Save That Old Gps!

[touringman]

My Nuvi 500 bit the big one on the way back Star in Arkansas, so I tossed it in the corner, and forgot about it for a while. I called Garmin Tech Support, and they say they don't work on that unit any more. I hated to give it up, as it is waterproof, loads custom routes, and it works well for the bike that I keep at our "Riva" cottage. Not only that, it can still sub for my 660 if need be. I did some Google work, and came up with Sat Nava repairs http://satnavrepairservice.com/repair-satnav/garmin-repair/13.html
This is one cool group! They are all over the world, and they have a repair center in the US. The list of GPS and other electronic devices they repair is endless, but they do give you an online list to choose from. My 500 is on their list, so I followed their instructions, and gave them a detailed description of the problems:
When turned on, the unit would show the" maps out of date screen", this screen would not change no matter where you touched the screen. I updated the software in the unit, and attempted to re calibrate the touch screen to no avail. I described these problems, and they instantly replied with a quote of $49.95+$6.00 shipping fee to repair it. It's certainly worth that to me, so I took a chance, and shipped it to them, at a cost of a little over $6. It took 1week from shipping until my repaired unit came home to daddy. I took it out today, and it performed just like a brand new one!!. Of course, time will tell how well it will hold up, but I'm very impressed so far! I've read a fair number of posts about units that people love, but have to give up on. This seems to be helpful in curing your problems. New motorcycle gps units run $325 to $800, so rehabbing an old friend with lifetime maps for $62 fits my budget just fine. Do what I did, and check out the reviews. I think you'll be impressed. Syd😁

[Brick]

So did they update the maps too or did you do that once you got it back?


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[RIDEMYST]

Good to know. Thanks for the tip! -JEP-

[tunerider335]

Thanks for the tip.


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[touringman]

They didn't update the maps, so I'll have to do that. I realize that there may be a limit in the memory of the 500, and I'm pretty sure I won't be able to load the complete topo maps it came with. It doesn't matter to me about that anyway. The 500 does accept an sd card, which helps.

[stevegrab]

Good to know, my trusty Nuvi 2450 has some screen issues, not sure it is worth reparing, wsa $150 new about 4 years ago, and doesn't get used in the car any more (new car came with GPS).

[Steve]

Thanks for doing the work for us!

[touringman]

You are welcome guys, and I believe that this service may be for higher priced-still viable units. The original price for the 500 to me was $220.It was a bargain then ( I don't buy if it isn't), and it's basically the same unit as the Zumo 220. To my cheap self, keeping it online is worthwhile. If you have an automotive Nuvi that's becoming problematic, you will probably be better served buying a new unit. Advances are constantly being integrated into the newer units, giving you faster speed, and new functions. It is interesting to note that Zumo units are also included in the list of units they repair. The more expensive and useful the unit is, the better this service looks. Syd😁

[NinjaBob]

MY Nuvi 550 crapped out last year. Refubs are available but for more than I paid for mine several years ago (300)  Aopparently the 500 and 550 are very popular. I got a quote on it from satnavrepair of $59, no fix no fee. I now use a Zuml 390 and like it. But I think I need a backup so will send in the Nuvi. Thanks for the tip

[touringman]

Please let us know how that works for you Bob! Syd

[Woovis]

Don't forget Garmin does *some* repair work themselves, I've had a Z220 fixed a couple of times (second service cheap since it was a followup service).

They do have some trade-in/trade-up paths available too, I was surprised at the discount an old StreetPilot fetched toward a Z590. 

Now if only I could find a way to use this old Quest...

[TN2Wheeler]

Don't forget Garmin does *some* repair work themselves, I've had a Z220 fixed a couple of times (second service cheap since it was a followup service).

They do have some trade-in/trade-up paths available too, I was surprised at the discount an old StreetPilot fetched toward a Z590. 

Now if only I could find a way to use this old Quest...

Actually I have 2 old Quest units still working fine. One is 128 mb and one is 256. Been running OSM maps since the Garmin maps registered to them are getting pretty old. Last February I took them to Costa Rica (with CR Maps loaded of course) Worked like a charm.

[NinjaBob]

My nuvi has been there two weeks and counting and no word since the repair started.

[TN2Wheeler]

Also, my out of warranty 64S died recently.  Called Garmin support but nothing we tried would ressurect it. I decided to exchange it for a refurbished 64S for $100. Had the "new" unit in 4 days. Works great.

[NinjaBob]

Ok then I'll see what I can get for my street pilot.  need something for navigating the swamp in my yak


Do you have to call for the exchange deal or is there a page on their website?