nav and road were both the same.

     

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited May 2021 #4

    I'm not sure how frequently have 'updated' maps but when I bought my car a couple of years ago I complained that it was still on the original maps despite it then being 5 years old. MB paid for the update. In reality, they're still way behind as I've been on roads that are clearly a good few years old eg the link from the M6 at Lancaster to Morecambe and the sat-nav hasn't a clue where I am.

  • eribaMotters
    eribaMotters Club Member Posts: 1,193 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited May 2021 #5

    I believe my Audi is fairly standard for VAG. No free updates and over £200 for a new SIM that has to be dealer matched to the vehicle.

    My Avtex Tourer updates many times a year for free so I tend to use this on long runs as well as when towing. 

    Needless to say I will be waiting many years before I consider new maps.

     

    Colin

  • figbat
    figbat Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited May 2021 #6

    My MINI is, admittedly, still less than three years old but I get occasional map updates sent over-the-air for nowt; a message that pops up on the screen saying "new data available, wanna use it?", I touch "Yep", the satnav reboots and that's that.  I guess I will be 'paying' for the data connection over which the update was delivered.

    My wife's Volvo would sort of be the same, except the current update for that is too big to deliver OTA so you have to faff around with downloading a file, putting it on a USB stick and connecting it to the car.  We've never done it as the USB size required is far bigger than any of the ones we have lying around.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited May 2021 #7
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited May 2021 #8

    but did MB actually update the COMAND when the car was new? Mine had had dealer servicing up until me buying it, but no one had updated it .... apparently you have to ask. 

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited May 2021 #9
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited May 2021 #10

    You could always 'mute' her ..... if only the same could be said for someone else! 🙄

  • commeyras
    commeyras Forum Participant Posts: 1,853
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    edited May 2021 #11

    Brave talk ED!  Mine does not say please nor is she late with instructions - the sat nav that is!

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited May 2021 #12

    I can be brave .... she doesn't look in here 😉😉

  • geoffeales
    geoffeales Forum Participant Posts: 322
    edited May 2021 #13

    I must admit I was seriously tempted to stick with TomTom as a gismo I have grown to love and trust (not to mention the free updates). My other "beef" about built-in statnavs is that you have to take both eyes off the road whereas you can place the TomTom in the corner of the screen where it's just about in your line of vision. I just don't like all the dangly wires when you have one in the car already.

  • geoffeales
    geoffeales Forum Participant Posts: 322
    edited May 2021 #14

    Even driving the Mazda home from West Country Cars in Yeovil (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) I came across a brand new layout at M5/J25 which completely flummoxed the satnav! Roads/junctions are being built all the time. Of course one can always buy a road atlas every other year!

  • davetommo
    davetommo Forum Participant Posts: 1,430
    edited May 2021 #15

    Could you not just follow the road signs till you got back on track.

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
    500 Comments
    edited May 2021 #16

    Volvo Sensus Maps are free to download at home and transfer to car as often as you like until 2025 just as a matter of interest. Can also be loaded over air direct to car.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2021 #17

    or just use WAZE on your phone 👍👍

  • kentman
    kentman Forum Participant Posts: 147
    edited May 2021 #18

    My recent cars have had their own sat nav but I still use my caravan and motorhome tomtom when towing. Also, when driving with the car solo  in areas with some very narrow roads where the nearside of the car can get scratched by brambles when squeezing past oncoming vehicles (eg. Devon) I use the tomtom set to 'light motorhome' so that it will choose better routes. 

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