What is a cheap radar detector that still works well?

 

a used or reconditioned passport 8500 or valentine v1. super cheap, still effective. you should research what kind of equipment is common for your area, though.

additionally, I think radar detectors are nothing but a false sense of security, and a reminder to slow down when you get false readings. chances are, you're already gunned when it goes off. good luck getting off with a warning with a detector hanging on your winshield, too.

 

i agree dont waste your money on a rader but if you must v1 is the only thing that actually works well and its been tested time after time against the passport and beaten it

 

The best radar detectors are like Fords and Chevys. Some swear by the V1 (like my brother who drives a ZL1) and some swear by the Passport (like me who drives a Stang). I don't agree that the Passport has been beaten "time and time again". They both have their own pros and cons. There are plenty of independent reviews out there. A simple google search will locate more reviews that you will care to read. For starters check this one out.

http://radar-detectors-review.toptenreviews.com/

The only thing I like about the V1 is the little arrows that indicate where the threat is coming from. That's "nice to have". But, in reality it doesn't matter because you are going to be slowing down regardless.

 

i would have to disagree with this. my V1 paid itself off in probably the 1st year (it only takes two tickets). of course you always have keep an eye out for cops with lasers, but just this morning my v1 alerted me to a cop sitting in the median around a blind corner and i was able to slow down.

as far as v1 vs. passport, the passport has a little better range and has built in GPS with red light camera databases, but the V1 has arrows that tell you the direction of the source, and for me that situational awareness is the best part. also, its what the guys used in the cannonball run video in the M3 haha

but with radar detectors you get what you pay for. dont bother with anything less than those 2

 

This ^^

 

Thank you for the ideas. I will have to start saving up I suppose. But beautiful car tigercrazy718 by the way.

 

I coudn't agree with you more! I own a passport that I bought used on EBay when I bought my first 'Stang in 2008. I bought it for $85, and I paid $85 to send it back to Escort and have the factory calibration re-done. This was a good move because it needed a new antenna and re-calibration. It has saved me time and again. Very few cops are running "instant-on" radar or laser guns. They typically leave the radar on and my passport picks up the signal with ample time to slow down. The only ticket I have since buying was when I didn't have it on!

Having the radar detector makes any drive a little more fun. Especially when you pick up the signal with the Escort it is fun to try and spot the cop because there are no directional arrows. Also, I am amazed every time at how far away the cop really is from me. They are sensitive and pick up signals from shopping malls, and stores with automatic doors. It is well worth the small hassle of slowing down just to make sure.

To sum it up. The V1 and Escort are both worth the price and the only 2 that I would recommend. I would recommend if buying used that you send it back to the factory for re-calibration.

 

thanks. and also to expound on what brazen said, the false alarms can mostly be identified because cops almost solely run Ka band, while most automatic doors/cruise control radars/security alarms are X or K band and are weak.

 

I agree that a reconditioned Passport 8500 would be your best shot. Just remember, you get what you pay for.