Garmin for South America
 

Planning a 2-3 month trip next year and need a New GPS anyway.

Should I go for the Montana line or the 390/590LM line? Or something else? Prefer garmin so can use all my old routes.

Merely because no one else has jumped in, I'll provide a response for you.

In relation to South America it doesn't matter - I mean that the technology is universal. i.e. global, so it doesn't matter which make of GPS you use in that part of the world.
I do suggest that you read into the threads here and tie down your requirements - there is plenty of discussion about the factors that influence folks to purchase one type/model of GPS in preference to others on the market.

Regarding routes in the Garmin digital format, you can use these on many other types of GPS/map product without modification.
They can even be used on such competitors as Tom Tom with a small amount of manipulation with software to change the digital format.
Also, there are simply masses of sources of "ready made" routes nowadays so owning routes, per se, is not a big deal IMO.

Regarding "something else", again read into some of the threads in here to give yourself information on some factors to consider.

Thanks.

Plenty of information, I know, problem is that too much information and it's not static either...so hoped someone already had done the thinking/research for me.

Reason I ask is that would normally buy 390/590LM but thought maybe Montana is more allround so better suited for non routable routes tracks etc (if that is something that is I will need?).

Or to put it another way: Any reason NOT to buy the 390/590LM ?

Requirement spec is short: Ride in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru (maybe a couple of others, tarmac and gravel.

This aspect has far more to do with the maps mounted on a GPS than the make and model of the GPS - see, for instance, the information within here about Open Street Map (OSM).
Nowadays, OSM is available on a wide range of "platforms".

I would say that others have done the research and written up their own practical experiences, but only you can decide what you need, or even what you want.
"and need a New GPS anyway"

I've just remembered this; there is a sticky right at the beginning about maps in SA, and there are other threads further into the sub-forum.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/south-america/

I hope it helps you with your thought process.

Thanks, yes it does, not just a simple answerto my question iow. May revert after reading myself up on this topic.

I used a Garmin Nüvi 250W + Openstreatmap maps around South America. I can sell it to you 100 Euro + Shiping. PN me if you want it.

Think maybe I'll buy one of the "Latest and Greatest" but thanks anyway.

Looked through Betrands review of Monterra yesterday and seems like good choice. Bit allound (in case need off bike as well) and bulit in Andoid and camera doesn't hurt.

Don't buy a 390, very slow response and limited.

Monterra is a bit buggy, restarts the Garmin App quite regularly and the screen is not very sensitive. Otherwise a great unit and the one I currently use. A hard reset can help but I haven't got around to trying that yet.

Montana is a nice unit, does most things well. The on road routing can be a little limited compared to a Zumo/Nuvi.

Nick.

You can buy a refurbished Nuvi loaded with Mexico, Central and South America from a guy on ebay for $99.