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See All Auto GPS

Garmin nuvi 265WT

Discontinued

Reviewed

November 2009

Pros

Free traffic information for life
Speaks street names
Fast routing, mapping and satellite lock
More intuitive than older Garmin nuvis
Widescreen
Bluetooth

Cons

Free traffic alerts aren't available everywhere
Advertising appears on your screen
Fewer advanced features than pricier models

Where to Buy

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The Garmin nuvi 265WT includes free traffic alerts for life. The only catch is that you'll see ads popping up on your Garmin. But experts and users say the ads aren't that noticeable, and it's better than paying $60 for subscription traffic alerts. Experts and users do note one problem with the free traffic: it is only available in 90 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada. If you can't make use of the free traffic information or Bluetooth hands-free calling, critics recommend the less expensive Garmin nuvi 255W (Discontinued). If you do want the free traffic, testers say the widescreen nuvi 265WT is easier to see than its nonwidescreen counterpart, the Garmin nuvi 265T (Discontinued). Experts say the nuvi 265WT includes most of the useful features you'll find on pricier models like the Garmin nuvi 765T (Discontinued), except for lane assist, 3-D building view and the ability to save your favorite routes.

Experts at GPSMagazine.com, GPSTracklog.com and CNET thoroughly test the Garmin nuvi 265WT, providing detailed written reviews. Tests at ConsumerReports.org are just as thorough and detailed, but only subscribers can read the reports. PC World tests the Garmin nuvi 265T (an identical model, except it lacks a widescreen) and concludes that the widescreen nuvi 265WT version would be better. We found plentiful user ratings at Amazon.com.

Where To Buy

Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

(1,394 reviews)
Buy new: $219.99 $128.99 42 Used & new from $67.19

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
1,219 store reviews	In Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Conditions apply.	$159.99	See It
165 store reviews	In Stock. Includes One Year Manufacturer's Warranty	$109.95	See It
541 store reviews	In Stock.	$81.06	See It
		See All Stores

Our Sources

1. GPSMagazine.com

The Garmin nuvi 265WT is the highest-rated budget GPS unit in GPSMagazine.com's reliable buyer's guide. The expert reviewer tests every feature of the nuvi 265WT and illustrates his lengthy review with plenty of screen shots.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 265WT Review, Fletcher Previn, Nov. 8, 2008

2. GPS Tracklog

GPS expert Rich Owings tests the major features of the Garmin nuvi 265WT, including Bluetooth hands-free calling and free ad-supported traffic information. He concludes that the ads aren't invasive, but he encounters problems with the Bluetooth. In the end, Owings recommends the Garmin nuvi 255W instead.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 265WT Review, Rich Owings, Oct. 27, 2008

3. CNET

The Garmin nuvi 265WT offers "the most bang for your buck," CNET reviewer Bonnie Cha concludes. Cha finds a few flaws with the unit in her test, but she likes the free lifetime traffic and integrated Bluetooth that set this model apart.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 265WT, Bonnie Cha, Oct. 9, 2008

4. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

ConsumerReports.org ranks the Garmin nuvi 265WT against many other auto GPS models. The units are tested on nine criteria, including "traffic interface," which is particularly important for this model as free traffic information is its main feature.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 265WT, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

5. PC World Details/Subscribe

This full review finds the Garmin nuvi 265T so loaded with features and information that its 3.5-inch screen feels cramped. The review notes that Garmin offers an identical model with a widescreen, the Garmin nuvi 265WT.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 265T GPS, Liane Cassavoy, Nov. 13, 2008

6. Amazon.com

Users award the nuvi 265WT an average of four stars out of five, with more than 500 reviews posted. Written reviews provide users' opinions of the unit and its features.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic, Contributors to Amazon.com

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