If you’re in the market for a GPS, then a few tips on buying auto GPS units will be helpful.

There are so many makes and models to choose from! Without getting a masters degree in engineering, how do you decide what manufacturer to go with, or how much to spend?

Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered! With the tips I’m going to give you about buying auto GPS units, you can march confidently into the marketplace and spend your money, knowing you’re buying the best unit for you and your needs.

When you buy a GPS unit, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself.

How much do I want to spend? What manufacturer’s product should I buy? What do I want my new GPS to do–besides tell me how to get places?

Let’s look at each of these in turn.

How much do I want to spend?

Of course you can spend less than you’re budgeting. But to make sure you understand the answers to the next few questions on our list, you need to at least have a vague idea of your price range.

You can get a brand new GPS unit for $150! All the major manufacturers have an entry level model.

Garmin makes the nuvi 200. Tom Tom has the excellent One, 3rd Edition. Magellan has a great entry level model called the Maestro 3100.

All three of these units show you where you are on an electronic map and tell you how to get to your destination with voice instructions.

All three of these manufacturers make a great product. As a matter of fact, Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan are the industry leaders (in that order, with Garmin controlling about 50% of the marker share).

If you want more bells and whistles (which we’ll discuss in a moment), you’ll be spending anywhere from $200 to $400.

If you want to shoot the moon and get the cutting edge of current automotive GPS technology, then it’s $900 for the Garmin nuvi 880.

So, anywhere from $150 to $900 is the price range, and you can get excellent devices at all the price points. Before you dive into the marketplace, however, you need to get a handle on how much you want to spend.

In Part II of this series of articles we’re going to talk about what products you should buy and what you want your new GPS to do.

Another good thing to do, as you’re educating yourself, is to find a good, informative website you can browse around in and check prices.

By: Rick Cole