I have a Garmin Nuvi and came across this add-on for it:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=38354

Looks like it retails for £100 in the UK, and is available from places like Maplin.

Looks like it plugs in to the diagnostics socket under the dash, and connects wirelessly (bluetooth?) to any nearby Garmin GPS device. You get real-time fuel consumption figures and other engine stats displayed on the screen of your GPS device. It claims to be able to read engine diagnostic codes as well, so you can tell if something is going wrong...

It appeals to my gadget-freak side, but I'm just wondering how useful this would be. Can't see exactly what engine stats it's capable of displaying unfortunately.

At that price..........think I'll stick with my Maxidot display.

I have a Garmin Nuvi and came across this add-on for it:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=38354

Looks like it retails for £100 in the UK, and is available from places like Maplin.

Looks like it plugs in to the diagnostics socket under the dash, and connects wirelessly (bluetooth?) to any nearby Garmin GPS device. You get real-time fuel consumption figures and other engine stats displayed on the screen of your GPS device. It claims to be able to read engine diagnostic codes as well, so you can tell if something is going wrong...

It appeals to my gadget-freak side, but I'm just wondering how useful this would be. Can't see exactly what engine stats it's capable of displaying unfortunately.

I wanted to buy one of these to use with my Garmin Nuvi 1690, but none of the UK companies listing them had stock or could confirm a delivery date; also quite expensive.

I bought one from Amazon.com in the USA, who had them discounted to $69.99, so it cost me £46.99. They wouldn't ship direct to the UK, so I had it shipped to a friend in the US, who brought it back to the UK during a trip before Christmas.

They appear to be available in the UK now, but still much more expensive.

Easy to connect to the OBD port near the bonnet catch by the driver's door of my Octavia Scout. It connects to the GPS via Bluetooth and now automatically connects whenever the GPS is switched on in the car. The Ecouroute HD stores the engine data whenever the GPS isn't connected, uploading the data when the GPS is next switched on.

It provides real time engine data to the GPS computer, and can display on customisable additional gauges: RPM, intake manifold pressure, air intake temperature, timing advance, engine load, coolant temperature, battery voltage, throttle position.

Having the real time engine data allows the GPS to track more accurate trip costs and driving style using engine mpg figures, speed, and decelleration, which is tracked graphically by trip and overall. The data can be downloaded from the GPS to PC for more detailed analysis if required.

It will also display engine error codes with an error description, plus the ability to reset the engine light if desired.

Hope that helps.

Tim