Hello,

I have ~$500 set aside to buy a radar detector for my new s2000. Ideally, I would like for it to be installed in the front grill and hardwired in (like the Passport SRX). However, I don't have the money for a Passport SRX.

I am worried about people trying to break-in and steal the radar detector. Can the V1 or the Passport 8500 be mounted out of sight (like in the grill). Also, I have a buddy who installs aftermarket stuff who could help me with this, or I don't mind paying Hi-Fi Buys or Circuit City to do the install.

Any insights?

I read the thread on Best Radar Detectors, and think either the V1 or Passport would work best. But i am vague on the installation/location of the device.

Thanks

 

Check out the electronics forum.

The problem with the full-install versions is that if you ever sell the car, (or wreck the car) you are generally SOL because you probably won't remove it, and you certainly won't get any money for it.

I would get an 8500 x50 mount it to the windshield and take it down if you park in a shady area.

 

That looks really good. WTG on a great looking setup.

Did you install it yourself, or take it in somewhere? How much was it? How much are these x50's?

 

I had the guys installing my alarm do it for me. They didn't charge me any extra. I have done them for other people though, it's pretty easy.

I haven't priced an x50 in over a year (go figure) but I would guess in the $250 - $300 range. Add-in free install if your do it yourself and you are spending about 1/2 what your original budget was. Feel free to paypal me the difference.

 

I would definitely get the V1 and just stick it to the windshield. Run the wire for hardwiring and take it out when you're not using it. Running the V1 and X50 side-by-side in my experience showed that they were very close in detection, picking up radar almost equally quickly. The V1 seemed to be more sensitive, which could lead to more falses though. The arrows on the V1 ROCK! They're well worth the price difference.

 

By default, does the x50 come with the items needed to be hardwired? Or do you have to buy a kit?

 

V1 for the arrows. V1 and X50 should be your only two choices. All others are paperweights.

 

Depending on what opinion you want you just need to buy one of these to wire it in direct.

https://www.escortradar.com/cp/cgi-bin/cp-a..._pg=prod&ref=11

https://www.escortradar.com/cp/cgi-bin/cp-a..._pg=prod&ref=15

 

I recommend going with the Escort 8500 X50 ... that is the unit I have and it's great!

 

I couldn't agree more. V1 is the way to go. LIving in VA I finally got to use mine over thanksgiving and the arrows/bogey counter rock. It's pricy, but in my opinion it's worth the extra $

It also comes with all the necessary parts to hardwire it, which is something I'll be doing when I'm not so lazy