Before trading up I had the Garmin III Pilot which ive got to say is a great starter gps.
I can't help with the 96 , but you should get a decent Garmin III with yoke mount and PC Interface secondhand for £200 ish & like i say they are good value, small screen but you get used to it.
Good luck with whatever you get !!
But don't forget to keep drawing lines on maps !
EL