nelli

Posts: 10

Country:

Thanks: 0

Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

I am thinking about a radar detector/lazer jammer.
Thoughts? Local store will install hard wired unit for $1500-$1600 from beltronics or passport.

Johnny05350

Posts: 23

Country:

Thanks: 1

Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

$1500 sounds like an awful lot. You can get the Valentine V1, which I think is the best way to go with radar detectors for 400 bucks. It is the only detector that uses 2 antennas and it has been proven many times it has the best range. This price already includes a hardwire kit, so you can install it yourself.

Do you know how they were going to hardwire it? With convertibles it is a little tougher since there isn't a permanent head liner to hide the wire. That may make a self install a little trickier

For another 40 bucks you can buy the concealed display and place it anywhere you want, that way you can make your detector look like it is off and others wont mooch off you.

So for about $440.00 and shipping you can have what I think is the best setup possible. I just don't see where they are getting the $1500.00 figure from... Did they give you a breakdown of cost and labor?

-1-

Posts: 2,231

Country:

Thanks: 54

Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts

I agree, way too much money. I happen to live in one of the two states where radar detectors are illegal. I had several Passports back in the mid eighties when they were one of the best brands. Both my wife and I got warnings for having radar detectors. I decided to give them up. As I've gotten older, I tend to drive slower and now with high gas prices, I've taken a vow drive 60 mph on the interstate and enjoy the ride more.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

----------------1-----------------
--------SLK 55 ///AMG---------
THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

nelli

Posts: 10

Country:

Thanks: 0

Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

The kit is $1100, the rest labor.
2 lazer blockers front 1 rear
detectors front and rear

UK-C200

Posts: 614

Country:

Thanks: 41

Thanked 130 Times in 83 Posts

Passport here, and less for speeding and more to be aware of where the traps are - I love back country driving, and have been saved a couple of times where a "55" turned into a "35" with a sign hidden behind a tree. Only way I know about the sign was because when it went off I instinctively slowed down to 45, and the guy pulled me over to give me a hard time about 45 in a 35, but was obviously bored, so chatted a bit, told me to slow down, and went back to his nap behind said tree.

$1100 seems excessive to me, but I don't know what hardware they are quoting you on.

jms320

Posts: 7

Country:

Thanks: 0

Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

I think nelli is talking about the custom install that is offered by passport/escort, & not about the portable units. The price sounds right for the new Passport 9500ci.

cyberdrakon

Posts: 1,406

Country:

Thanks: 26

Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts

Quality installed units that include laser and radar usually run about $2000. This is not the cheap windshield stuck on types that you can just buy from Best Buy or Walmart. Typically they'll have one antenna in the front, one in the rear, 2 laser diffusers in front, 1 in the rear, a hidden display, hidden switches, and a separate audio display. In my SEC, the display consisted of 4 LEDs hidden inside my instrument cluster to indicate direction of radar, intensity, and bandwidth.

Of course there are unscrupulous installers out there that will use cheap components to do the install....you really need to do your research on installers, instead of just which model and how much; try some exotic car forums.

cyberdrakon

Posts: 1,406

Country:

Thanks: 26

Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts

take a look here for a quick example:

http://www.k40.com/unde_main.html

i personally wouldn't go with k40 again though, it's a little behind the times in terms of actual sensor technology, but their 'install' is wireless, so might be better for those who lease their car.

nelli

Posts: 10

Country:

Thanks: 0

Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

looks like the valentine is the one.
not sure about the lazer diffuser'

F111F

Posts: 291

Country:

Thanks: 39

Thanked 23 Times in 11 Posts

Check Valentine V1, it is the best.
It has a method that allows permanent install, but the Passport may work out better for permanent install.