Jerry in TX

Hi all, new to the thread here and recently had my first nav failure (2013 Journey Crew). Same symptoms - "Can't unlock maps". Dealer tested it and has a unit on order. I did get an extended warranty but they said I am still under the original warranty now.
I am wondering why I wouldn't experiment now with some other mapping software or attempt to update the maps myself, if they are going to replace the unit anyway. If I screw it up what's the worst that can happen.
@bramfrank - I read someplace here that you wanted to "get your hands on one" to attempt some kind of update. Can you recommend a resource, URL, or website where I can get an open source map or aftermarket mapping product? I found someplace a few weeks ago and can't find it again.
Actually I just found it! The reference I saw was for Fiat - https://sites.google.com/a/pantad.com/freemont-firmwares/ (fixed the link!)
Has anybody tried this?

I just love it! Everybody loves THEIR Journey, whatever the color, year, model - THEIRs is the BEST!! It's like Lake Wobegon where are the children are above average!

I just love it! Everybody loves THEIR Journey, whatever the color, year, model - THEIRs is the BEST!! It's like Lake Wobegon where are the children are above average!

@Journeyman - Your post is timely! Tomorrow morning (Monday) I was going to call about an R/T that has everything - but about 4 hours from me. I decided to go to an R/T because other vehicles didn't have all the features and I figured an R/T would guarantee that.
But with your post I see that a Crew could have everything I want plus a not-as-firm suspension. That is the first I have heard of that! And your thoughts about the upgraded chrome trim and softer suspension are just what I am thinking.
So then I did another search on a bunch of websites and I find a 2013 Crew that appears to have everything and it is right here in town at a local dealership! So you may have saved me a lot of hassle dealing long distance on a purchase! Can I send you a beer??

Being new here I'm not sure if you guys know each other and are having some fun or maybe you don't and are just poking each other. Your comments are cute but bordering on maybe too serious. Let's keep it light for the benefit of others who may find this thread in a Google search years from now.
I have some other questions but not just about Uconnect so I need to start another thread. I hope you will contribute there.

@Journeyman - Your post is timely! Tomorrow morning (Monday) I was going to call about an R/T that has everything - but about 4 hours from me. I decided to go to an R/T because other vehicles didn't have all the features and I figured an R/T would guarantee that.
But with your post I see that a Crew could have everything I want plus a not-as-firm suspension. That is the first I have heard of that! And your thoughts about the upgraded chrome trim and softer suspension are just what I am thinking.
So then I did another search on a bunch of websites and I find a 2013 Crew that appears to have everything and it is right here in town at a local dealership! So you may have saved me a lot of hassle dealing long distance on a purchase! Can I send you a beer??

@Journeyman - Your post is timely! Tomorrow morning (Monday) I was going to call about an R/T that has everything - but about 4 hours from me. I decided to go to an R/T because other vehicles didn't have all the features and I figured an R/T would guarantee that.
But with your post I see that a Crew could have everything I want plus a not-as-firm suspension. That is the first I have heard of that! And your thoughts about the upgraded chrome trim and softer suspension are just what I am thinking.
So then I did another search on a bunch of websites and I find a 2013 Crew that appears to have everything and it is right here in town at a local dealership! So you may have saved me a lot of hassle dealing long distance on a purchase! Can I send you a beer??

Can anyone describe their experiences or knowledge of the upper scale models of Journeys? The Crew and R/T models have lots more bells and whistles, which while quite interesting, I'm not sure of the utility of them.
For context we are in the market for a new vehicle and have decided on a Journey for their value. I would prefer to buy one a year or 2 old to let someone else pay for the initial depreciation. We also have the advantage of being able to take our time so we can pick and choose whatever we want.
Trying to stay around $20k USD I can get a 2014 SXT with 15k to 30k miles or I can get a 2013 Crew or even an R/T with 20k to 40k miles for the same price.
So the upper end features are the V6 engine (must have!), 8.4 UConnect screen (highly desirable), Bluetooth (would be nice), backup camera (would be nice), 19 inch wheels, and navigation (don't really care).
Can anyone comment on their experiences with these? If you have a higher end model what do you enjoy most about it?

@Journeyman - Your post is timely! Tomorrow morning (Monday) I was going to call about an R/T that has everything - but about 4 hours from me. I decided to go to an R/T because other vehicles didn't have all the features and I figured an R/T would guarantee that.
But with your post I see that a Crew could have everything I want plus a not-as-firm suspension. That is the first I have heard of that! And your thoughts about the upgraded chrome trim and softer suspension are just what I am thinking.
So then I did another search on a bunch of websites and I find a 2013 Crew that appears to have everything and it is right here in town at a local dealership! So you may have saved me a lot of hassle dealing long distance on a purchase! Can I send you a beer??

Good idea about going to Fuelly to research it more. Thanks!

@Journeyman - Your post is timely! Tomorrow morning (Monday) I was going to call about an R/T that has everything - but about 4 hours from me. I decided to go to an R/T because other vehicles didn't have all the features and I figured an R/T would guarantee that.
But with your post I see that a Crew could have everything I want plus a not-as-firm suspension. That is the first I have heard of that! And your thoughts about the upgraded chrome trim and softer suspension are just what I am thinking.
So then I did another search on a bunch of websites and I find a 2013 Crew that appears to have everything and it is right here in town at a local dealership! So you may have saved me a lot of hassle dealing long distance on a purchase! Can I send you a beer??

Great point, Rolly, and keeping good records is about to pay off for me! I am about to sell my 2003 Trailblazer LTZ and I have all my receipts, including oil changes, and a journal I have kept over the years with a timeline of every incident or maintenance issue. The vehicle may not be perfect but I can give some future buyer confidence that they will know the history instead of hoping for the best.
And the thing is it is so effortless to keep good records and organize receipts and paperwork. Just amazing...

Thanks for your replies, it all helps to understand. I am finding lots of R/T's available all over the US. Even quite a few in Texas. They are loaded with everything so I wouldn't have to search thru and check which options each vehicle has. It looks like I could pick up a 2013 R/T with 20k or 30k miles for $20k to $21k USD.
There are some reliability issues discussed on various websites so I would look carefully at the vehicle history. Our 2003 Trailblazer LTZ had a somewhat poor reputation as well but we have had great luck with it, so it really depends on the specific vehicle you get. Generally the DJ provides good value for your dollar.

Great point, Rolly, and keeping good records is about to pay off for me! I am about to sell my 2003 Trailblazer LTZ and I have all my receipts, including oil changes, and a journal I have kept over the years with a timeline of every incident or maintenance issue. The vehicle may not be perfect but I can give some future buyer confidence that they will know the history instead of hoping for the best.
And the thing is it is so effortless to keep good records and organize receipts and paperwork. Just amazing...

Being new here I'm not sure if you guys know each other and are having some fun or maybe you don't and are just poking each other. Your comments are cute but bordering on maybe too serious. Let's keep it light for the benefit of others who may find this thread in a Google search years from now.
I have some other questions but not just about Uconnect so I need to start another thread. I hope you will contribute there.

I just saw the link to www.driveuconnect.com that dhh3 posted in another topic. Very useful information there, answers a lot of questions.

Thank you all for your responses. We will probably not use the XM subscription, nor the TravelLink. I have read over the years that the automotive branded, built-in, proprietary GPS systems are expensive and challenging to update. And you have to pay for the traffic service. My preference is to purchase a personal navigator (for me Garmin Nuvis) to mount on the dashboard or windshield. You can pick them up usually for less than $200 (many times less than $100) with lifetime updates and traffic. After a couple of years when the technology improves I sell the old unit and upgrade to a new unit for a net cost of a hundred bucks or so.
One of the things that draws me to the Journey over their competitors is the general praise for the UConnect interface and features. We drove one for the first time yesterday and were quite impressed - not only with the 8.4 display but the overall feel of the ride, quiet cabin, powerful V6, and look of the interior.
Most of what I am reading talks about the value of the Journey as far as features for the price.
Another question is the wifi / email service. I saw a YouTube video that showed you can get email on the big screen. I'm not understanding where that service comes from. Do you have to have a separate cell phone connection or service for the vehicle to use, or do you set your cell phone up as a hot spot for the vehicle to use?

I just saw the link to www.driveuconnect.com that dhh3 posted in another topic. Very useful information there, answers a lot of questions.