The all-too-present reality of the struggling economy means even those who had money to shop are now cutting back. Stores like Wal-Mart continue to
Best GPS Deals |
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| *Check back often for more GPS deals | |||
| Retailer | Model | List Price | New Price |
| Amazon | Garmin nuvi 255W | $279.99 | $201.49* |
| Amazon | Garmin nuvi 205 | $169.99 | $130.94* |
| Amazon | TomTom ONE 125 | $179.95 | $95.69* |
| Amazon | TomTom ONE-S | $249.95 | $129.99* |
| Best Buy | TomTom ONE XL | $299.95 | $149.99 |
| BJ's Club | Garmin nuvi 250 | $249.99 | $129.99 |
| BJ's Club | TomTom XL 330S | $249.95 | $189.99 |
| BJ's Club | TomTom GO 730 | $449.95 | $399.99* |
| Radio Shack | Navigon 2090S | $199.99 | $129.99 |
| Radio Shack | TomTom ONE 3rd Edition | $149.99 | $119.97 |
| Sam's Club | Garmin nuvi 750 | $399.99 | $198.76 |
| Sam's Club | Garmin nuvi 5000 | $499.99 | $389.46 |
| Sam's Club | TomTom XL 330S | $249.95 | $189.74 |
| Wal-Mart | Garmin nuvi 265T | $249.99 | $197.54 |
| Wal-Mart | Garmin nuvi 880 | $899.99 | $498.00 |
| Wal-Mart | Navigon 2100 | $250.00 | $98.86 |
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Deals as of March 5. *Online Only |
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Still, you can't knock electronics manufacturers for trying. Now even the list prices for Garmin GPS and TomToms are dropping, and stores and online marketplaces are rapidly adjusting their sales prices in turn.
Our GPS reviews indicate features such as real-time traffic and voice-guided directions are reserved for the priciest of units, but even these traditionally-expensive models are coming back down to Earth.
If you are in the mood to shop, Amazon is a great place to start. It has dropped the price on several Garmin models for March. Amazon is also selling TomTom ONEs for as much as $100 less than the list price. Although TomTom GPS has ended its promotion for the TomTom ONE 125, you can still find one online and in some stores for less than $100.
Find out more about some of the best GPS features available now using U.S. News' GPS Buying Guide, or return to our GPS reviews homepage to find out the best inexpensive GPS systems.
6 Tips for Smart Shopping
1. Know the List Price
Check out the Web sites of manufacturers like Garmin, TomTom and Mio GPS to find out their models' list price. Older or discontinued devices will have dramatically dropping price tags all year round, so don't be fooled by some retailers' advertised sale prices. In fact, during the holiday season Magellan GPS has entered into an agreement for sale by Mio, and Harman Kardon GPS has discontinue their GPS models -- meaning both brands will see dramatic discounts.
2. Sign Up for E-mail Updates
Instead of poring over numerous Web sites to compare prices, find a few bargain-hunting web sites that will do the work for you. For example, Fat Wallet takes a community approach, allowing you to discuss GPS pricing with other bargain-conscious Web surfers. Fat Wallet also gives you the opportunity to earn cash back if you purchase your navigation system through their site.
3. Ask for a Price Match
A lot of electronics stores are willing to match the price of a competing franchise to keep your business, so it doesn't hurt to call ahead and ask.
4. Find an Everything-Must-Go Sale
Chains like Circuit City are closing down locations or going out of business altogether. Look to find fantastic deals on all of their merchandise in the coming weeks while they get rid of inventory.
5. Buy Used
A refurbished GPS could be as much as 20 percent cheaper than the brand-new model. Consider authorized stores like Best Buy or Radio Shack, and online dealers like Crutchfield or Amazon, because they will honor the full manufacturer warranty. But double check to find out if your used model is eligible for mapping updates.
6. Decide Before You Shop
Most important, choose the device you're interested in before you hit the stores. It's key to consult a reputable source to determine the best navigation system with the features you want. U.S. News' GPS reviews is just one example of a place to find advice and buying guides on portable navigation devices.
It's a confusing time to be shopping for a new car. While there are some incredible deals to be had, many of those incentives are for cars that don't offer a lot of value in the long term.
The U.S. News