Where can I purchase a Radar Detector without getting ripping off?
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Where can I purchase a Radar Detector without getting ripping off?
I'm looking for Valentine One or Passport 8500, where can I purchase them with a good deal and which one do you recommend? Thanks !
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From: Dallas
CLK55
V1 wins again in this month's Car and Driver
www.valentine1.com
pricey - but C&D confirms again - it's the best (page 70 latest issue)
so www.radartest.com must be owned by escort (haha)
shell
01 CLK55 3,500 miles
91 SE-R 140K miles
pricey - but C&D confirms again - it's the best (page 70 latest issue)
so www.radartest.com must be owned by escort (haha)
shell
01 CLK55 3,500 miles
91 SE-R 140K miles
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
I stand by my Escort/passport 8500. 
This firm manufactured the original FUSS-BUSTER, some 25 years ago.
The following recent thread gives you more info than you probably care to know. I had my unit hardwired to the cigarette lighter from the right side of the rear-view mirror down along the "B" pillar.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ghlight=escort
This firm manufactured the original FUSS-BUSTER, some 25 years ago.
The following recent thread gives you more info than you probably care to know. I had my unit hardwired to the cigarette lighter from the right side of the rear-view mirror down along the "B" pillar.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ghlight=escort
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Originally posted by karl k
I stand by my Escort/passport 8500.
This firm manufactured the original FUSS-BUSTER, some 25 years ago.
The following recent thread gives you more info than you probably care to know. I had my unit hardwired to the cigarette lighter from the right side of the rear-view mirror down along the "B" pillar.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ghlight=escort
I stand by my Escort/passport 8500.
This firm manufactured the original FUSS-BUSTER, some 25 years ago.
The following recent thread gives you more info than you probably care to know. I had my unit hardwired to the cigarette lighter from the right side of the rear-view mirror down along the "B" pillar.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ghlight=escort
Did you purchased yours on http://www.escortradar.com ? If not, where did you purchase it?
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From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
I live in S. Florida.
Sound Advice is a high end audio-visual chain. They also sell & install car security, audio and radar detectors.
Total cost: $340.- for the Escort 8500 and installation.
Sound Advice is a high end audio-visual chain. They also sell & install car security, audio and radar detectors.
Total cost: $340.- for the Escort 8500 and installation.
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'10 E63
No offense to Karl
but you would have a very, very hard time finding anyone who had used both detectors that would pick the Passport over the V1. It is, quite simply, the gold standard, for a number of reasons. Both companies offer a 30 day money back free trial--order them both, try them out, and make your own decision. There is a reason the V1 is more expensive.
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'10 E63
I think both companies do a lot of their business in direct sales via phone or internet. Check out their websites (the Valentine link is in an earlier post and Escort's is www.escortstore.com) and see if they have a dealer in your area.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
R.Range wrote
I have been following the debate for over a year, since the Escort 8500 was introduced and you had to wait several months before you could get one. The V1 followers are a vocal die-heart bunch, just like the Zainos with their superior car finish.
In my experience, you get many more features with the 8500 - hear and see 6 bands simultaneously - light & sound intensity adjustments and a multitude of additional optional adjustments/settings.
The arrows on the V1 are a gimmick.
When I hear a signal on the 8500, I slow down. The 8500 tells you visually whether you are moving toward or away from the radar source. The V1 doesn't. The 8500 beats the V1 in laser sensitivity tests.
I have no vested interest in the 8500,- just a happy & fully satisfied customer!
Additionally, Escort offers an update option for an additional $30 for the 8500.
http://www.escortradar.com/8500.htm
...V1. It is, quite simply, the gold
In my experience, you get many more features with the 8500 - hear and see 6 bands simultaneously - light & sound intensity adjustments and a multitude of additional optional adjustments/settings.
The arrows on the V1 are a gimmick.
When I hear a signal on the 8500, I slow down. The 8500 tells you visually whether you are moving toward or away from the radar source. The V1 doesn't. The 8500 beats the V1 in laser sensitivity tests.
I have no vested interest in the 8500,- just a happy & fully satisfied customer!
Additionally, Escort offers an update option for an additional $30 for the 8500.
http://www.escortradar.com/8500.htm
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'10 E63
If you're happy with it that's really all that matters, but I have to ask if you've ever actually used a V1? I could be perfectly satisfied with a CLK320, especially if I'd never driven a 55. And yes, I use Zaino as well.
And yes, I use Zaino as well.
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From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
I examined/tried the V1 and ruled out ownership for above stated reasons.
A couple more points - Aesthetics:
The Escort 8500 sahara silver finish complements the light grey interior roof. The sleek design is "visually engraciating", very beautiful, sculptural while functional. It is a solid statement of form follows function: Simply great industrial design. All buttons/controls are easy to reach physically & visually.
The V1's black exterior belongs to the dark ages of design. The shape and appearance fit well into a jeep or humvie.
PS:
R.Range - forgive my enthusiasm for the 8500. I am sure you love your V1 as much.
As long as we stay out of traffic school, we are ok. So far I have managed. How about you?
Did not realize you are a Zaino user. No offense.
A couple more points - Aesthetics:
The Escort 8500 sahara silver finish complements the light grey interior roof. The sleek design is "visually engraciating", very beautiful, sculptural while functional. It is a solid statement of form follows function: Simply great industrial design. All buttons/controls are easy to reach physically & visually.
The V1's black exterior belongs to the dark ages of design. The shape and appearance fit well into a jeep or humvie.
PS:
R.Range - forgive my enthusiasm for the 8500. I am sure you love your V1 as much.
As long as we stay out of traffic school, we are ok. So far I have managed. How about you?
Did not realize you are a Zaino user. No offense.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Southern CA
Should it matter what the radar detector looks like, or even how the alerts function? I'd only buy one for one reason, to avoid tickets. To me, whichever has the longest range and greatest detection capabilities are my only concern.
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From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Mach 430 wrote
Good Product Design, - appearance, performance and function enhance the quality of our life.
That's why we are drive CLKs and not Cavaliers.
Should it matter what the radar detector looks like, or even how the alerts function?...
That's why we are drive CLKs and not Cavaliers.
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Thanks for replying everyone for the suggestions, but I just need to know where I can purchase them, I live in Orange County, California, any good place I can go to have it wired+installed? I appreciate your help.
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From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
http://www.escortradar.com/8500.htm
Again, if you decide to go with the Escort 8500.
this web site above has all the info.
You can order it via internet or call their 800 number. They'll tell you also about their auth. dealers in your area.
Good luck!
Again, if you decide to go with the Escort 8500.
this web site above has all the info.
You can order it via internet or call their 800 number. They'll tell you also about their auth. dealers in your area.
Good luck!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 500
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From: NYC
C32 AMG, C300 Sport
this is always the hottest debate
Its like owning a ford or a chevy. You like one or the other, and neither will cross the line. I believe the V1 is a great detector and am thinking about ordering one on trial. I have used Escort/Cincinnatti Mircrowave for about 20 years and they are great. I agree that the arrows on the V1 are gimmicks because if the alarm goes off, you slow down regardless of what direction its coming from. But I can also see how those that use it have gotten very used to the arrows and can not imagine having a detector without them. Which ever you get, you will be happy. But I still always love this debate no matter how many times I read them.
