SAT NAV CHOICE

[Wrinkly]

Am not happy with the old SatNav in my S-Type and contemplating buying a separate SatNav to use in the car. 

Seems to me that best regarded are Garmin or Tom Tom manufactured models.

Would appreciate any other purchase advise including which of Garmin or TomTom would be regarded as best choice.

 

Many thanks and Regards, John

[Wrinkly]

Anyone ???

[LairdScooby]

My choice would be to use the Google Maps app on your smartphone if you use one. Always freely updated and provides live alerts to delays and offers alternative routes.

However, if you really want a separate stand-alone unit, my choice would be Garmin. I was using their kit in the late 90s for precise naigation on board ships (there were reasons it had to be precise) and their kit was always reliable. They have been at it longer than Tom-Tom, i wish i'd had the money to develop the idea i had of a commercial sat-nav before Tom-Tom did but that's another story!

Yes, Garmin tend to be more expensive than Tom-Tom but for a stand-alone, they are the best IMHO. Try and negotiate free updates as i believe they are chargeable and with so much development going on the roads are always changing. I remember buying a brand-new sat-nav in 2008 and it was already outdated, not even a free first update to make it current included in the price. That said it was a run-out model but even so! It showed me driving through fields on roads i knew were already a year old at the time.

[Wrinkly]

50 minutes ago, LairdScooby said:

My choice would be to use the Google Maps app on your smartphone if you use one. Always freely updated and provides live alerts to delays and offers alternative routes.

However, if you really want a separate stand-alone unit, my choice would be Garmin. I was using their kit in the late 90s for precise naigation on board ships (there were reasons it had to be precise) and their kit was always reliable. They have been at it longer than Tom-Tom, i wish i'd had the money to develop the idea i had of a commercial sat-nav before Tom-Tom did but that's another story!

Yes, Garmin tend to be more expensive than Tom-Tom but for a stand-alone, they are the best IMHO. Try and negotiate free updates as i believe they are chargeable and with so much development going on the roads are always changing. I remember buying a brand-new sat-nav in 2008 and it was already outdated, not even a free first update to make it current included in the price. That said it was a run-out model but even so! It showed me driving through fields on roads i knew were already a year old at the time.

Dave

Thanks for the advice. I will have to get a stand alone as I do not like the out dated S-Type SatNav and also I would like something larger than the screen on my i Phone.

 

Thanks and Regards, John

[LairdScooby]

3 hours ago, Wrinkly said:

Dave

Thanks for the advice. I will have to get a stand alone as I do not like the out dated S-Type SatNav and also I would like something larger than the screen on my i Phone.

 

Thanks and Regards, John

Another thought crossed my mind just now John, you can buy double-DIN stereos with screens that serve as sat-navs (using Google Maps because they're Android based) and also reversing cameras. Usually these screens are just under 7" wide (DIN width) and usually about 5.5-6" high so would be in the region of a 9" screen.

That's assuming your S Type is post-facelift and it will fit easily.

[Wrinkly]

12 hours ago, LairdScooby said:

Another thought crossed my mind just now John, you can buy double-DIN stereos with screens that serve as sat-navs (using Google Maps because they're Android based) and also reversing cameras. Usually these screens are just under 7" wide (DIN width) and usually about 5.5-6" high so would be in the region of a 9" screen.

That's assuming your S Type is post-facelift and it will fit easily.

Dave 

My S-Type is a Facelift model. I have no idea what a double-DIN stereo actual is. Will have to look into it and see if I can find anything.

Thanks and Regards, John

[LairdScooby]

Good luck with hunting John, i've resigned myself to having to make a fascia for mine (1999.25 model) as nothing exists in the aftermarket to replace the original cubby hole, double-DIN factory head unit etc as one panel to fit a single DIN (or double for that matter) for mine.

To give you an idea, this is an entry-level double DIN android head unit which has sat-nav built in and a facility for a reversing camera (not supplied), you'll need adaptor leads from someone like Autoleads to plug the DIN connectors into the Jag loom but gives you an idea :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195258199419

It's all down to what you want, budget and how much you're willing to change trim etc in the car. A new head unit (even a budget one) will likely sound better than the 15-20 year old OE unit as the components will be new and won't have degraded over time. I was surprised when i fitted the (recently new) head unit from my Rover into the Jag, the sound was vastly improved over the OE fit Jag unit. 😉 😄

[Wrinkly]

58 minutes ago, LairdScooby said:

Good luck with hunting John, i've resigned myself to having to make a fascia for mine (1999.25 model) as nothing exists in the aftermarket to replace the original cubby hole, double-DIN factory head unit etc as one panel to fit a single DIN (or double for that matter) for mine.

To give you an idea, this is an entry-level double DIN android head unit which has sat-nav built in and a facility for a reversing camera (not supplied), you'll need adaptor leads from someone like Autoleads to plug the DIN connectors into the Jag loom but gives you an idea :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195258199419

It's all down to what you want, budget and how much you're willing to change trim etc in the car. A new head unit (even a budget one) will likely sound better than the 15-20 year old OE unit as the components will be new and won't have degraded over time. I was surprised when i fitted the (recently new) head unit from my Rover into the Jag, the sound was vastly improved over the OE fit Jag unit. 😉 😄

Dave

Thanks for the link. I have had a look at it and being the sceptical oldie that I am, plus I am not well (if at all ) versed in electronics, I am suspicious of what I would get for £29 . Certainly not going to start ripping the facia out of my car as I would not know where to start. Am OK with mechanical issues but electric and electronic matters have always left me struggling.

I think I shall be investing in a stand alone SatNav of Garmin or TomTom, which hopefully will only be a plug in and use situation. I have actually seen that if purchased from Halfords they will fit the SatNav for the buyer and give a lesson on how to use it. I think it might be advantageous as well as it can always be used in another/different vehicle as well.

Many thanks for your time and advice,

Best Wishes , John

[Wrinkly]

On 8/5/2022 at 11:39 AM, Wrinkly said:

Dave

Thanks for the link. I have had a look at it and being the sceptical oldie that I am, plus I am not well (if at all ) versed in electronics, I am suspicious of what I would get for £29 . Certainly not going to start ripping the facia out of my car as I would not know where to start. Am OK with mechanical issues but electric and electronic matters have always left me struggling.

I think I shall be investing in a stand alone SatNav of Garmin or TomTom, which hopefully will only be a plug in and use situation. I have actually seen that if purchased from Halfords they will fit the SatNav for the buyer and give a lesson on how to use it. I think it might be advantageous as well as it can always be used in another/different vehicle as well.

Many thanks for your time and advice,

Best Wishes , John

Purchased a 6 inch TomTom Go Essential.

Regards, John