2011 map update worth it?

[monkstr6100]

I have a 2011 expedition MAXX limited (also 2011 Lincoln MKZ) and am wondering if the factory gps map updates are worth the $150? I have been watching the update site for a year now and it still only offers update 10X, which is the 2017 edition!? I called at the beginning of 2018 here and when I asked about the 2018 version I was told maybe in a few months? Have they stopped updating this system? i do prefer the factory gps cause its so central to the vehicle, but my little garmin is way more up to date, and has free updates and traffic too! Any info or input would be great. Thanks, Zach J.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

Every update is already ages behind by the time its released. My 2011 has roads that were completely shutdown by 2007. I stick with Google Maps on my phone and just use the in-vehicle navigation when I'm somewhere with no signal (e.g. up in the mountains, etc.).

 

[JExpedition07]

Every update is already ages behind by the time its released. My 2011 has roads that were completely shutdown by 2007. I stick with Google Maps on my phone and just use the in-vehicle navigation when I'm somewhere with no signal (e.g. up in the mountains, etc.).

Agreed there. It can come in handy where phone reception isn’t available but doesn’t need to be the latest maps.

 

[Gary Waugh]

As stated the maps are horrendously expensive and well behind most other maps, a useful backup option but don't depend on it if you are driving in newly constructed areas!!

 

[Eagle 71]

As stated the maps are horrendously expensive and well behind most other maps, a useful backup option but don't depend on it if you are driving in newly constructed areas!!

Electronic maps are indeed a great option - as long as they are properly fed from their source and they have the power to work on your end as advertised. If not, a paper topo map and an old-fasioned Silva compass will normally get you out of harm's way and back to where you need to be. That said, my analog post assumes you're out in the boonies...

 

[barrydu4]

I say no! For the cost of the upgrade I bought a large Garmin that has free lifetime updates. The best part it sits up on the dash and I can easily see it and not have to look down. This was in my 2011 Expedition Limited and I use it in my 2017 Expedition Limited.

 

[chuck s]

I have a couple year old Garmin Drivelux 50 on top of my dash and run redundant GPS systems. The Garmin always picks the better route over the Sync navigation in my 2017 Expedition. Yeah, it doesn't look as elegant but I can press buttons while moving. Oh, yeah, map updates occur every couple of months, not decades.

-- Chuck

 

[MrTommy]

Wifey updated the maps on her 2014 EL. I thought it was a waste of time, and still do. We both have Tom Tom GPS's with lifetime map updates (which have many saved 'waypoints' we've saved from many, many road trips in our previous non-GPS vehicles). Much better quality, in my opinion. And of course, we always carry good old fashioned paper maps for the big picture as well.

I recently bought a 2016 F-350 which did not have the updated GPS maps. I'm not even thinking of upgrading!

 

[nightfly]

Get a new one with voice command if you don't have one. Never wanted to pay extra, but just the ability to shout at the thing, 'VOICE COMMAND', then, 'DETOUR' without pushing any buttons and have it get it done quick when I have to pass a clogged up off ramp is priceless. Little Garmin lady helps every time. Just upgraded the Garmin maps and supposedly it has speed camera locations now, too. But maybe I haven't passed any yet.

How much is the Ford gps update software? One of the reasons I had to buy the new Garmin was the old Garmin 660 died, and the Ford gps wouldn't give me directions if it couldn't find an exact address. I even tried to make one up near the building, but it wouldn't accept that, either. The old Garmin would suggest a nearby address. BTW, that Garmin 660? Cost me about $1000 back in 2007. The new one, Drivesmart 5" NA LMT EX is only $114.

For anyone else wanting one, here:

https://express.google.com/u/0/prod...637412173927172_7366296703941837352_123492697

 

[Adieu]

Get a new one with voice command if you don't have one. Never wanted to pay extra, but just the ability to shout at the thing, 'VOICE COMMAND', then, 'DETOUR' without pushing any buttons and have it get it done quick when I have to pass a clogged up off ramp is priceless. Little Garmin lady helps every time. Just upgraded the Garmin maps and supposedly it has speed camera locations now, too. But maybe I haven't passed any yet.

How much is the Ford gps update software? One of the reasons I had to buy the new Garmin was the old Garmin 660 died, and the Ford gps wouldn't give me directions if it couldn't find an exact address. I even tried to make one up near the building, but it wouldn't accept that, either. The old Garmin would suggest a nearby address. BTW, that Garmin 660? Cost me about $1000 back in 2007. The new one, Drivesmart 5" NA LMT EX is only $114.

For anyone else wanting one, here:

https://express.google.com/u/0/prod...637412173927172_7366296703941837352_123492697

Cellphone & waze for urban use with traffic updates

Cellphone or cheapie tablet with SD card and "offline navigation" app (huge, full USA maps are many many gigabytes) for middle of nowhere or gazillion-waypointed road trips

 

[chuck s]

I have one of the Garmin DriveSmart units on my desk as I type this. Just refreshed it with new internal firmware and maps. This unit normally lives on my dashboard right above the Ford GPS built into the dash. Redundant GPS systems and if they don't agree I rarely take the Ford's advice.

These little Garmins are now so inexpensive I have one in my summer car. It's an older model but just got updated as well at no expense. Tired swapping one back and forth.

-- Chuck

 

[MrTommy]

Cellphone & waze for urban use with traffic updates

Problem I've had with Waze is that it's a HUGE battery eater. You have to plug the phone in or you'll be dead in the water in no time. Also, around here (Reno, Carson City Nevada area) there are few Waze'ers. I can boot it up, pull way out on the map, and not see another Waze'r anywhere. 50-60 miles, and I'm it.

 

[jimz]

Tom-Tom can be found at yard sales for 5 to 10 dollars. Free updates. One for every car and one to carry portable when walking so we find car. Eazy-peazy.

 

[nightfly]

Spotted the maps upgrade for about $13 on fleabay here though it doesn't say it's for the later devices; the ads mention things like A6, A8, A9 are those the specific head units for the GPS?

: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Ford-L...h=item468ac422d7:g:8DcAAOSwtYZb~os~:rk:9:pf:0

 

[Mean_Dean]

A6 (2016), A8 (2017), A9 (2018) are the years for the updates, these are for the newer cars with Sync where you have to put the SD card in the reader to use the GPS. I have no idea how Ford came up with the numbering. A9 is the latest that came out last fall, got a letter in the mail from Ford that it was available.

You have to be careful with those map cards on ebay, the cheap ones are copies and people have complained that they do not work properly or can be glitchy. That DVD is old school for the GPS units in late 2000 vehicles.

Love my new to me 2017 with the android auto, I just plug my phone in and use wither Waze or Google maps for navigation. No idea how to update the Ford maps on this vehicle.