I will be getting an Acura TL in July and took it for a test drive a few weeks ago. One thing that I did notice was the limited view when backing up. So the instant answer was backup sensors. However, I saw a post recently that stated that a backup camera can be installed for $700 including labor. That price is very close if not the same as an Acura dealship installing the sensors. It would be nice if Acura dealerships offered the camera option instead of the backup sensor, this way it would still be warrentied, at least I think

So what do you guys think? I think the camera is just "cooler" then the sensors, obviously I would be getting navi. Thanks.

Hank

 

Go with the Camera.

 

definetly camera

 

i would go with the camera, not just cause it looks cooler but is probably a little more effective since you get to see exactly how much room you have. the sensors will give you a good idea depending on how they are beeping but nothing beats a visual.

 

Camera would be my choice.

 

i plan on getting a camera eventually...it's much better than the sensors imo...

 

the sensors work well. The noise can be annoying at times, but they've worked well for me.

One nice feature of the sensors is they warn you immediately when you're in reverse you get an immediate sound warning if someone steps or something moves suddenly behind you.

 

THIS CAR JUST ISN'T THAT BIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you must get anything at least the camera is a high tech toy. No self respecting car guy has backup sensors. If you have little kids you know to walk around the car before taking off...if you need them to parallel park, then you probably got your license in a cracker-jack box. Face it, 80 year-old retired guys have them on their de ville's.


I've said it before and I'll say it again ....WHAT'S BEHIND YOU IS NOT IMPORTANT..... In fact I may tear off my rear view mirror.


....and before you ask YEA I DID HAVE ONE OF THOSE DAYS

 

IMO, if they could hide the camera well, I'll go for it...

 

Cam is cooler, go with that, as long as its not ugly.

 

CAMERA

and you can use it when driving too, on freeway, see whos in ur blindspot

 

IMO the sensor works much better. Think about it. It's hard to see both: camera + mirrors in the same time. With the sensor, you can still see your mirrors while you backing up. Also, with the camera, you probably won't hit any object behind you but objects next to you.

 

lol. I never thought of immediately behind you being called your "blindspot", but I guess it's true.

Honestly though, I don't think a backup camera would cover the blindspots that most people think of (to the side and just behind your outside mirrors). I could be wrong though since I've never seen one mounted on a sedan before...

 

My vote is for the sensors as I haven't hit anything in 17 months. With the camera you have to look and guess. With the sensors you can have your eyes closed and still know if you are getting close to anything behind OR beside you.

 

The simple POLL should be helpful...

 

im getting both. ive had the sensors on my escalade--and they were a HUGE help--but the big thing is parking in the dark. you are going to have limited visability to rely on the camera--its nice to have those backup sensors there, well as backup

 

Parking in the dark, good point. Do reverse lights help that much, if not would brightening them? You could also probably get a color+night vision camera, they are usually no more then 200. Camera is cooler, if the back up sensors told you the difference on the other hand...

 

Well now I am confused

 

difference should be distance

 

agreed, and thats what the camera doesnt give you. but when the sensors go off you know EXACTLY how far you are away from something. In all the times backing up, the sensors have only failed me once......

 

Can someone provide more info on a camera option such as:

What is required?
Can I do it myself?
Aftermarket places that sell components?
Where is the camera placed? (pics)

 

Poll is up now...

 

Camera option. Here is one I found. Do not have it though. The camera is in the licence plate cover and hooks into your NAVI display
http://www.avelectronic.com/NavigationVid-Switcher.htm

 

camera

 

I did one like that on MY TL. i love it. Kills the huge blind spot when backing up. you do have to cut the metal trim piece some to get it to fit right though

D.