Just like most technology, the price of a sat nav will drop as soon as it's no longer brand new. Big brands like TomTom and Garmin release new versions of their sat navs regularly, which means there is always going to be a large number of used sat navs available for those looking for a cheaper alternative than buying brand new.
When purchasing a second hand sat nav, always ensure the seller is also including the charger, in-car adapter and mount for the sat nav. If any of these items are missing, you can still purchase the sat nav (negotiate a cheaper price if these are missing), and buy these items separately from the manufacturer.
Maps
Make sure you buy a sat nav that enables you to update maps either independently or by plugging it into your pc or laptop. This is especially important when buying an older sat nav, as roads and routes across the UK & Europe are constantly being changed, and if you are unable to update your maps you run the risk of buying a redundant piece of kit.
Consider which countries you will be using the sat nav in. Most sat navs will come with just UK and ROI maps, which will include motorways, major and minor roads. If you planon using the sat nav abroad for work or holiday, make sure the manufacturer can provide up to date maps for those countries you wish to travel in. Bigger brands like Garmin & TomTom will have these, but check the website of any manufacturer you plan to buy from.
Although you are planning on buying a secondhand sat nav, try and avoid buying anything too old, even if it’s very cheap. Much older sat navs often have less storage space than newer models, and you might not be able to update the device with the new maps, and you might run into compatibility issues. For bigger brands like TomTom and Garmin, you are able to check the compatibility of your device before purchasing a map.
Features you might want to look for
- Traffic updates: the newer models of sat navs have this built in, and allow to change your route based on live traffic information
- Speed Camera Alerts
- Bluetooth mobile phone control
- Hazard & Road work warnings
- Places of interest (to help you find petrol stations, train stations, museums, restaurants and more)
As well as the standard models, many manufactures produce sat navs specifically designed for other navigation, including for motorbikes, bikes, trucks, caravans and motorhomes.
Buying a secondhand motorbike sat nav
Many motorbike sat navs allow the rider to choose a route based on twists and turns, or “levels of windiness”, as well as elevation, meaning as a biker you can set a more interesting route than you might get with a standard sat nav. Some motorbike sat navs also allow you to set a route based on the amount of time you want to be riding for, another feature you won’t find on a normal sat nav.
Buying a used mpv or truck sat nav
Sat navs made especially for trucks can include journey planning based on the size, weight and load of your truck. A useful feature for any trucker, allowing them to avoid the risk of driving on roads they may not be able to navigate.
If you find a secondhand sat nav for sale that you like the look of, check out a review on a trusted review site like Techradar to ensure it has all of the features you are looking for.
