Anyone here from UK?

[vladman]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and relatively new to the world of GPS.

I've been planning to buy a GPS unit for a couple of years now, and I think the time has come, I can wait no longer!

I was wondering if someone could answer (just) a couple of (many) questions that I have on my mind.

First, has anyone imported a GPS unit from the US and what was the experience like? Obviously, the main reason to do this is to benefit from the lower prices that these sell for in the US. I am interested in the new Ique 3600. The difference in price between the UK and the US for this particular model is sickening, in my humble opinion; It is easily possible to buy a brand new Ique in the US for less than $500 (approx. £315), while the cheapest advertised in the UK is £585. This makes it cost-effective to buy a unit in the US, pay approximately $50-60 for the postage, then pay 3.7% customs duty, and 17.5% vat, bringing it to about $680 (approx. £430) and still end up saving about £150! But, this is all in theory, I haven't done this yet, and I wondered if anyone's done something similar and if it all worked out ok for them.

I am aware that if I went this route, I would receive an US version of the product, with the US City Select CD. This brings me to my next question.

Garmin site states:

"MapSource City Select Europe
(includes access to the whole CD-ROM)
Please note: This product is only available for purchase in the U.S. This product cannot be purchased in Europe.
Garmin Part Number: 010-10359-00
U.S. List Price: $349.99"

"This product cannot be purchased in Europe." This makes no sense to me whatsoever????

Also, the price????

So in the end, it seems that the CD issue blows my plan of importing the unit from the US completely out of the water, with it's cost and availability??

Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for any replies/opinions.

Vlad.

[skes]

To get around the Ripoff price for the europe thingy they tell us it's because of higher Royalty's they have to pay for Europeon Maps :D

[widu13]

:) Hi, I have imported a street pilot III and an iQue 3600 (which cost me £330 !).

If buying from USA, if a "friend" (seller) were to open the sealed factory packaging and include a note such as "Hope you like it love Auntie Mabel" and mark it as a gift you may get lucky and not have to pay customs and VAT.

The software is a more difficult thing. I have a pukka copy of City Nav which I have registered with two units and want to use with the iQue. Garmin refused to take off one unit so I could use the iQue with it- well sod 'em...I downloaded City Select for free from Overnet (file sharing) over 3 days and now use that for free.

Who's lost out them or me?

The delivery from USA cost $60 in both instances with 2 day shipping, some UK companies can't manage that!!

[apotts]

The higher royalties argument always seemed fine, until you go out and buy MS Autoroute (with the same maps) for £40....

[vladman]

Wahey, somebody replied! :D

I posted the same on a UK GPS board, and no one replied in a week. :(

Widu13, are you happy with your Ique? Where did you get it from? Ebay?

I think more of us need to do this, and get our gps stuff from the US, maybe Garmin will take notice, and bring those ludicrously inflated prices in Europe down a bit....

Thanks guys!

V.

[widu13]

V happy thanks just the usual moan about battery life. Yes, got it from ebay. There's currently someone who sells iQue + Garmin car kit for £305 recommend you get the car kit.

[vladman]

Widu13,

Please check your email.

V.