Ok, after much deliberation I've decided to get a proper satnav with bluetooth as a solution to what I want in the car.

Basically I borrowed my mum and dads older Garmin Nuvi and it fits very neatly into the cubby hole (open) and wedged in nicely without moving.

It's likely I'll get a TomTom 530.

So what I'm asking is;

1, Is it easy to get a 12v power to this area? I'm useless at this sort of thing so I might get an audio place to do it for me. Any ideas on cost for fitting?

2, This is more crucial I suppose. Does anyone have a TomTom 530 (or same size model) that could check for me whether or not it props up neatly in the cubby hole? Will the mount fit inside so it can stay there when in use?

This is the Garmin I borrowed so you can see what I'm trying to achieve.

I know my 910 wouldn't fit, the mounting bracket would not bend to the right angle, I have to suffer it on the windscreen.

I think the newer units are thinner and don't have such a large bracket, the power is easy enough though

Good luck!

Ive got a garmin nuvi 600 and bought it with the intention of propping it in the cubby hole however i soon decided that id stick the suction disc on the cubby hole lid (rather than sticking it on windscreen). my garmin has a fold out arial which i was hoping to velcro to the underside of the lid but the dam unit was just that little bit too thick to store in the cubby hole

Hi,

I don't think you should really drive with that flap open! the manual is quite clear must be kept shut at all times when car is moving.

If you could remove the flap like VW Golf has a tray there that I think would be better.

James.

Hi,

I don't think you should really drive with that flap open! the manual is quite clear must be kept shut at all times when car is moving.

If you could remove the flap like VW Golf has a tray there that I think would be better.

James.

What difference does it make to the mechanics of the car?

on topic : I have a XL which is same size as a 530 and it kinda fits in, but because the power supply is on the bottom it doesnt fit as well as a garmin 200 would.

What difference does it make to the mechanics of the car?

.

Makes it hard to see! or is distracting in the line of view - without that flap there and a sat nav maybe but flap open....

James.

Makes it hard to see! or is distracting in the line of view - without that flap there and a sat nav maybe but flap open....

James.

Fair enough I suppose, but I fail to see how it impedes more than the dubious places some people stick their sat navs...

I have no problem using my sat nav in the cubby flap thing, and it isnt distracting or impeding my view of the road. Personally I reckon glancing down at an inbuilt dash sanav would be much worse.

To the OP - I can perhaps take a pic to show you how well that size of tomtom fits in the cubby?

Fair enough I suppose, but I fail to see how it impedes more than the dubious places some people stick their sat navs...

I have no problem using my sat nav in the cubby flap thing, and it isnt distracting or impeding my view of the road. Personally I reckon glancing down at an inbuilt dash sanav would be much worse.

To the OP - I can perhaps take a pic to show you how well that size of tomtom fits in the cubby?

Guess it all depends are tall you are - if your small, with seat up less in your line of view - for me been tall not good...

Good luck with it anyhow!

James.

It doesn't impede my view, certainly a lot less than a windscreen mounted satnav.

Just want one out of the way.

Went into Halfords and took one outside. It fits perfectly but not with the charging dock, which means it doesn't really fit at all. Should get 2-3 hours on battery with BT on and 5-6 with just satnav.

Think I'll be going for the 540 Live as it gets very good reviews and comet are doing it for £230 + £30 fuel voucher. £200 sounds good!

Ok, after much deliberation I've decided to get a proper satnav with bluetooth as a solution to what I want in the car.

Basically I borrowed my mum and dads older Garmin Nuvi and it fits very neatly into the cubby hole (open) and wedged in nicely without moving.

An alternative that I use with my Garmin sat nav is their Bean Bag Mount. My sat nav comes with a cigar lighter power unit and external speaker. I have been using mine for three and a half years without problem.

Joy of this set up is that the mount and power unit stow in the glove locker while the sat nav unit comes away with me. No visible evidence of the unit at all. Cars do get broken into if thieves see a ring on the screen that has been left by a suction mount.

I have a Garmin Nuvi 765, and it fits very snugly on the dash on the righthand side of the instrruments, and just touching the A-piller. I use the dashboard adhesive disc provided with the GPS.

The power cord loops over the steering wheel from the outlet near the handbrake, and the antenna for traffic fits well in the parking ticket clip up to the top right of the windscreen.

Being low next to the A-pillar means it doesn't obstruct the view much.

Les.

It is easy to get a 12v supply to the cubby box, take it from the fuse board, through the steering column area and then drill hole in said box.

BUT, to dampen your bluetooth use, the x30 and AFAIK the x40 range are'nt that good for a handsfree.

They do work very well as a satnav, probably one of the best but when used as a handsfree they become quite unstable when in a call etc.

A parrot or bury cc9060 would be more suitable.

Steve

The 530 fits in a similar way, but you can't close the lid to store the unit in there, and its not really usable with the power lead.

I did a thread somewhere I think, I've certainly got some pics if not.

I had big problems with the BT on my 910 and Rider TomTom and don't expect the new models to be much better. :(