We've had Garmins for years... and they continue to tell us to update maps... but... get this...
It costs LOTS (usually more than the $80 one other person mentioned), so we've never updated.....
And... you can often buy a NEW Garmin for not much more than the "update" that comes with FREE lifetime updates... (at least this is what hubby says.. I've not looked into it).
However, if we really need good info, or up-to-date road information, we just use our smartphone.... he drives, and I give him the info on the phone, since it can be illegal in some areas to use your cell phone as a GPS while you are driving.
I was driving today, and pretty much knew where I was going, but used my smartphone to get traffic conditions.... but my daughter read out the info... I never even looked at it.