Not only does a GPS give you accurate directions, it also provides for estimates as to how it will take to get to a certain destination via a particular path. You can then compare paths and time estimates. When you take all of this into consideration, you will realize that paying a few hundred for a brand new GPS unit is not much considering how much it will save you year in and year out.

I mean let's take a modest example. Let's say it costs you $30 each time you go fill up your tank. Imagine that before getting your GPS system you had to get you tank filled on average once a week. That's $1,520 for an entire year.

Now on the flip side, let's pretend you got you GPS unit up and rolling. With improved efficiency in getting to your destinations, you effectively have reduced the amount of wasted gas as a result of not getting sidetracked or getting lost while driving. Perhaps you will only have to get your tank filled up once every two weeks instead- in which case you will only be spending $760 a year for gas- or a savings of 50%.

These are just sample numbers, but you can see how you can get a return on your investment over and over again simply by purchasing a GPS system which ranges anywhere from $100 or so to $1000 or more. But you don't need to get the fanciest model right out of the starting gate. Anything within the $200-$400 range should give you a very robust system in general.