Garmin Nuvi: Buy New One or Update Map?

[Kungjo]

I have a 2008 Garmin Nuvi and I need to decide if it's better to update the maps and keep using or buy a new one. I haven't checked around for pricing, but I did see the map updates at Target. It would cost me about $85 to get a one time update of the 2010 maps or $120 to get a Lifetime Update card. I'm assuming that it's good for as many updates as I need.

Does anyone have the Lifetime Update Card and is it just specific to the Garmin Nuvi you use it on for the very first time? I guess I'm wondering if the card would be useless if the old Garmin broke down? Would I be able to transfer the lifetime benefits to a new Garmin?

Buying a new one would be about $117 with 2010 maps.

Is it worth it to keep the old and update or just buy new? Any one BTDT?

Also, how often and when does Garmin update it's maps? Should I just wait till 2011 to get the latest version?

Thanks!

[stillplayswithbarbies]

I would buy a new one that comes with lifetime map updates. There will be some great deals on Black Friday.

[kboyle]

I have the same issue. mine is also an 08 and while i don't find it super necessary for me right now to update i'll need to make the decision sometime soon. dh has one in his car that is updated, but i don't know if it's got 09 or 10 in in, we got it last xmas.

i figured id just get a new one next year sometime.

[vonfirmath]

We have lifetime updates on our Garmin.

Yes, it is specific to the unit (though our unit was affected by the recall and they sent back a different unit -- but had switched the lifetime updates to the new unit as well)

We have updated more than once a year and had new roads show up on the maps (such as the toll road we live next to)

If you like your current unit, I'd get lifetime maps for it. If you'd rather a feature of the new units, then get a new unit instead.