I am in the market for an inexpensive radar detector. I just want to know some models I should look at or steer clear from. The price cap is $200 used meaning $300 models would be in this catagory as long as I can buy one used for about $200 or less.

I went looking and reading but there was no such topic on a budgeted radar detector. Why am I going for a subpar radar detector? Well, I don't drive crazily or irresponsibly, I just want one 'just in case.'

Any info, links, or personal experience is greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

 

passport 7500. Awesome detector.

 

I've got an old BEL 870! It's been through almost 4 years of use and although I won't say I haven't had a speeding ticket since, I will say that it was telling me every time that I was about to get a speeding ticket! I used to be into car audio a little too much and couldn't hear it those few times... Anyway, I have slowed down recently due to killer insurance and because it's generally unsafe (I know, I'm getting old ); however, I still keep my BEL on the window for that 'just in case' time... The BEL has been good and I think the only radar detector I'd consider trying besides it is either the Passport 7500 or a Valentine... No telling if I'd like them better though! I've been quite happy with the BEL. Good luck and remember if you do spend lots of money on it, lock it up when parked with the top down!

 

I found a new Passport 8500 for $250. Check out eBay. You might be able to find an 8500 for <

The 8500 is often rated just as well as the V1, just without the arrows and with a LOT less $$ in the pot.

 

Buyer beware with used radar detectors. Especially in hot climates, radar detectors are exposed to extremely HOT/harsh conditions daily in a vehicle, which over time fatigues electronic components. Years ago I commonly found that some less expensive brands were only good for 18 months ago before they started falsing almost constantly (Cobra, Bel, etc.). That said, I've had a passport 7500 for almost 4 years and it still works like a champ. I think I bought it for just over 200 on sale (brand new).

 

Spend the extra $50 and get the Passport 8500.

 

I'm selling never been open passport 8500.

-Trung

 

[QUOTE=jeffbrig,May 19 2003, 07:24 AM]Buyer beware with used radar detectors.

 

better to get a new one for around $100 more for 1 yr warranty + peace of mind. Trust me when I saw a radar can easily fall off the dashboard several times during rough driving/breaking

You can get a good radar in the beltronics V995 for $200 flat at Amazon

 

th p[assport 8500 can be found for under 200 used. the X50 red is cheaper than the blue and theres no difference in performance.

I drive from washington to oregon often and i pickup signals over a mile out of flat land.

I wills ay that mine is about 4 years old and is in need of serviceing and that is 60 bucks. it just needs to be calibrated. IF you can find a deal better than 200 and it doesnt need servicing then you are getting a great deal. but i wouldnt pay any more than that for aused one.