No standalone map lifetime updates?

I already did that.

You're reading the wrong bit, it's this part that applies to your problem:

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Really, it's hardly an obscure link. It's on the map purchase page and was titled 'Which format is right for me'.

I just looked at the product page (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/maps/on-the-road-maps/city-navigator-nt/city-navigator-europe-nt/prod6299.html) and I don't see the link anywhere. There's literally no text on that page that says "Which format is right for me". When I went to buy the map, I just decided that I'd rather download it than to purchase physical media (mainly because it was 2014 not 1994). So seriously, your defense of Garmin doesn't hold up. Please click on that product page link and tell me where you see a link to the FAQ. You're blaming me for not clicking on something that just isn't there. Stop blaming me. This is a problem with Garmin, along with many other technical glitches and inconsistencies throughout their whole website.

I would have to agree with the poster that the updateability of the format selected should have been clearly stated on the main order page, rather than an explanation on an optional link that probably most customers overlooked. I can't count the number of posts I have read in this and other forums where the same mistake was made. And now it is even worse because the information is not there at all.

That said, Garmin customer service has been pretty good about offering refund/reorder to exchange for the correct product with customers who called them. It is unfortunate that you didn't know about the problem until a year after you bought the product, so it may not be possible to get this replacement offer. But I think it is worth a try. Call them (don't email) and explain what happened. Don't be confrontational, but ask to speak with a supervisor if necessary. Good luck with this. I hope you can get it resolved.

You can see the link on the right of the page, where it says 'Choosing a map format'. It used to say 'Which format is right for me'. Either are to me clear and obvious, again I'm sorry you don't feel that to be so but as already stated I'm not employed by Garmin.

That said, Garmin customer service has been pretty good about offering refund/reorder to exchange for the correct product with customers who called them. It is unfortunate that you didn't know about the problem until a year after you bought the product, so it may not be possible to get this replacement offer. But I think it is worth a try. Call them (don't email) and explain what happened. Don't be confrontational, but ask to speak with a supervisor if necessary. Good luck with this. I hope you can get it resolved.

Agreed, I have suggested to the OP that he contacts Garmin Product Support, although like you as he's had the product a year or so (?) I'm not sure if they'll help on this occasion, but as you say it's worth a try.

Well there are 4 tabs on that page and a list headed 'Related' on the right hand side, so there's only so much that can be placed on the first page, and that first tab is headed 'Overview'. Anyone who orders based on that is IMO not properly researching what is being bought.

As for the information not being there, it still is but as we discussed earlier the reference to DVD has been removed and now there is no indication that a download isn't updateable, this may either be an error or Garmin updating how supplemental maps are provided. I'm trying to clarify which it is. I believe from seeing this information elsewhere that this is a change by Garmin, but can't confirm this yet.

So, to be clear: when purchasing a map on Garmin's product page, it is the user's responsibility to click on every link to "properly research" the product they're buying. This is your (and Garmin's) idea of being "clearly marked" and not obscure. And it's too much info to include such a vital fact on the page in a "clearly marked" fashion. And this is not trickery or intentional confusion. Also, most users are content with this, otherwise they certainly would complain to you, right here, and not just say "forget this" and go buy another product. Oh and the vital info included in this "clearly marked" link is mysteriously no longer there, but that in no way indicates that other users were unhappy. And we don't know if updates are now being included or not. "Clearly" this is all straight shooting.

I'm not going to continue discussing this, I feel it's clear, you don't. You don't even have to click on every tab or every link, but it seems obvious to me that checking on the format is essential so I'd certainly have clicked on that link. Had you done so at the time you ordered it all would have been clear and you wouldn't be in this situation.

The only reason I'm not sure now what the situation is is because I know what that link used to say. Had it said what it does now I'd agree with you but it didn't. Furthermore, because it's a change as of 18th this month I'm not sure whether it's a mistake or not. I can't be clearer than that because I'm not employed by Garmin so please take it up with Garmin as I can't help you further, but the fact is that when you ordered your map that link clearly stated only the DVD version was eligible for map updates.

(Hopefully someone from Garmin Customer Support will add to this and clarify what the position is now with regard to supplemental map formats available and which, if any, can be updated)

Well, I'm not compelling you to discuss it further. You're the one so vehemently defending Garmin when it's absolutely ridiculous to suggest that the info is or ever was "clearly marked". Also, a year or so isn't an unreasonable time to go between updates, so of course I just discovered it when I tried to update the maps. I bet most people don't ever try to update their maps, and so that might also explain why you don't hear many complaints. In any case, your entire line of reasoning here is faulty. But since you seem like your only aim is to defend Garmin no matter what, I shouldn't expect anything more.

I really wish Garmin would jump in here. I emailed them a week ago and haven't heard a thing. I guess I'll have to get on the phone. Typical customer service these days.