Home > Consumer Reviews > Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)

So after reading a ton of reviews on Amazon, I realized that a lot of the reasons people rated something positive or negative was because they were comparing their new GPS to an older one. So to be fair, this is my first GPS, so I have nothing to compare it to. First off, it arrived from Amazon in three days using their free standard shipping, which was great. It looked brand new and included every accessory you would need, AC and DC chargers, USB cable, travel case, window mount and dash mount adapter, along with some software to help get you started.

Like some of the other reviewers, the first thing I did was upgrade the firmware to v.4.60. It took me about 10 minutes which included registering the unit with Magellan, which is required to download the upgrade. Since I didn't use it before the upgrade, I can't really speak to the benefits, but I haven't had any issues with the unit freezing up or crashing. I also signed up for the 3 month Traffic Service trial online.

Overall, the menus are very intuitive and easy to use and for the price, really can't be beat. Comparable Garmins seem about twice as much. The unit starts up fast and is quick to determine routes and re-routes. The only negative thing I've noticed is it does take longer to start up after parking the vehicle in a garage as opposed to on the street, either way, 30 to 45 seconds vs. 10 to 15. The traffic service is surprisingly accurate and updates constantly. The accuracy of the maps and POI's seems to be about 2 to 3 years off, which from what others say is about average for units of this price. Mine came loaded with S/W version 29. Magellan is selling an upgrade to version 31 on their website for $80 and calls it their 2008/2009 map. So I'm guessing this is the 2006/2007 map.

The Bluetooth syncs up fairly easily to make and receive calls, but I could not get it to sync up my phonebook or text messages with either of two different Motorola cell phones. The volume is pretty weak and call clarity is about what you could expect, but in a pinch, it makes a decent hands-free device. Can't really be used with the windows down. Overall, for $129 with free shipping, I think this is a great little device and have had no issues with getting it refurbished, although be aware it does only come with a 90 day warranty. Hope this helps.

I bought this refurbished model and it froze initially and wouldnt even reset. I had to Hold the power button down for several seconds to get the unit to turn off. I upgraded the firmware and it has been working fine. Some of the maps/poi are outdated (as are most of the gps on the market) but the routing is very accurate and fairly quick. Try the firmware update to correct problems. As with most electronics the hardware is cheap and the software (map updates) is where they get you.

Recieved 10/1/08, looks like new, operates like new. Box included a A/C home charger (not listed as an included item on the box). Nice freebee. The POI seem to be outdated, other GPS I own (TomTom, Garmin, etc) are more up to date for my area. It does not pin-point my home base as close as other GPS do. The case is made of a slippery plastic, kind of hard to get a grip on. The Display is sharp, easy on the eyes. This thing is fantastic the way it finds satellites from my kitchen counter. Within seconds of turn on, it has grabbed 4 or 5, ready to go to work. Only 90 day warranty, so use it heavy first 90 days. TO-DO: get a windows 'puter on line and up date the firmware. No regrets on this purchase, the $129, free ship AMZ deal is hard to beat.

I just received my "refurbished" GPS. Apparently Magellan doesn't bother to turn on their returned units and simply repackages them and slaps a refurbished sticker on the box. Because if they did the TWO large, glaringly obvious, defective/damaged areas on my LCD screen which resembled globular star clusters of faulty pixels would have been noticed instantly.

It seems that it's pot luck in getting a working refurb from them and I'm going to try one more time and update this review once I receive the replacement. My sympathies in advance to whomever gets the one I'm returning. (heh)

UPDATE Dec. 11

I received a replacement unit from Amazon and this one was fine. It seems like new, all the accessories were included, the firmware updated without problems. (You must do this for better performance) This is my first GPS and it was a kick playing with it. The AAA information is very nice to have and the navigating is good. It plotted alternative routes for me when I checked the "no toll roads" box and I didnt see any screwy routing after testing it with 10 or so places I know how to get to. Haven't tried the phone capability yet so I can't comment but I like what I see so far and you would probably not be able to get a new GPS with this many features for the price of this refurb model.

Cautionary note in my initial review should be considered but Amazon sends another fast if you want to roll the dice again. I will update this again in a month or sooner if something of note happens first.

I was surprised and pleased with this GPS. I had been with a friend who used a Garmin and realized how helpful such devices could be so I wanted to get one. I read the reviews of various brands and opinions were all over the place so I was not sure what to buy. One day Amazon offered this model on a special sale and I figured at the low price I had little to lose and bought it. Well, it captures signals in a couple of seconds and plotted reasonable routes to destinations. It does not take the shortcuts which take years for local residents to find, but it will get me where I want to go. The sound is strong and the voice much more understandable than my friend's Garmin. I really can't find fault with it though I can't say if others are better due to my lack of experience. I particularly like the acceptance of voice commands like "go home." We had been one place and were on our way to a different destination when my wife took sick and I simply ordered it to "go home" and it plotted a course I would never have taken on my own and it saved a lot of time over retracing our route back home. I am pleased I bought it, especially at the price.