My Garmin story…….

Back in 1998 I bought a street pilot3 from Garmin to us on my Motorcycle
And In my truck and car to find customers homes for estimating jobs
About 6 years later about 2004 I found out about Garmin
Reconditioning policy.. For a price of about $ 200.00 they would go though
The Unit updated the software fix any worn or worn out buttons scratch screen ect….
So I thought..Hey I bought this unit for a little over $ 700.00
Why not drop $ 200.00 get it all tuned up and Im good for a while
Now mind you there was nothing really wrong with the unit
Except for about six years of normally ware and tear
Well it was gone and back in about 14 days except there was one thing different
Garmin had sent back a brand new unit, which I used for another 6 years
With no problems. I still have the unit but have bought also a new Garmin 255W
I also bought my wife and son a Garmin 250W which we have already gotten
Two free “Map” and Unit software updates form off the Web page for free
I have also owned a Garmin 176C Chart plotter, which I have had similar luck with
And always-great service and always a person on the phone when I had to call Garmin
Well to go on further with my praise of this in my opinion Great Company
I had also bought in 2003 a Garmin 2006C Chart plotter and sounder for $2000.00
I have had this unit for 7 years with know problems at all on my boat
I was working in my boat last week and saw it was a little weathered
And showing some wear on the buttons after 7 years
I called Garmin…Got a person on the phone right away
They gave me a repair number I gave the my credit card to charge $ 290.00 to
Go over my unit and refurbish it, as needed “It was working fine and no problems”
I just received it back yesterday “A new one” this as I said a $ 2000.00 unit new
All my waypoint routs and maps all up and running in a new shinny unit
I must say I know few if any companies that support their customers as well
Or respect the integrity of there products
I will be looking forward to being there customer for a while yet

Do not work for Garmin or know anyone that dos
Just a very happy and satisfied customer sharing
The good news of a Great company

Regards,
Paul

Can you post or PM the phone #? I need to send mine out.

Garmin | Out Of Warranty (http://www8.garmin.com/support/outofwarranty.html)

I've used garmin for seven years, had the 2006c and 4208... The 2006c had corrosion issues and failed me at the worst time in the dark in rogh seas. I replaced it with a new 4208, which lasted less than 18 months and failed on me, agian. Garmins were great, easy to use, great customer support. But my trusty furuno outlasted both units without a hiccup... My new boat is all Furuno.. My backup 400 series gps also failed...
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

This is great info. I have a 4 year old GPS 172C and my screen is very scratched. It's a $699.00 unit and I just used the link Hooligan supplied and I can get it refurbished for $150.00

My 188c needs a screen too, but here is the statu per that link;

Repair services no longer available. wtf:smash:

Guess Ill start looking around at the show today....

Thanks for the link, I have all kinds of Garmin stuff so will consider using this service at some point.

I regularly visit the Garmin website and had not come across this service.

I would call them !
I just did it !
I called them 14 days ago
And asked for a RMA # to fix my unit
Tell them a few buttons need to be looked at and change the screen
I just got my Unit back 3/4/2010

1-800-800-1020

Let us know what happens

Call on Monday. No Saturday service.

I am thinking about getting the new Oregon Handheld

Called them yesterday. They don't repair the 188c anymore.....:wall:

I will definitely be looking at other manufacturers, as Garmin offered me nothing.... It works fine. Just time to have the screen replaced.

is this a no contest
all about service...
just as good...?

or for getabout it...:confused:

I am thinking about getting the new Oregon Handheld

but yes...very impressive
YouTube - Oregon Handheld GPS Navigator (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LSDxr9WNvw)

I also spoke to them yesterday. My unit is on their repair list. $150.00 and they will replace the screen and upgrade anything else that needs work. I sent it off to them yesterday afternoon.

Installed Garmin on Blackberry, no charge
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

$99 on website. Where is it free