A car GPS system can get you from point A to point B in the easiest, most efficient way possible. Some of the newer devices can even detect and circumvent traffic tie-ups, accidents and any thing else that may stand in your way. For everyday travel, or going places you have never been before, a car GPS system can be a big asset to your trip.

The first thing people wonder when shopping for a GPS is which one is the best. While there is no single answer to this question, there are some considerations to take in to account and techniques that you can use to get the best deal when you decide to buy. Let's take a look at what we need to know to ensure that we get the best device for our needs at the lowest price.

There are three major makers in the GPS market - TomTom, Garmin and Magellan. Outside of that, there are other companies that don't specialize in these devices but do produce a small line of them such as Poloroid. In general, you are best off with choosing from the top three brands as you know that they have put a lot of research and development in to perfecting their products. Within this group, there are literally hundreds of different models to select from at every price point from $70 on up to $500 and more.

The best car GPS system for you will be the one that has the features that you need at a price that is within your budget. The features available on these devices vary widely. You can get everything from voice controlled navigation to live traffic updates on modern units. By deciding what you need and what you can live without, it makes it easier to narrow down the choices and avoid spending too much. For everyday travel, even the lower end devices are packed with enough features to keep the average driver happy. If you drive professionally, it may be wise to invest in a higher end device with all of the bells and whistles.

As a smart shopper, you will want to be aware of the hidden cost of owning one of these devices. One important thing to keep in mind is that maps are generally preloaded on to the devices. You will want to make sure that you are getting a device that has current maps included or else you could wind up paying extra for a map update. Traffic service is available on many units, however it can cost extra as well. In some cases, you can take advantage of a free trial that comes with your unit to save more.