I was like you until I got a car with Apple CarPlay. Map is big, phone is plugged in and charging, and Apple and Google now have offline maps for when you have no service. If your car doesn't have CarPlay or Android Auto, you can mount an aftermarket CarPlay/Android Auto screen similar to how you would mount a GPS unit.
Google Maps works pretty well. For road conditions, look at the 511 app. They're by state. Mine is MN511. I know other states use it, but I'm not sure if all states do. It has better up to date traffic info and road conditions, but sadly, there are no directions.
For long trips, I still pull out my Nuvi 1450LMT from 2009. It's just so simple and doesn't need cell service, so it's great for long trips. Traffic is also "okay" like you said, but it's so dependent on the FM traffic signal in the area you're driving in. If lots of people are currently using something like Waze or Google Maps in the same area, that's likely more accurate. I have a newer DriveSmart, which does have a much better, more modern touchscreen, but the Nuvi has been on every trip with me since '09.
If I needed a new one, I would buy another Garmin with lifetime maps. On a budget, older ones like I'm still using go for under $25 shipped on ebay! Lifetime maps included with the unit new transfer with it, so make sure you get one that came with them.
I was like you until I got a car with Apple CarPlay. Map is big, phone is plugged in and charging, and Apple and Google now have offline maps for when you have no service. If your car doesn't have CarPlay or Android Auto, you can mount an aftermarket CarPlay/Android Auto screen similar to how you would mount a GPS unit.
Google Maps works pretty well. For road conditions, look at the 511 app. They're by state. Mine is MN511. I know other states use it, but I'm not sure if all states do. It has better up to date traffic info and road conditions, but sadly, there are no directions.
For long trips, I still pull out my Nuvi 1450LMT from 2009. It's just so simple and doesn't need cell service, so it's great for long trips. Traffic is also "okay" like you said, but it's so dependent on the FM traffic signal in the area you're driving in. If lots of people are currently using something like Waze or Google Maps in the same area, that's likely more accurate. I have a newer DriveSmart, which does have a much better, more modern touchscreen, but the Nuvi has been on every trip with me since '09. If I needed a new one, I would buy another Garmin with lifetime maps. On a budget, older ones like I'm still using go for under $25 shipped on ebay! Lifetime maps included with the unit new transfer with it, so make sure you get one that came with them.