Claire
- 3 reviews
- 1 like
Good buy, does the job well!
Out of the box the device is in Spanish (bought it in Australia), but there is a video on YouTube to switch it to English. I bought it for a trip to NZ as it was cheaper than hiring one for 2 weeks ($129 to buy on sale from JBhifi).
I didn't bother updating the maps before we left and a couple of intersections on the GPS were roundabouts in real life, but apart from that it was great, didn't get lost or lose signal.
Super easy to install and use, signal strength was excellent (in the central north island at least).
Only a couple of complaints...Read more
: the speed on the Garmin was 3-5 km slower than the actual speed the car was doing, so bear that in mind when driving. Also sometimes it would tell you that you were in a different speed zone a few seconds AFTER you had passed the sign, so be aware of that. This feature is pretty good though for those times when you miss the speed sign altogether. Bought this model as was recommended by choice.com.au (consumer website), it didn't disappoint, very happy with it, especially for $129 AUD.Purchased in December 2021 at JB Hi-Fi Retail Stores for $129.00.
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jb4105Downer 2602, ACT
- 14 reviews
- 3 likes
Not Happy
I purchased this product because I was unhappy with Tom Tom. First, the 12 volt connection does not allow you to use a second USB port when it is in use. A total waste of resources to make one like that. Everyone needs a second USB port today. The USB cord supplied with the Garmin is very short and to use the Garmin attached to the window with 2 port connection means you have to purchase a longer cord. To attach my Garmin to the window is not suitable because of the slope of the window. I have made a hanger to attach my Garmin via the fron...Read more
t vents and fortunately the USB short cord fits. When travelling to Melbourne recently the maps wanted me to turn right on a no right turn to Punt road. On a different trip the map was taking me the wrong way. The English pronunciation for Australian places is bad, often making me laugh. When you stop the vehicle on a long drive the map does not seem to revert to where you were on the route. Why I have to see a safety warning and agree each time I use the Garmin is frustrating.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
John RNorth-West & West coast, TAS
- 4 reviews
- 1 like
Six years on and I still rave!
I find it strange that a product that has served me so well - and without fault - for six years has received negative reviews. I realise there are exceptions to every rule, that no matter how good a product might be for some, others will sometimes find fault.
All right, that aside, why do I say it's an exceptional product? Because whether I use it locally (at home in Tassie) or when on the road interstate, I have yet to be let down by it in any way. I transfer it regularly between my home transport, a 2011 Berlina, and going away vehicle, a 20...Read more
13 VRX Pajero. Those who're familiar with the Pajero will know that it, too, is Garmin equipped, so why would I use the 51LM in it? Well, mounted straight ahead on the windscreen, just above the bonnet eyeline, I can read it by lowering my eyes less than 5 degrees, whereas the in-dash unit means tilting and bending my head, neither of which is desirable when driving. I did a lot of research before buying the 51LM ($139 at the time at my local electronics store), but the big selling feature was the sheer clarity of its maps. To my eyes, and those are the ones that are important(!), it wins hands down against anything I saw then and even now. It's guided me through cities and suburbs and rural areas of all states other than WA so far and next year it's about to do that. I have every confidence in its ability. A positive 5-star outcome, and obviously with my highest recommendation. Thanks, Garmin.
Purchased in March 2021 at Local electronics store for $139.00.
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Find out how Garmin Drive 51LM / 61LM compares to other GPS Navigation Systems
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rodneyreevesSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 17 reviews
- 1 like
Technologically improved but with a few issues for Garmin Drive 61
GARMIN GPS DRIVE 61 LM
I bought this unit to replace my Uniden Trax 430 which I have had for nine years. Its internal battery failed and thus I was not able to use it for certain activities. Also, Uniden has exited the GPS market and map updates have not been available for quite some time. A Choice Magazine report on GPS units was published in November last year, and it seemed as though the Garmin 61LM would suit my purposes. I have been using it for a few weeks now and it is performing as expected.
Out of the box, it was disappointing to see t...Read more
Purchased in December 2021 at Harvey Norman Online for $185.00.
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MargAdelaide
Unreliable
Initially everything was fine. We were on a 3 month holiday to W.A. and N.T. Got to Wave Rock from Adelaide and when we got back in the car it wouldnt turn on. The next day it turned on. This happened twice more. So took it back to retailer when we got back. So then I exchanged it for another one, and have only used it a few times and it worked. Yesterday morning I plugged it in and put in an address, turned it off for half hour while I got ready to go out, tried to turn it back on and nothing. I left it plugged in yesterday and today thinking the battery was dead, but still nothing. I plugged it into my husbands car and still nothing. Very upset as my original old Garmin was fantastic, but it wasnt one that I could update. NOT HAPPY.
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JudyCNewcastle
- 3 reviews
- 1 like
- Drive 51LM
- Verified purchase
Don't buy this lemon
I've had a few Garmins in the last couple of years. First of all there was an issue with the software so that no speeding alert sounded. They fixed that, so I bought another one but the maps that come loaded with this model don't show every street & it's speed limit. I'm not just talking about remote areas- a lot of streets in Sydney & Newcastle don't show up. Sometimes it will take me on a much longer route than necessary (I have it set right). This has happened in Sydney a few times and also central coast. I shouldn't have to turn it off & u...Read more
se the street directory or google, but I do. Also when you exceed the speed limit it will only give alerts at random times. Usually when you drop below the speed limit the next time you go over it should alert you but this doesn't always do it. Signal strength is fine. Turning alerts are good and the display is very clear. I like the split screen for spaghetti junctions. It would be nice to have different sounds for speeding, red light cameras, school zones as you have to look at it all the time to see what the alert was for. I've rung several times Garmin to try to sort out the map problem but after they got me to reload maps, reset device, reload software, they then told me that's the map system that comes with it bad luck you're stuck with it. Which I am, unfortunately.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Please do not ever buy this garmin 61 lm gps
Preparation took nearly 1 hour. Also, not showing trip data on screen, only one thing you can see at a time.
I am disappointed as I have spent $229 for this. I had an old Tom Tom which shows all data on the screen as an example, distance to destination, time to destination, arrival time etc but this does show only one item on screen.
If you want to see those you need to press and go in to see them.
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robox1Duncraig, W.A.
- 7 reviews
- 9 likes
Not quite perfect.
Bought the Garmin 61LM using my BankWest rewards points after receiving a notification that my trusty TomTom was no longer being supported. I would have bought another TomTom but Garmin was the only brand being offered and I have not been disappointed with it's performance. As I live in suburban Perth I have not had a chance to use it to navigate in the countryside yet and can only comment on city use where it's ease of use and wealth of information on Points Of Interest, road layouts with split screen pictorial close-ups display, superior pron...Read more
unciation of street names and reference to landmarks coming up eg "Turn right at the BP garage" give it an edge on my previous TomTom. Another thing it has is automatic advertising of the services and facilities in your home area and a Trivago app. ( A nice little touch) plus indication of where vehicle parking is available at your destination and in some cases, if the carpark is full. Two things the TomTom did that the Garmin 61 DOES NOT DO, is to allow individual map icons of POI eg "Public toilets Australia" placed permanently on the map around and ahead of you, although the use of Garmin shortcuts is a partial help to get that information. The second thing is driver alert tones. The Garmin does not allow you to have separate tones like the TomTom for it's multiple alerts, e.g. If exceeding the speed limit using the TomTom I used the sound of a Police siren and knew immediately what the alert was, but with the one tone fits all of the Garmin you have look at the display to know what it is alerting you to. That single momentary tone is barely audible, unreliable and it's volume is not separately adjustable. Other than that, it loads and locates the satellites quickly, gets frequent updates which must be done via my PC and is just as easy to install as any other dash device. The more costly Garmin machines may have those features I miss from the TomTom but accepting that, overall it is a terrific little machine worthwhile considering.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
Phill J.asked
What maps which countries
Janis E.asked
Can you purchase a longer usb cord?
1 answer
I haven't needed one as I hang my garmin off the centre air vents above the radio, but the cord is very short, Jaycar may have something in a longer length.
uppyasked
I thought this model had voice command but mine doesn't and I can't find any way to get the app.
Is there a way to get it on this model?
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