Best GPS picks for Black Friday

The holiday buying season is revving its economic engine and getting ready to take off, as turkey-filled shoppers prepare to storm retailers on Black Friday. We have been monitoring the offers on portable navigation devices (PNDs), and finding great deals on many well-rated products. Last year, GPS navigators were a door-buster favorite, but then it seemed many of the products were from second-tier brands, borderline outdated, or simply not very good. That really isn’t the case this year.

For shoppers, there are many choices this year that would make great gifts or personal indulgences. To ensure the device is not only affordable but packs all the features that matter most to you, check our more than 303 GPS model pages. Dig deeper with our detailed ratings and scan the user reviews. (We also have handheld hiking GPS ratings and buying advice, as well as mobile phone app reviews.)

How to choose

In selecting a GPS unit for a gift, consider the features that will truly matter to the recipient. A wide screen and text-to-speech for spoken street names are key features, and reality view is a welcomed addition. Other features such as Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 playback, and even traffic may matter much less. In fact, past Consumer Reports surveys have shown these features were often not used by GPS owners who had them.

Beyond features, consider buying a recent unit. GPS product cycles mean new product is introduced at least twice a year. Buying the previous generation can save some money and still provide contemporary features. Going further back means a device that may be a touch dated and have a map and points of interest database that is already dusty. With this in mind, scanning the deals identified in our blogs this week, there are a number of devices that stand out.

Door-busting products

For Garmin, at this point I would pass on the Nuvi 200 and instead choose the Nuvi 205 as a pocket-friendly basic device. There is no practical price difference, and the 2x5 series is more recent. The hot ticket there seems to be the 255W, a well-equipped wide-screen model with spoken street names.

TomTom has a couple of appealing, low-cost widescreen models in the sales flyers, the XL 325-SE and XL 340 S. Both of these devices have helpful text-to-speech ability and are available for less than $100.

Magellan, the third-largest GPS maker in the U.S. market, is less represented in the promotions we have seen this holiday season. In our tests, Magellan products have often had mediocre performance, but some of the latest devices have been quite good. And some such units are being highlighted in sales, including the Roadmate 1440.

Again, as you map out your shopping strategies, do take the time to check the Ratings and make sure that if you’re getting up at the crack of dawn, you buy the right unit.

Also see: Black Friday GPS deals online
Countdown to Black Friday: Best GPS deals

—Jeff Bartlett

Black Friday GPS deals online

Black Friday is just a few days away, but you don’t need to wait until after Thanksgiving or wake up early after a turkey-induced sleep to get a good deal on a portable GPS system. We’ve already listed a number of Friday deals to be had at brick and mortar stores for those early birds who don’t mind the pre-dawn rush, but for those who like to sleep in or shop in their pajamas here is a list of online-only deals.

The best part about shopping online is that you don’t need to wait until Friday to cash in on the discounts. A number of companies have Web-only deals on GPS systems that are all available now or on Thanksgiving Day, but are limited in quantity.

Before you buy any GPS system, consult our GPS buying advice to learn about key features, then check the Ratings. A convenient product selector will help sort and filter the GPS Ratings based on the features that matter most to you. (Ratings and selectors are available to online subscribers.) You can also compare prices with our GPS model pages by using the Price & Shop function, tapping in approved stores, each listed with a user rating.

So get clicking and you can save money, time, and sleep.

Amazon.com
Garmin Nuvi 260W $119.99
Garmin Nuvi 265W $193.54
Garmin Nuvi 765/765T $219.99
Garmin Nuvi 780 $179.99
Garmin Nuvi 785/785T $338.54
Garmin Nuvi 855 $199.99
Magellan Maestro 4700 $179.99
Magellan RoadMate 1200 $96.94
Magellan RoadMate 1424 $132.57
Magellan RoadMate 1440 $149.00
Magellan RoadMate 1470 $149.99
Magellan RoadMate 1700 $222.13

Costco.com
Garmin Nuvi 1250 $159.99 includes shipping

Walmart.com
Garmin Nuvi 205 $99.00

CircuitCity.com
Magellan RoadMate 1430 $119.99

BestBuy.com
Garmin Nuvi 205W $99.99

Also see: Countdown to Black Friday: Best GPS deals 

—Liza Barth

Countdown to Black Friday: Best GPS deals

Black Friday is the busiest day of the holiday shopping season and with the state of the economy, a number of stores are offering great discounts and deals on a number of popular items. In fact, some are so anxious, they are offering door-buster-grade deals well in advance of the official sales holiday.
From the deals we’ve discovered, portable navigation systems (PNDs) have come down considerably in price and many of our top-rated models are now more affordable than ever. Some are basic models that will get you easily from point A to point B, but increasingly affordable mid-level models offer added features such as a wide screen, spoken street names, and traffic capability.

Whether buying a gift or for personal use, consult our GPS buying advice to learn about key features, then check the Ratings, which will soon be updated with three new models—the Garmin 1690, Magellan RoadMate 1700, and TomTom XXL 530. There is a convenient product selector to help sort and filter the GPS Ratings based on the features that matter most to you. (Ratings and selectors are available to online subscribers.)

The best GPS deals

We have scoured the brand-name retailers who have historically offered good GPS deals and pulled together a list of standout deals. Last year we saw new, smaller brands challenge the market giants with low-cost (and often low-rated) units. Still sore from the 2008 bruising, Garmin, Magellan, and TomTom have come out this season with aggressive pricing on good devices, effectively reclaiming the space in sales flyers and door-buster status.

Below is a list of GPS deals available for Black Friday, November 27th. Better pricing may be available at other retailers, particularly Web-based stores. Availability and pricing may change at any time, so it’s a good idea to confirm all the details with the individual retailers. As of today, a number of companies including Amazon.com, Buy.com, and Circuit City have not yet announced their Black Friday sales, but we’ll bring you more GPS deals next week.

Remember, ordering online may save you from the harried competition and waking up at the crack of dawn. You can compare prices from with our GPS model pages by using the Price & Shop function, tapping in approved stores, each listed with a user rating.

Definitely check the ratings before buying. In the list below, there are two and even three product generations represented from the manufacturers. In many cases, buying a newer unit will be the right move, as it will have more advanced features and fresher maps. (Older units may well have been sitting on a warehouse shelf for a long time.)

Happy shopping!

Garmin Nuvi 205W
$99.99 Best Buy

Garmin Nuvi 205
$89.99 Sears

Garmin Nuvi 255WT
$129.99 Best Buy

Garmin Nuvi 255W
$119.99 Staples

Magellan RoadMate 1220
$89.99 Sears

Magellan Roadmate 1440
$119.99 Sears
$119.99 Kmart

TomTom One 130
$77.99 Office Depot
$79.99 Kmart
$79.99 Sears

TomTom Go 630
$169.99 Office Depot
$169.99 Sears

TomTom GO 730
$174.99 Best Buy

TomTom XL 340S
$97.00 Target

TomTom XL325-SE
$89.00 Walmart

For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings, first looks, and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

—Liza Barth

Tires Q&A: Can I replace one or two tires at a time on my car?

Consumers Union held their annual open-house tour on Saturday, October 17 at the company headquarters in Yonkers, New York. Visitors got a chance to tour various stations to hear how Consumer Reports tests different products. It’s always a nice opportunity to talk about how we test tires at this event and as in past years there were a lot of interested visitors looking for more information on tires, particularly on how to buy.

Question: By far, the most common question asked this year was: “Is it OK to purchase just two tires at time?”

Answer: A simple question, indeed, and the simple answer is yes you can in most cases--but there are many considerations.

Most importantly, CR recommends rotating tires routinely following the guidelines spelled out in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, typically every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. The owner’s manual will have a rotation pattern to follow as well. Following the routine rotations will optimize a tire’s tread life and will wear all four tires evenly. Bottom line: when it comes time to replacing the worn-out tires, buy four new ones.

Many drivers may not rotate tires at all or not on a routine schedule. Owners of front-wheel drive vehicles will likely be replacing the front tires two to three times more often than the rear tires --since the front tires are doing most of the work by driving the wheels, doing most of the braking, and steering the car. The rear tires have a much easier life, being generally lightly loaded and free-rolling. In this common scenario, where only two tires are worn out and need replacing, CR recommends at least purchasing new tires of like brand and model as those already on the car, despite the best practice of purchasing a full set of four new tires. Mixing tire brands or even different models may cause handling instability. And when replacing only two, we recommend installing the new tires in the rear and placing the (older but still decent) rear tires in the front. This may help prevent a spinout or oversteer condition on slick roads. Both these recommendations apply to rear-wheel drive vehicles as well.

Finally, if you own an all-wheel drive vehicle, the first step before buying a new tire or pair of tires (short of installing four new ones) is to read the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Many makes of all-wheel drive vehicles will stipulate that all four tires must be of the same size, brand, model, and state of wear. Any deviation could result in an all-wheel drive system failure due to the stress placed on it from rotating dissimilar overall diameter tires.

Now wasn’t that simple?

To see full details on all tire models we tested, check out our Ratings and recommendations (available to subscribers). In addition to our updated Ratings, all site visitors can access our free buying advice for tips on getting started, types of tires we test, features that are important in making a tire purchase, and general tire care. Also, be sure to check out our TireTalk forum to interact with our tire engineers and other drivers.

—Gene Petersen 

2009 SEMA Show: Better than expected, future looks greener

Another SEMA show has come and gone, and cleared its chopped, channeled, flamed and chromed self out of Las Vegas until next year.
 
We went to the show this year not entirely sure of what to expect. With the economy still reeling, it seemed like chrome wheels and custom accessories might not be on as many shopping lists as in previous years.
 
But according to Vice President of Communications and Events for SEMA Peter MacGillivray, the show held its own. Exhibitors were off by 12 percent, but compared to the 30-34 percent reductions seen on average by other Las Vegas trade shows this year, SEMA might even be considered something of a home run. Even in this economic climate, MacGillivray says 70 percent of new car buyers still make some sort of modification to their vehicles within 60 days of purchase, whether it be a floor mat or a metal-flake paint job.
 
As in previous years, attendance was good, topping out at 120,000 visitors, all of whom were industry buyers and professionals. SEMA is not open to the public. Whether buyers were actually buying is another question, but most of the show was jammed with wall-to-wall crowds.  
 
One area where both exhibitors and buyers seemed to be fewer and farther between than last year was the mobile electronics area. Whether that means fewer new products are coming to market, exhibitors are opting for other shows like the Consumer Electronics Show in January, or that the category is off is hard to say.
 
On the other hand, SEMA was looking greener than in the past, with everything from more vehicles powered by alternative fuels to more customs displaying water-based paint. The “Making Green Cool Zone” showcased a variety of products and vehicles, and was both larger and more heavily trafficked than last year.
 
MacGillivray sees the segment as an important growth area for SEMA and its membership, although he says it amounts to less than five percent of all business now. But he says SEMA is working to educate member shops and businesses about the importance of going green, and that savvy members will find going green both profitable and the right thing to do. The organization is conducting seminars to educate members about the changing marketplace and new technologies.
 
“My sense is this is an element that isn’t going to go away,” he says. “It is incumbent on us to help these businesses stay in business year after year.”
 
—Jim Travers

Also see from the 2009 SEMA show:
Tire testing and the transformation of the tire industry
Our favorite modified Chevrolet Camaros
New iPhone apps for auto diagnostics
World's fastest Honda Civic circa 1976
All shades of green project cars
Surfrider Toyota Camry hybrid CNG
Kustomizing the Toyota Prius
Hot rodders turning green
Auto aftermarket prepares for show time in Las Vegas

Video: How to choose the best tires

At a glance, all tires look alike. They are black, round, and ringed with tread patterns. But there are significant differences in how they perform and how they wear. Since tires are the only part of the car that touches the road, it is crucial that you make a smart, informed decision about what tire is right for you. And we can help.

As demonstrated in this tire buying video, Consumer Reports runs a comprehensive, year-round tire testing program to ensure it can deliver the advice and ratings you need. To evaluate all aspects of a tire, we put it through a number of objective and subjective tests in the most comprehensive tire-test program of any American magazine or Web site.

We test braking and lateral grip on dry and wet surfaces, handling in our emergency-avoidance maneuver, and hydroplaning resistance, which measures how well a tire maintains contact with the road in standing water. We evaluate how easily a tire can accelerate on moderately packed snow and we rent a local skating rink to test braking on ice. Outside labs evaluate tread life and rolling resistance which is a function fuel efficiency . To ensure consistency, we buy each tire model in the same size and mount them on the same test cars.

Check out our video to see the details on how we conduct these tests. Then see our car, SUV and truck, and winter tire ratings (available to subscribers) to find the models that score well in the areas that matter most to you. All site visitors can access our free buying advice for tips on getting started, types of tires we test, features that are important in making a tire purchase, and general tire care. Also, be sure to check out our TireTalk forum to interact with our tire engineers and other drivers.

—Liza Barth 

Car care: Myths vs. reality

When it comes to maintaining your car, misconceptions abound. And even the best intentions can lead you to spend more money than necessary or even compromise your safety. Here are a few common car care myths that can do more harm than good.

Myth: Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.

Reality: Despite what oil companies and quick-lube shops often claim, it’s usually not necessary. Stick to the service intervals in your car’s owner’s manual. Under normal driving conditions, most vehicles are designed to go 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Changing oil more often doesn’t hurt the engine, but it can cost you a lot of extra money. Automakers often recommend 3,000-mile intervals for severe driving conditions, such as constant stop-and-go driving, frequent trailer-towing, mountainous terrain, or dusty conditions. Read how to check your car's engine oil.

Myth: Inflate tires to the pressure shown on the tire’s sidewall.

Reality: The pounds-per-square-inch figure on the side of the tire is the maximum pressure that the tire can safely hold, not the automaker’s recommended pressure, which provides the best balance of braking, handling, gas mileage, and ride comfort. That figure is usually found on a doorjamb sticker, in the glove box, or on the fuel-filler door. Perform a monthly pressure check when tires are cold or after the car has been parked for a few hours. See our tips on tire maintenance.

Myth: If regular-grade fuel is good, premium must be better.

Reality: Most vehicles run just fine on regular-grade (87 octane) fuel. Using premium in these cars won’t hurt, but it won’t improve performance, either. A higher-octane number simply means that the fuel is less prone to pre-ignition problems, so it’s often specified for hotter running, high-compression engines. So if your car is designed for 87-octane fuel, don’t waste money on premium. (Read more on how to get the best gas mileage.)

Myth: After a jump-start, your car will soon recharge the battery.

Reality: It could take hours of driving to restore a battery’s full charge, especially in the winter. That’s because power accessories, such as heated seats, draw so much electricity that in some cars the alternator has little left over to recharge a run-down battery. A “load test” at a service station can determine whether the battery can still hold a charge. If so, some hours on a battery charger might be needed to revive the battery to its full potential. (See our car battery ratings and buying advice.)

Myth: Let your engine warm up for several minutes before driving.

Reality: That might have been good advice for yesteryear’s cars but is less so today. Modern engines warm up more quickly when they’re driven. And the sooner they warm up, the sooner they reach maximum efficiency and deliver the best fuel economy and performance. But don’t rev the engine high over the first few miles while it’s warming up.

Myth: A dealership must perform regular maintenance to keep your car’s factory warranty valid.

Reality: As long as the maintenance items specified in the vehicle owner’s manual are performed on schedule, the work can be done at any auto-repair shop. If you’re knowledgeable, you can even do the work yourself. Just keep accurate records and receipts to back you up in case of a warranty dispute on a future repair.

For more on taking care of your car, see our guide to car maintenance.  Talk with others about car maintenance and repair in John's Tool Box forum.

Honda Element gets dog-friendly, though doesn’t learn needed tricks

Honda has expanded its accessory offerings for the Element SUV to include new equipment aimed to improve the safety and comfort of the four-legged passengers. The new “Dog Friendly” system can be integrated at the factory into the 2010 Element EX cargo area and will provide a place in daily driving for the pet to be properly restrained and out of reach from the driver. It will also help to restrain the dog behind the rear seats, so that the pet and occupants of the vehicle will have a reduced chance of injury in the event of a crash. The concept behind this canine commuter was previewed at the New York auto show.

The Dog Friendly components include a soft-sided cargo area kennel made from strong seat belt material netting, a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area, a 12-volt DC fan, second-row seat covers with a dog pattern, all-season rubber floor mats and a spill resistant water bowl. An extendable ramp will also store beneath the bed, so it can be accessed when the tailgate is open.

The 2010 Element EX version has an MSRP of $22,635 for the 2WD model. The dog equipment will retail at $995 and be available to buyers on Nov. 16th. The 2010 Element in all trims will be available at dealerships in mid-October.

Though it’s always been versatile and reliable, the Element is a bit long in the tooth. The “Dog Friendly” system may be well-liked by some, perhaps many people, but we would also have welcomed a couple of new tricks, such as a powertrain upgrade like that bestowed on the 2010 Honda CR-V—14 more horsepower and 1 more EPA-rated mpg. As it is, the Element suffers from significant road noise, lousy visibility, a stiff ride, and tricky emergency handling.

While Dog Friendly adds some appeal, at a significant price, it really doesn’t teach this old dog any new tricks to make it more competitive, or earn it a Consumer Reports Recommendation.

—Liza Barth 

For more pet-related reports see:
Vacation travel for dogs
Best dogs for retirees
Tax break for pet care?

H-rated tires with shorter life spans become more common

Consumer Reports runs the largest tire testing program in the United States. And one of the main things we’ve found in our testing lately is that keeping fresh tires on your car is getting more expensive.

One reason for the increased cost for rolling stock is that more and more family cars are coming equipped with higher-speed rated tires. Speed ratings indicate the highest speed a tire maker considers safe for that tire to travel and is designated by letters such as Q, S, T, H, V, and Z along with the tire size information on the sidewall. All these ratings cover speeds well above legal limits. The most popular, S, T, and H, are rated for 112, 118, and 130 mph, respectively.

Traditionally, most family cars have used S- and T-rated tires, while tires rated H and higher have mostly been available only in sports cars or upscale sports sedans. But when we tested this year’s group of all-season passenger-car tires, we found a growing number of popular cars are equipped from the factory with H-speed rated tires. Partially, this is because tire manufacturers have an easier time meeting the latest tire safety standards with higher speed-rated tires. Other factors include using performance tires that are better suited to the elevated levels of acceleration, braking, and handling that todays family cars are capable of achieving, and finally, marketing is driving the move to squatting low profile performance tires.

So what should drivers do?

A key lesson here is to be aware of the tires on the vehicles you are considering purchasing. Not only have speed-ratings increased since your last purchase, but so have the overall size. There are family vehicles now, such as the Toyota Venza, that are available with 20-inch wheel diameters—a size considered exotic just a few years ago. Carefully consider the benefits of upsizing the wheels when you buy the car, either from the factory or with aftermarket wheels.

Most vehicles are available with a choice of fitment, often characterized as a base tire/wheel combination and a sportier option. Often the more aggressive tire/wheel combination will enhancing traction and even give the car a more sporty feel, with heavier steering and greater road feedback. However, such upgrades often lead to compromises with a harsher ride and shorter tread life, plus a greater upfront cost. The lesson here is to think twice before upgrading the rubber on your new car.

For owners looking at tire replacement, we don’t recommend downgrading because it introduces a safety risk. Tires with higher speed ratings generally have better steering response and cornering grip than lower-speed rated tires, in addition to being capable of higher speeds. So if your car originally came with H-rated tires, that’s what you should replace them with. After all, the automaker spent millions on testing the car with that specific configuration, including suspension and braking systems.

Sticking with H-rated tires comes at a cost. While we found prices are similar to S- and T-rated tires, H-rated tires didn’t last as long in our treadwear test--an average of 49,180 miles, versus 61,080 for our S- and T-rated tires. V-rated tires had an even shorter tread life of 48,260 miles. Mileages are projected to wear-out, based on Consumer Report 16,000 mile wear tests.

While the speed ratings are one more factor to consider in your next vehicle purchase, it is better to be armed with the information before having to visit the tire store earlier than expected.

To find the best tires for your car, check out our tire ratings (for subscribers). Or check out our general advice on tire safety and shopping for tires.

—Eric Evarts