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we are going to be driving from michigan to florida and back at the end of this month and i was thinking about getting a radar detector for the trip. any models you guys recomend ? i do NOT want to spend 3 or 4 hundred bucks for one. just a decent one that will work in MOST situations.

I bought my Escort 8500 from gonzo4191 for $90. Check e-bay and craigslist, there are generally some pretty good deals. I like my 8500, have had no issues with it.

I'm with 00Beast. I had an Escort 8500 and just upgraded to the 9500, check ebay for a good deal to save over retail.

Just dont speed and you wont need one

They are expensive at $100-200, even used. My 8500 was $110ish used on ebay.

But the plus side is, if it saves you from one ticket, it has already paid for itself.

I have never had an issue with my 8500 escort not going off, even before I can even see the trooper.

I just had a cheapo Whistler that I bought from the auto parts store for like $50, and it worked great, never let me down.

Like anything else, you get what you pay for.

Bel and Escort are sure bets.

Uniden and Whistler are second tier, and not as sure of a bet.

Stay away from Cobra and any other brand in the same price range.

Just did that trip, from grand rapids to Orlando. Actually I am still in Orlando right now, and I am leaving early tomorrow morning. I cruised down pretty much between 80 and 85 and only saw a few cops the whole time.

Other than that I have no real input, just saying a radar detector isnt necessary if its a hassle and one can't be had for a good price before you leave.

I have a Whistler XTR-550

I know it is a cheapo crappyo, but that doesn't bother me. I usually don't drive in a manner that would rely on it. I just have it so that I can be on my toes when someone is watching. If that is why you want one, then by all means, get a cheapo. If you are getting one so that you can shave time off your journey, then just don't. If you do, you will pay for it, and you will likely be paying retail also.

IMO, speeding really isn't worth it, because all it takes is a Laser tag, or a Pop Radar with you in front to ruin your day. That is one thing I have learned having one now. Actually, I probably drive more carefully now with it, than I did without it.

If you get a cop to put a Lidar on you, you are screwed anyways. Make sure you grab your detector unit so its outta site when the cops walks up, as far as I know all detectors are illegal if they are plugged in. Honesty is the best policy when dealing with the po po .

They are only illegal in washington dc.

RJolly87 wrote:
IMO, speeding really isn't worth it, because all it takes is a Laser tag, or a Pop Radar with you in front to ruin your day. That is one thing I have learned having one now. Actually, I probably drive more carefully now with it, than I did without it.

Sure. If you're the only car on the road, then you're a fool for pushing it without the protection of other cars. You have to adapt your driving and count on getting radar or laser 'scatter' off other cars in the area. On long trips, I always use another car as a 'radar pick' or 'bait'. Let them lead by a hundred yards or so and pace them. If you're both speeding, and you have radar, you have time to react to even instant on or laser.

The detector alone will not save you in more than 75% of the typical situations. The other 25% of the time, you HAVE to adapt your driving style AND use the detector.

Looking on cl I only found an 8500 for $175 so far. Not looking to set any speed records to florida. Just want a heads up if the boys are watching. I will keep looking and see if I find one at a decent price. Haven't checked ebay yet but I would hate to buy one and not get it before we go. Lol

willwren wrote: The detector alone will not save you in more than 75% of the typical situations. The other 25% of the time, you HAVE to adapt your driving style AND use the detector.

This times 10.

I agree with willwren. Also, Radar Detectors aren't illegal, but if an officer sees one, they're more than likely going to give you a ticket vs. maybe a warning. In MN it's illegal to have things (other than GPS ) suction cupped to your windshield. So, if I were to get pulled over I'd have to just pop the suction cups off and set it in my passenger floorwell, out of sight.

i have a cobra that has never let me down. Its a two piece model and it mounts behind you rear-view mirror. (out of sight if you get pulled over) and the second part is a remote with the display that mounts to your dash and is easily removable. so if you get pulled over just pull the remote off your dash, and there is no evidence

i think i might get one of these escort 8500's. $149.95 including shipping. factory refurbished with a 6 month warranty.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Escort-PASSPORT-850 ... 335a43a90f

Sounds like a good deal to me. I'm at least the 4th owner of mine, and it's at least 3 years old, and it still works flawlessly.

I have not looked into particular brands yet.
I want to get something that is dependant on the vehicle as a power source.
Then put it in the cubby in the top (dont know about you 00+ guys)
Wire it in place and the put a switch under the dash that i can flick to cut power to it in an instant.
It would be hard for the popo to see in the unlikely event that i do get pulled over.

Sadden, it has to be in the windshield area for it to pick up the signal, especially Laser. They make wire looms to hard wire it in, but I transfer mine from vehicle to vehicle, and I always use the rear powerport on my 03 for my phone or iPod, so it doesn't really bother me.