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XKR Convertible 2002; TomTom V Smart phone for Navigation and Recommended spares

Hello JEC

I have just rebooked my Spanish & French Tour 4 weeks, Rioja - Biarritz - Pau & Bordeaux. I have not used my my old Tom Tom for ages. I was going to use my Samsung Galaxy for navigation as its compact, easier to mount and carry.
" Have I missed what the benefit is of a Tomtom in Spain / France ? I note prices £250/300 "

Spares; Car will be serviced and I will take the compulsory spares, light Bulbs - Safety kit Etc . I was thinking possibly spare engine belts ? any thoughts & tips would be much appreciated along with any maps you recommend.

Thanks
Best Regards
Clive

Hi Clive,
Navigation aids are very much a personal choice these days. FWIW having used a few types/brands, I still rate Tomtom very highly and way above any car manufacturer's installed systems for its accuracy and ease of understanding. When I'm abroad, I always have my Tomtom running even if I have a Jaguar installed system in my car.
As for which spares to carry, you never have enough room on these trips so I prefer to ensure items like old engine hoses and belts have been renewed beforehand. A thoroughly serviced XKR shouldn't need much more than a decent spare wheel/tyre and a set of jump leads in case of battery failure. Unlike the good old days when there was almost a standard list of plugs, points etc etc which we all needed to carry with us, the XKR is much more reliable and should take a trip to Spain and back in its stride. Mike.

WAZE mapping on phone, spare pair of driving glasses Nationwide flex plus account for insurance. Four seats technically you need four yellow vests in the cabin.