Which Sat Nav for Mini/First Time Driver?

[JandyA]

Sorry to be a pain,

I have tried searching the forum but couldn't find any answers to my question...

Daughter will soon have a Mini Cooper S, 2006 Model as her first car.

I have suggested she get a dedicated Sat Nav rather than use her phone.

She is looking for something with a decent size screen, will only be using it for UK driving. Something fast, reliable.

What would you recommend? Do I go for a new flashy model or pick one up second hand on ebay ?

Thanks!

[jkh112]

Whichever you choose go for lifetime map updates otherwise it will be out of date quickly.
I use garmin and have bought new when offers come up, which they do regularly.

Even the basic garmin models are pretty good now (I have little experience with TomTom and other makes). The more expensive ones with voice control, Bluetooth, digital traffic etc may be useful but are far from essential.

Halfords are selling the garmin 50lm for £80 (large 5inxh screen and lifetime maps) and the same model but with traffic (50lmt) for £10 more. I have seen them cheaper but that is the sort of model I would recommend.

[anonymous-user]

TomTom units are really nice in my experience, get one that comes with a lifetime map update subscription as standalone maps updates are heinously expensive.
I have the TomTom go 50 which is a 5" screen size which I find is optimal. If I were buying one now I'd go for a slightly higher specced one with handsfree built into it if your car doesn't already have it.

My go 50 utilises my phones data which it is paired to via bluetooth to provide traffic updates, warnings and alternate route suggestions.

[anonymous-user]

My Garmin has traffic information and I would never have a unit without it now. Having it automatically find alternative routes to avoid congestion or problems you don’t even know about is wonderful.