Does anyone have a satnav that has live traffic updates? Would you recommend yours?

[AintNobodyHereButUsChickens]

Our trusty old TomTom is on its last legs, we really need a new one and we want one that has live traffic updates on it. Should we go for TomTom again or get a Garmin this time? Would you recommend yours?

I updated my TomTom last Christmas as it could no longer be updated. I stuck with TomTom (just a Go Basic) but it has live traffic (which my useless in built sat nave doesn't).
I love the fact that it updates over the home wifi - much easier.
I agree with a PP - the menus etc have changed (not always for the better) and it has taken a bit of getting used to, but I just prefer the way TomTom works.

Those advising phones - my screen isn't big enough to clearly see what the instructions are. I love the way my TT clearly shows lanes etc at motorway junctions, complicated roundabouts etc. This just wouldn't work on my phone.

I have read online about lots of people having problems, and no one solution that seems to fix it

Yup, sounds like Google.

And yes, speed limits and speed camera beeping is another good feature of the actual sat nav, rather than the phone. It shows clearly what my speed is, too.

Personally I don't give a toss about cameras. But I do like to see the speed limits. As I said, HERE maps does show them (plus your current speed) and can alert you if you stray. Really if I could link that to the speed limiter off the car, it would make up for the lack of hover boots the 70s promised us by now.

Have you tried Android Auto as a front end to Google Maps ? It might work better with the cars Bluetooth.

Those advising phones - my screen isn't big enough to clearly see what the instructions are.

Android Auto has a "embiggen screen" look to it

Not a big fan of reading directions while driving - prefer to hear them and keep eyes on road. I guess it's horses for courses.

Waze is the best traffic app to use. I have used it in UK, France and Spain and its is fab!

We have a TomTom with live traffic and it works really well. My Volvo's built in satnav (new this year) is completely useless by comparision depite the fact it has a 4g chip in for 'live traffic'.

Another vote for Waze, we've used it for years, much more intuitive than Google maps.

I know I tried Waze ... can't recall why I ditched it (although at a guess speed limits, like Google "we're listening but ignoring" Maps).

I first got HERE when my work gave me a Windows Phone (I know, I know) and there were fuck-all apps for it. but HERE was one. I think it's unique in having a "driving mode" which basically just shows you where you are, your speed (and speed limits) plus a compass, and distance and time driven. It's how I use it 80% of the time.

Windows Phone also had a "driving mode" which diverted calls to voicemail, and autoresponded to calls and texts with a "I'm driving, I'll get back to you" message. Something the lack of in the Android app space speaks volumes about.

We have a TomTom with live traffic and it works really well.

Which model, please? And do you need the tomtom app on your phone or just connect with Bluetooth?

We have a TomTom with live traffic and it works really well. My Volvo's built in satnav (new this year) is completely useless by comparision depite the fact it has a 4g chip in for 'live traffic'

I can't remember how much Citroen think we should pay for that feature - I think it was £30/month ? Even the salesman couldn't plug it (and said just use your phone ....)

I was about to suggest Google maps but I won't bother 🤣🤣

Which model, please? And do you need the tomtom app on your phone or just connect with Bluetooth?

I've got a tomtom Go Basic. I have got the app on my phone - possibly because you needed to set up an account in the first place, but I don't actively use it. To update the unit, you just link it to your home wifi. To use it in the car I just plug it into the lighter socket. Don't use Bluetooth at all.

Ours is the Go 5200 i think. We have worldwide maps though I found some of the European streets it wants to send us down are very narrow!

I don't use the app on my phone but i can log in on my computer and can send routes to my DH's TomTom if he's out and about and i need to send him on an errand. I update it on the computer too.

Thanks seeline - but if it's not connecting to your phone via Bluetooth, how is it getting live traffic data?

I used to use google maps on my phone but my phone isn't reliable and kept cutting out leaving me lost in the countryside.
I've got a garmin now.
I had a tom tom before but now I'm used to it I prefer the garmin, it's reliable and has a big screen that is easier to see.
It also does a soft bong if I exceed the speed limit and lets me know when the speed limit is about to change.
It can also be linked to my phone if I want live traffic updates.
I haven't had any lag problems either.

but if it's not connecting to your phone via Bluetooth, how is it getting live traffic data?

buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/82601

A combination power cable/traffic receiver in the box gives you traffic services for the life² of your device. You’ll avoid traffic jams and keep moving when your nüvi alerts you and offers detours. No additional purchases are necessary — it’s 100 percent subscription-free traffic.

is how mine worked.

Thanks DG - I'm not sure the tomtom referred to has anything like that. Sounds good.

Fans of government reports will be thrilled to read:

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/190078/Traffic_and_Travel_Report_1_.pdf

I read all of that, and still don't want DAB ...

Definitely get one with live traffic if doing long journeys with kids. My TomTom diverted us out of a 4 hour motorway jam which we could see bits of from the back roads we went to avoid it.

I'm glad DG had the answer. I haven't got a clue how it works, I know it does though - magic possibly 😆

Do people still use sat navs? I sold mine and use my phone that’s always live

Phones don't work everywhere though, which can be a problem unless you think ahead and download the maps.