A moving map isn't essential for me. The old Garmin 55 AVD simply had a CDI and a numerical readout giving distance, G/S and estimated time to destination, which was plenty. If there was any way of prodding the thing back into life at a reasonable cost, I'd gladly do that, but the manufacturer is neither servicing nor supporting it.
G55s are generally not hard to find second hand and cheaply.
But, having used both, I think you will find that the improved situational awareness and utility that come from the moving map will make your flying much easier. If you are going to fly with a GPS, you may as well have a good one.
G