help needed buying SAT NAV

I bought one from the RAC which also has a dash cam incorporated. It is quite easy to use. I know if you buy a satnav at Halfords they will install it and show you how to use it. Good luck I wouldn’t be without mine now I’m usually driving alone.

I have a very basic Navruf SatNav. It only cost £56.99 from Amazon and was easy to set up. YouTube videos are a help.

You need to check the factory settings and set the verbal instructions to 'maximum' which means you get plenty of warning when negotiating junctions, roundabouts, motorway exits etc.

You could always ask someone to check the settings for you if you're not sure as these days the instructions leave a lot to be desired.

I have a Tom-Tom. It was the cheapest of the John Lewis offerings a few years ago. It does not update itself automatically (you have to do it via a computer or smartphone) and nor does it show current traffic.

This means I love it when I go abroad (having updated the maps before I leave) as I’m generally not in a rush. If there’s a jam somewhere it’s not really an issue for me when on holiday but find it pretty irritating in the UK when it doesn’t know (for example) that there’s been an accident on the route I’m on.

Some models have a “live” connection so they do know this, but they are much more expensive.

The sat nav itself is super easy to use. It has a clear screen and a “night mode” too. I do update it maybe three times a year which is generally enough for me. I expect the cheaper Garmins are much the same. The newer ones of either brand are probably better than mine!

I’ve used it in Europe, the USA and Canada and it’s helped me navigate thousands of miles. I have a weighted stand for it so it sits on the dashboard. All in all it does what it says but is never going to be as up to date as a smartphone or a more expensive model.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for your replies. I know that I definitely need to have one to make me more relaxed when driving to unknown areas so now just need to make up my mind about which one to go for. I didn't realise how many different makes and models there are until I started looking at them!