TomTom One Third Edition Auto Navigation System (Refurbished)

I purchased this refurbished TomTom specifically for a trip from Arizona to Colorado. My intention was to sell it after I returned home.

The TomTom looked like a complete package when it arrived, including flyers with a code to download the most recent map. However, when I tried to install the map I was advised the coupon was no longer valid.

I called TomTom with some trepidation as some others had mentioned Customer Service was not that great. My experience was good. It took two phone calls. In the first, I was asked to fax or email in my receipt. Then, after waiting a few minutes, I called back and was advised the latest was ready to download. Installation went smoothly but I did make sure I did a backup before downloading the new map. Then, after it was installed, I did a backup. (I'm a customer service rep so I KNOW the benefit of backups!)

I downloaded some voices and extra points of interest from the TomTom site. I also did an Internet search and found some sites that had additional downloads, some free, some pay. (Some of the pay items were available from free sites so check carefully!) I found the KitKar sound as well as Yoda and enjoy both.

My initial test was in my home city. I had to go to our local convention center four days in a row so added it as a favorite. I deliberately tried to confuse the system and was sometimes successful. For the most part, the TomTom was great. I even found some different, faster routes then my usual.

My trip route took me on what was supposedly the fastest but not what I wanted on one segment. I chose to add stops along the way as favorites, including a town that would force my shortcut.

It was great! I ran into some heavy rain through some cities where there were lots of curves and construction. If I had not had TomTom I definitely wouldn't have been in the right lanes at times. Especially in the rain where I could barely see 100 yards ahead it was wonderful to see if the road curved.

When I reached my destination, it provided lots of fun for my three-year-old grandson. As I traveled in my family's car, he delighted in hearing Yoda's voice and the various point of interest sounds I'd selected. I was able to easily add some destinations in their city. I told my grandson, "it's impossible to get lost with TomTom."

Suffice to say, I'm not about to sell it, even though a neighbor asked if she could buy it!

I brought a Bracketon Nav-Mat and strongly recommend it. I placed the TomTom to my left, on my dash mat. Although not recommended, I could reach out and change the screen when driving.

The only negative is that in strong sun it can be hard to read the screen as it is washed out. The voice commands help to counter that. Lots of advance warning of turns.

I recommend reading the other reviews on the TomTom (non-refurbished) for more information. For me, this was a great purchase. While I don't use it every day, I keep it in a pocket in my purse, always ready to use when it's needed.

As far as GPS systems go, this is better than some I have seen, not as good as others I have seen. It is a good middle of the road GPS. I think that updates should be free for life though, not just the first one.

I was hesitant to order a refurbished GPS. This unit has exceeded every expectation and has functioned flawlessly. It has saved countless hours of driving frustration with its precison route planning. You do need to pay attention and check the route against a map as it does not always give the most direct routing, close but not exactly.

I really like this GPS for the money. Much better than cell Phone navigation. I would have rated it 5 stars if it came with a more current map or included a free map update. Mine shipped with a map that is 3 versions old and the included coupon code for a free map update is "invalid" according to TomTom Home. I've already found a few map errors like an interchange between 61 and 78 in PA that was changed well over 2 years ago.

Aside from the old map, routing is very good and I'm impressed by it's ability to navigate the shortest route through winding backroads when you tell it to avoid major highways due to construction, etc.

I missed a few turns because it does not announce street name. In addition, it gave me wrong direction a few times.