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On a recent trip, my GPSMap 60csx was lost/stolen. When it became obvious that it wasn't coming back, I called Garmin and requested that they not service it, should it ever be returned, and not update the CityNavigator NA or CityNavigator Europe maps I had installed. I then replaced the unit with another 60csx and called Garmin to ask if they would give me another unlock code for the new unit.

Their answer was that not only would they not GIVE me a new unlock code, they wouldn't sell me one!! I pointed out that the CN Europe mapset had been purchased only a month earlier, and that, although the CN NA was bought last winter, it was the latest version, and the website stated that one could purchase an additional unlock code. No, Erica, the customer "service" rep said, you must purchase a new copy of each of the maps, because they are DUE TO BE upgraded. Not that they have been upgraded, they are due to be upgraded. Could I then purchase them at the upgrade price? No, I had to have the original to upgrade!!

My first Garmin was the original Street Pilot, well over ten years ago, and I've had two others. This is not the first time I have encountered stunningly bad customer service, but surely the most unreasonable. I'll keep the 60csx, because I've made a lots of maps for it, using cgpsmapper. However, I will never, ever, buy another of Garmin's map products.

After the first 60csx disappeared, I bought a TomTom to use on the rest of my Scotland trip, because it was cheaper, and I knew I would get another Garmin when I returned to the US. I gave that TomTom to my son and bought another for myself. For road use they're far superior to Nuvi's. Let's hope their customer service is better than Garmin's. It can't be worse.