How to Buy the Best GPS Navigation System for Your Car

There are so many GPS navigation units for the car and it can be very difficult to decide what system to buy. There are many, many GPS brands — TomTom GPS units, Garmin GPS systems, Magellan GPS navigation systems, GPS systems by Alpine, Motorola GPS, among many more — and this only complicates matters, as consumers who are looking to buy a GPS unit may feel overwhelmed by all the options. How do you buy the best GPS navigation unit for your car? Read on to learn how to shop for a GPS navigation unit by identifying what navigation system capabilities you'd like, and by comparing GPS features, price, and by reading GPS reviews.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computer
• Sunday Newspaper
• Pen
• Paper
• A Ride to Nearby Store

1. Determine what you're willing to spend on a GPS system for your car based on your personal financial situation. This will help you narrow down your choices in GPS systems based on price, and setting a spending limit beforehand will help consumers avoid over-spending when buying a GPS navigation system.

2. Decide if you want an in-dash GPS navigation unit or a portable GPS navigation unit for your car. (See "tips" for basic information on the pros and cons of each).

3. Consider the GPS navigation system features that you're seeking, like a GPS with voice activation or a weatherproof GPS system if you have a convertible. Another common option is a GPS system with Bluetooth capabilities for use as a hands-free cell phone accessory or for use with a Bluetooth earpiece, which will enable you to hear the GPS navigation system's directions while riding in a convertible.

4. Write down your criteria for a GPS unit, as determined in steps one through three.

5. Visit online retailers or visit a few nearby stores to look at the available GPS navigation systems. When shopping for GPS navigation units, look for units that fit your established criteria.

6. Write down the, price, GPS brand and GPS model name/number of each navigation unit that fits the criteria that you established for purchasing your new GPS navigation system.

7. Write down any notes and observations for each GPS model that you've listed. This could include notations about the GPS unit's features, size, appearance – pros and cons that will be considered when buying the GPS unit.

8. Return home and go online to look up product reviews on each GPS navigation system on websites like CNet.com, Epinions.com or ConsumerSearch.com. GPS reviews reflect real-life user experiences that can be valuable when picking the best GPS unit for your car. GPS product reviews help you learn about disadvantages or benefits of a particular GPS unit. GPS reviews enable the consumer to see through the veils of sales pitches and advertisements.

9. Write down a pros and cons list for each GPS unit that you're considering, based on the GPS reviews, and based on factors like price, the navigation system's features and portability.

10. Decide which GPS system you will purchase based on the pros and cons list. You can assess each GPS unit subjectively, or you can subtract the number of cons from the number of pros for each GPS model to get a "score" for each unit; the best GPS navigation system will have the highest "score."

11. Find the best price for the GPS navigation system that you plan to purchase by comparing the price at online retailers and by checking in the Sunday newspaper's sale flyers for various stores in your area.

12. Purchase the GPS navigation system unit at the store or online retailer with the lowest price.

Tips & Warnings

• A GPS navigation unit with Bluetooth enables the GPS unit to "talk" with your cell phone, displaying the caller number on the GPS display and you can hear the caller through the GPS navigation unit's speakers. This is convenient for people who desire hands-free cell phone usage.
• In-dash GPS navigation units tend to be more expensive and more likely to be stolen since they cannot be removed from the car, but they tend to have larger displays and more sophisticated features. In-dash GPS units must be installed by a professional.
• Portable GPS units are less expensive. They are less likely to be stolen since you can remove the unit from the car and they can be used in multiple vehicles. Portable GPS navigation units tend to have smaller displays.
• Keep your receipt for the GPS navigation unit that you've purchased. You will need this if you decide to exchange or return the GPS due to a defect. You will also need the GPS system receipt if you plan to fill out and mail the factory warranty card that is usually included when you buy a GPS navigation system.
• Never leave your portable GPS unit in your car; GPS thefts have increased dramatically since GPS navigation systems became popular.
• You should also remove the GPS holder from the dashboard or windshield and use a wet wipe to clean off the suction cup mark, as GPS thieves are known to target cars with suction cup marks on the windshield or dash. They may otherwise assume that the GPS unit is in the car's glovebox or center console and they may break into the vehicle, despite the fact that you've removed the navigation system from the car.

[edwardvance]

on 10/11/2009 Great advice on purchasing a GPS navigation system... I will be asking Santa for one, and this article will help! 5*