The Outside Line

Nov 18, 2008 - Cupholder evolution: Behold the GPS-holder

Last month, I purchased a refurbished Garmin nüvi 680 from Amazon.com for $199.99.  Knowing it's illegal to mount the portable navigation unit on my windshield using the suction cup mount*, I knew my creativity would be needed to mount the GPS unit.  After studying the dash a little bit, I realized the cupholder could serve as an excellent GPS-holder.

I'll be the first to admit the MY2002-2004 Subaru Impreza dash cupholder's design is less than stellar.  It seems like it was an afterthought when the interior was designed.  The only positive thing about it is that it could hold larger circumference bottles and cups than the cupholder next to the handbrake.  For MY2005 (to MY2007), the interior of the Subaru Impreza was slightly redesigned and this cupholder was deleted.  Instead, an additional cupholder was added next to the handbrake.

To mount the nüvi, I connected it to its suction cup mount and laid the nav unit plus the mount in the cupholder.  The fit seemed decent but the unit would still move around quite a bit under hard braking or acceleration.  The solution?  A rubber band placed around the mount and cupholder clamped the nav plus mount assembly down securely.  Doesn't the unit look secure in the first photo above?  Its silver finish also works well with the color of the dash, too. :o)

*NOTICE TO DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA AND MINNESOTA: State law prohibits drivers in California and Minnesota from using suction mounts on their windshields while operating motor vehicles. Other Garmin dashboard or friction mounting options should be used. Garmin does not take any responsibility for any fines, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice. (See California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71)

2:49 am | Categories: subaru, impreza Permalink | Alert Administrator

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