Software upgrades (that is the operating software) from Garmin are free. Map updates, except for the first one after you buy it...and there is some sort of timeline on that one even, are not free.

As someone else said...you can buy a lifetime update for around 120. It is a pain...it is slow...but I only do it maybe 2 times a year.

 

IMHO your better off going with the lifetime, but wait a couple years after you buy your GPS. Roads dont change that often. I'm 1000% sold on Garmin and their customer service. But I dont care for the $100 lifetime upgrade. I dont know if its swappable to other units, if you want a new unit later on in life but it would be a good question to ask.

 

I have checked on the lifetime upgrade. Seems like a deal until you dig a little deeper. $70 for single download or $120 for a lifetime. Not sure how long one will keep a GPS but it is not transferrable to another unit.

I found this on Garmin.com

Know where to go when streets change or new restaurants and other businesses open. With nüMaps Lifetime, you’ll get the most up-to-date maps available — for the life of your individual Garmin GPS. This one-time, single purchase gives you access to the newest map information on streets, highways and points of interest as soon as new content is available. Then, you can download the new data to your device, retrieving up to four updates per year, for the lifetime of one Garmin GPS. It’s the most comprehensive update plan you can buy.

 

$90 = free shipping.. catch is you have to join "Real Broadband Essentials" but you can cancel within 30 days - and no charge...

This was the best price I could find...

http://www.smartsubs.com/Garmin-nuMa...erto-Rico.html

 

If you are a member of Costco they have lifetime updates for $100 instead of the $120 I paid on Garmens website.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...ang=en-US&Sp=C

Seems like a lot when you can buy a new Gps for$100 to $200 dollers but I still like the updates.

 

I have never bought an update for the GPS in my '06 Jeep and I have not gotten lost yet. The world really doesn't seem to be changing that much or that rapidly.

 

Sweet Thanks! Score another for Costco's. I have the Zumo 550 so I think I'll have it for at least a few years, gonna go with that dash mount for the SG faring. I'll be signing up for it. Thanks Mike!

 

Got mine from Garmin but found this place when we wanted to get one for my Father-In-Law for Christmas
http://www.autonavdirect.com/request-14-455.html
$98.16 shipped

 

You can get lifetime updates at www.gpscity.com for $89 using the special sales code.

Another exclusive deal for GPSCity.com email subscribers!
Use the coupon code GULIFETIME at checkout.

Garmin nuMaps North America Lifetime Updates

Only $89.95!
Coupon code: GULIFETIME

 

Man I love this forum! It might make you spend money.... but it will get you the best deal!!!