GPS system for cars

When my husband and I were in Italy, we rented through Hertz and added the option for a navigation system. It was well worth the extra cost. The navigation was a portable system that you plug into the cigarette lighter, and was very simple to use, already in English.

The situation is pretty much the same as in the US. The rental firms will rent you (for a price) a GPS with the car. Some categories of car may have them included, built in, for "free" but these will be the high end luxury models so you'll already be paying a premium.

It may be more economic to buy your own, the rental charge a day rate so if you are on a long trip this cost can add up. If you have any intention to buy a GPS for your own use in the US it may be worth spending a bit extra and getting one with European maps installed.

I suggest buying a GPS unit here in the states that has the European maps pre loaded. That way you get to try it out here in the states, get familiar with it and know how to program addresses and other preferences. Then when you get to Europe there are no surprises on how to use the GPS. I have a Nuvi 370 and it worked great this summer in Italy; I am also amazed on how convenient it is to have a GPS here at home. The GPS units can be set to do so many great things, show you where gas stations are, parking lots and restaurants that are pre loaded in the system. As you are traveling by car and need to find a public parking lot it will give you directions on how to find it – this is really convenient because the lot you see off the highway may be full – the GPS keeps you from wasting time trying to find a parking area.

Even with the GPS it is a best to have good maps with you

Take a good look at the Garmin nuvi 270. It comes preloaded with European and North American maps.

It works great!

I had driven in Germany several times before my first driving experience in Italy. After braving Italy's lack of signage, I bought a GPS here that has both North American and European maps installed. By getting it here, I can be fully versed in it's features and options before I get there. I can also preload destinations and points of interest.

I bought the TomTom Go 920. I really like it.

I've also heard good things about the Garmins.

A number of people here have taken the tomtom gps systems and the Garmins. The tomtom 910,920 and the newest of that line the 930 models all have Europe maps installed. The 910 is no longer made and I am not sure about the 920 but you could probably still find some of them especially the 920 at a good price.
The Garmin series 270, 370 abd 670 also come loaded with European maps. Those here who have used both the tomtoms and the Garmins have been pleased with their units. I used the tomtom 910 and it worked great in Europe. I would opt to purchase one and take with me. It is good to have a map as well but the gps will be your best friend for travel. Next to your wife or SO of course. :)

Heads-up: the Garmin Nuvi 270 is currently on sale for just $200 at Costco.com ($100 off their normal price). Comes pre-loaded with maps for US, Canada and Europe. Sale price is good through Aug. 10.

I'm probably going to buy one (in the next couple of days) for an upcoming trip to Spain & Portugal this fall.

Even though we'll only be driving for about 1 week of this 3-week trip, I'm thinking it will still be worth it. Although I try to be smart enough to avoid driving into the old city center of major European cities, I've had my share of stressful moments trying to navigate in Europe before, and if this gizmo helps us avoid just one of those entaglements, I figure it'll be 200 bucks well spent.

Is there anyone here who has used a Garmin Nuvi 270 on a European trip and can provide a review? Thanks in advance.

Be aware that GPS systems are a favorite item of thieves and they work quickly. Had a friend who just ran into a store in broad daylight on a busy street for 5 minutes. Smashed window. Another friend was visiting a rural castle up on a mountain. Smashed window. Make sure you take it off your windshield or dashboard, every single time you leave your car.

OK, I just bought a Garmin Nuvi 270 ($200 at Costco.com).

So if anyone is going to post a review of one of these, please make it a positive one...

I just bought the Costco deal, too! Too funny! I have been watching eBay for a few months now and never found that great of a deal...

Oh, yeah -- no way I would leave it unattended in the car for 10 seconds. I know they are magnets for thieves (and not just in Europe -- where I work, the people who are foolish enough to leave them in view in their locked cars -- even in the company garage -- often return to their cars to find the windows smashed and the GPS gone.

I think of them as basically a 300-dollar-bill (cash), waiting to be snatched. Fortunately, this one is about the size of a deck of playing cards, so it's small and light enough to always take it with you when you're not in the car. Thanks for the warning though.

To all who assisted in my quest for a GPS system...my sincere thanks to those who helped. I'm off to Costco to purchase a Garmin! Now, does anyone know of a good auto rental company in Germany (not Hertz at $600US/week)? Again, thank you all.

Kent, that would be Bob Bestor. Website is gemut.com.
Good company to deal with also.

Jerry - before you jump in the car and drive to your local Costco, be aware that the Garmin GPS deal is only available from Costco.com online. Same great deals, service, return policies, etc. as the bricks 'n mortar store (just without the hot dogs). AFAIK, they do not carry any GPS units in the warehouse stores, only online.

BTW, Bob Bestor/Gemut.com is a very good place to set up your car rental, especially in Germany (they specialize in Germany). I've used them before and will be calling them today to start nailing down a rental car for an upcoming trip.

As far as security goes. When you pull out your GPS, you also need to hide the adapter plug and mount.

My TomTom sticks to the window, something to wipe the circle that the suction cup leaves on the window is safest.

We haven't had a problem but we're pretty careful.

My Nuvi 270 from Costco.com just arrived. Looks like a great unit, seems easy to use, nice clear, bright display, very compact - perfect for the style of travel that I do.

I noticed that Costco.com (online only) has extended the $199 price through the end of August, in case anyone else is tempted as I was.

It's a great value! coming as it does with the European map already in it. This way you know you'll have a GPS when you get there and you'll know how to use it.

Reply to David about using his Garmin in Spain and Portugal. My Garmin has all western European countries except Spain and Portugal. Since I was going to use it this year in Spain, I'll have to find out how to load it. Check before taking it.

Charles, I've got it right here and have been playing with it all afternoon. It definitely includes coverage for Spain & Portugal (all of western Europe, actually....). Handy little device.

I tried looking up the specs of that Garmin Nuvi 270. I know it comes loaded with maps for Europe, but silly question does anyone know if it include maps for Ireland?

I was in Italy almost a year ago and we got a gps and it was a great help. Just be careful because we drove the wrong way down a street because the gps was not updated and they changed the street a month earlier. ( and because we didnt read the sign well, ooops!) good luck!