I assume these models you've listed are just a bigger version of the Go Basic 5 inch model I have. Very pleased with mine, it does all I need and can be updated on its own by picking up the wifi.

>>I do not have a smart phone, do the later models still use satellites for gps

Yes. I have been using a phone for so long now that I'm out of touch altogether with standalone sat nav features - I can't help wondering how they sell enough for it to be worthwhile, and what features they have added to differentiate them from the phone experience.

The big advantage of the phone, apart from being free if you happen to own one, is that Google maps is always up to date. It will route around traffic automatically if it can get online, gives fairly accurate journey times. Maps can be downloaded for offline use - I keep the entire UK mainland map on my phone which automatically updates monthly when it can connect to wifi.

My 2017 MX-5 has built in sat nav, but the map updates ran out last year. Even when they are up to date, it isn't as good, or anywhere near as easy to use, as the phone. I won't pay to receive updates until I am doing another European trip which, the way things are going, might be never.

I've had a Tomtom 5200 for quite a few years and it's a fabulous piece of kit especially re traffic planning.

I also have the Tomtom app but being honest although similar (but not the same) I still prefer the 5200. It's view of the overall route is somehow easier to view/navigate and it can be voice controlled.

My 5200 also has a built in SIM so uses no phone data even for traffic services etc Useful when driving through Europe especially now many phone companies are introducing roaming charges.

If you don't have a smart phone then one of the cheaper Tomtom models would be good choice but I agree the days of a separate satnav appliance are numbered but possibly not quite yet.

To be honest I always prefer to have my phone tucked firmly away in my pocket - I know someone who had a horrific time for touching a phone re satnav even though it was properly mounted and had to endure a court case - they won in the end but it wasn't pretty.

Edited by Big John on 17/10/2021 at 10:12

There's something to be said fir a separate instrument that just does the nav. I use my phone sometimes, but find my old sat nav just fine. I have had a couple if issues using a phone. Once the phone which was charging at the time, told me it was too hot. On another occasion in a city with tall buildings, the phone lost GPS. The old sat nav has a bigger antena and stayed locked on.

Personal preferences I suppose.

Edited by Sparrow on 18/10/2021 at 13:57