Hello all i had a couple of questions for you all if you can help it would be great. First of all i have decided to purchase a radar detector for my TL for i drive long distances a 5 times a month. At this time i am usually speeding going from about 85 to 95 at a 65 zone and feel if i keep this up i ll probably get a ticket. Anyhow to try to prevent this i decided to get the V1 which seems like the best if i am wrong let me know. here are my questions

1. anyone have a hardwire install (DIY) for the 2003 style TL and how hard is it for someone that does not have the experience.

2. will the detector work fine if i leave it in the cupholder or something so the wire isnt everywhere until i hardwire it. or does it have to be up against the window for it to work properly.

3. is the V1 worth while i am going to be paying about $400 bucks for it and if you all know if the newer valentine is comming out.


2003 Satin Silver TL-S
35% tint all around
63,000 miles
Everything else bone stock

 

Line of sight, my friend. Very simple physics. If the radar detector isn't in the line of the radar signal, then it won't pick it up. Valentine1 recommends mounting it as high as possible on the windshield for maximum protection and early warning.

It's worth every penny and then some.

It's easy to run the wires. The A-pillar cover pops right off, and you can run the wire along the headliner. Slip the wire through between the dashboard and the frame, and tuck the hardwire kit (supplied) inside the dashboard where the fusebox is. Hardwire, and you're done. This may sound vague, but it's really that simple. It's been a long time since I did mine (along with the concealed display), but it's not that hard at all.

Run a search, too. Search helps.

 

Ditto to everything Pure Adrenaline said.
It's worth the money if you're slightly fracturing the speedlimit. I got tagged at 80 or 85 in a 65 and slapped with like a $280 fine over a year ago . Naturally this was before I bought my 8500. After I got it, it saved me a handful of times. I went with the 8500 since I had a bunch of bestbuy gift cards. I think it was pretty much free for me.

With driving like yours, I'd get it sooner than later. Remember that you can't rely on them 100%. They're to be used in conjuction with your eyes and reflexes.

 

Absolutely...and radars ONLY pick up signals that are transmitted...I hate how passengers in my car go "hey, there's a cop, why didn't your radar go off?"

Best radar is still your eyes, and your braking foot.

 

Thanks for the post j76, I was just thinking about doing the same thing with my 8500. The hardwired kit.

However, i've had different results with my 8500. I've picked up constant Ka band from over a mile away. particularly (if any baltimore people are reading, coming down 695 towards glen burnie right before you get to the 10 south exit. I remember the first time that I saw it go off I almost thought that It wasn't true until I went around another bend and there was the cop sitting in the opposite direction targeting. After that, I definitely felt like, "you get what you pay for". and my other choice would have been the Valentine 1.

 

yeah...never heard that one before...lol
also get the "what a great gas station finder you have"

If you have certain routes that you regularly take, you know what's what after a while. I pick up piggies on the clearview once in a while.

 

like the others said. line of sight.

and as for if the V1 is good, yes as is the 8500. i have both and both are great. i prefer the 8500 over the V1. you wont go wrong with either