I have an '09 Max, so I require the dealership to update my maps. I'm going to get this done, but am really starting to wonder why there is a discount from $149 to $99 until June 30th...

Is it because there will be a new update coming out soon and they will charge full price again? For example, right now they are offering the 2012 update... but if I wait a little bit, will there be a more beneficial 2013 update before 2013 even gets here? See where I'm going with this? Anyone know?

 

This sale has nothing to do with a new update arriving. In discussing this with NAVTEQ when they were the ones handling this for Nissan, they said the updates were done around once a year, most often in January.

These updates are not like a new model year car, where the old model year sits forlornly on the lot, worth less than it was before the new models came out. The expense involved is the same whether they sent you the old version or the new, and there aren't 'leftover' versions as such sitting on the lot to sell.

This sale is to entice those who have wanted an update, but felt $149 was too much to pay (and it absolutely is). There is nothing better than a monoply to encourage companies to charge exorbitant prices for their product. The price will unfortunately go back to $149 at the end of June, unless the sale is extended.

If I were considering updating within the next year, I would act before June 30 and save $50..

 

are they updating just the maps, or the the software ont eh nav? what i am asking is whether it looks any different

 

Got it! That makes sense. I'm definitely going to go for it in the next month then. I've tried typing in a few different addresses and it does not recognize them (newer developments/stores). I just sold my Garmin so I'm putting that money directly towards the update. Definitely nice saving the $50. Thanks for the reply!

That's a good question... I was thinking it would just be updating all of the roads/addresses that it did not previously know about... but if it updates how the nav operates or how it looks, that would be cool.

 

I updated my 2009's maps last year. You will only get a map update, no update to Nav or Radio software.

 

True. After my update, I saw a few new restaurants, a few gas stations switched brands, and a few roads were added, but that was about it.

WARNING - I updated in 2010, and it still did not include the newest subdivisions around where I live, and most of those roads were laid out, paved and named around 2006 and 2007. That might be tied to the fact the depression hit and few (in some cases no) homes were built in those subdivisions.

I was in two large subdivisions in an area not near my home last week where my nav showed the streets that were built in '03 through '06, but not the streets built in '07 through '10. But a major highway built in '08 is on my nav.

What I am saying is that these updates will pick up some new things, but not others. Don't expect perfection.

 

wow that's great to know! I'm very curious if some of the places I've tried to enter in will show if I were to get an update. Geez, if I pay 100 bucks and still come across addresses that it doesn't recognize I'm going to be pissed!

 

If you have a smartphone, I wouldn't spend all that money on the Nav update. You can just use google maps to find destinations that aren't on the Nav.

 

Well I do... I have an iPhone... but it doesn't give me turn by turn nav. I love using the maps on the screen to get where I want to go. I am disappointed to hear that it won't be as up to date as I'd like though. That sucks. Why don't all nav companies get together and consolidate data so everything is as up to date as possible... I guess that would make too much sense!

 

I think this boils down to the fact new subdivisions were popping up like popcorn kernels in a hot popper during the wild '03 to '07 buildup. That buildup was greatly to blame for the housing crash that was a key factor in this recession.

There literally was no way to keep up with all the new streets. I had kept up with all new subdivisions in my county for years, but that outrageous spurt of six to nine years ago left me way behind. Now we have subdivisions everywhere with few if any homes.

There is a tremendous amount of work involved in adding tens of thousands of new streets in a short time. Companies maintaining maps for major companies producing hand-held devices have larger staffs that enable them to somewhat keep up. But I think the smaller companies putting out new maps for built-in auto navi systems sort of gave up on residential streets so they could try to get all primary and secondary roads plotted.

Or maybe it is just yet another case of doing no more work than necessary to sell the product. Of course that shortsighted approach eventually leads to dissatisfied customers who stop buying the product.

Yes, all companies involved should get together. Just as both parties in our congress shoul . . . oops, won't go there.

 

^ good points. I heard Las Vegas is like that. Developers built new subdivisions of homes and abandon old ones because no one wanted to live in deserted areas, so now the demand is way lower than the supply. I believe Nevada residents were the most upside down on their mortgages at one point. I hope prices stay low so I can own a home before 30.