Do you think that a Sat Nav's is a waste of money and unreliable?

Question

I still preferr to use a map and my own knowledge

Answer 1

They have made a few errors haven't they - waste of good dosh..

Answer 2

I'm the same, I'd always choose a map and finding my own way over a Sat Nav anyday!

Answer 3

If one has a map and knowledge of the area, then why have a GPS unit? If, however, you don't have a map and/or don't know the area, they can be quite useful.

Answer 4

It's sad when people use navigation gadgets to replace a complete lack of skill at maps and knowing their way around.

They will also navigate you onto roads that are totally wrong for your needs, or even roads that don't exist!

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/12/03/e...

Of course the theft of these units is epidemic. Thieves will even break into your car if they see the suction cup marks on your windshield!

Answer 5

Absolutely not.

I use mine all the time and not just for directions. The speed reading is so much more accurate than any car speedo.

I have great knowledge on how to use any map and will use both forms of information. But I cant read a map whilst I'm driving, cos that would be bad, so sat nav.

Just remember to use your brain when using all forms of information. Drive safe and down with fuel tax!

Answer 6

Depending on the type of traveling you are doing, having a good map and a GPS system can be helpful.  If you are traveling to locations you are not to familiar with, being able to program your GPS system will notify you if you make a wrong turn.  Nothing is foolproof, and a good up to date map will help as well.

Answer 7

Been in the same situation as JD and totally agree with him.

Answer 8

If you travel a lot on different routes, then satnav is good for route planning; and also good for finding precise destination eg one turning on a big housing estate.

But it is not an alternative to common sense and following signs, travel reports etc. Too much reliance on satnav can make you stop observing the live conditions around you which is dangerous even if the sat nav directions are correct.

Answer 9

I really think it depends on the make and how updated the data is.  I have had two TomToms now and they have been superb ... okay, they cannot literally 'read the road' and sometimes you have to accept that all is not what it seems, but in general, it has taken me where I need to go. Reading a map is not an option for me, particularly at night or in a remote area.  And if they are a waste of money, how many thousands will be ending up in Xmas parcels this year I wonder?

Answer 10

Yes Sat Nav are hopelessly unreliable and a waste of money.  Over the last 12 months they have been lots of reports of huge vehicles following Sat Nav directions and getting stuck down very narrow and unsuitable roads - a European HGV Driver got stuck down a narrow lane and it was 3 days before anyone could free him.

I would rather spend £5 on a map, than £150 on a Sat Nav.

Answer 11

I have a sat nav.. it cost £99 and works really well.  It has never made an error.  If I am not sure of where I'm going, it takes the stress out of looking for road signs and allows me to concentrate on other road users and hazards.  But If I know where I am going, I don't use it.

Answer 12

I have been a cab driver and a van driver so have covered alot of miles and in my opinion sat navs are good to a point. They should always be used in conjunction with a map as they can lead you into alot of trouble if you put all your faith into them so its always a good idea to check the directions that they will be giving you( and to make sure that they are taking you to the correct place for a start!) But they can never compare to local knowledge.

Answer 13

You get lazy using a sat nav....Use your local knowledge.

Answer 14

No, a useful tool if driving in an area you are not familiar with.

Answer 15

Government tracking device

Answer 16

I have used Sat Nav a lot, the hardware is reliable however the maps can be a little out of date.  You need to update the maps at least once a year.  What I have found is when using Sat Nav in an area I know I often ignore the directions and think to myself  "why is it sending me down that road"  I guess on that basis Sat Nav wont always give you the best directions however it will get you there.

Answer 17

Yeah waste of money, it amazes me how many people buy them and most of their driving is done within 10 miles of their home.

Plonkers!

Answer 18

well it depends on how much your gona use it. in my familly we travil alot and we use one all the time