Hey, im gunna ask for a radar detector for christmas, im just wondering, does it have to be a brand new one? do they get out dated and dont work anymore? Im asking because i was going to look for a used one, but if older ones arnt effective then ill get a new one.

And do i need to get a really expensive one or is a 100$ one OK?


And, i was just wondering what rpm gauges are really for, my 89 iroc 5 spd has one built into the stock gauge area, so is it pointless to get one that comes with a shift light?

I see lots of cars with stock rpm gauges, that also have the after market ones.

 

radar detectors are kind of outdated as not many agencies use them. most are using laser, vascar, and other timing devices. now there is one out there than can pick up the most used one, its from a company called valentine, and they will pay your speeding ticket if you get one while using their product. its like $400 or more though. and as far as an aftermarket tach, is there anything wrong with the factory one? if not, dont bother replacing it.

 

If you get a radar detector, make sure you get one that picks up laser and pop up laser, these are the most used (Besides K and Ka band.) Even then it's usually too late.

 

I have an Escort 8500 radar detector, it was top of the line when I bought it back in 04 or 05 but now occasionally it will pick up a false reading from my windshield washer or from the throttle and will read laser.

You really need to know what is used in your town most. Where I live at the cops don't run laser, its all Ka. If your town runs laser a radar detector is pretty much a waste because it will pick up the laser at the same time the laser hits your car and your already had.

 

I have an older one in the Vette, but I don't use it to speed (it came built in with the car). The thing you have to realize is that a radar detector can save your **** if you can pick up a signal that a cop is shooting to someone else. If you're the target, once you're hit with a radar pulse, it's too late, you're toast! He's got you before you even know he does. Flying solo at the speed of sound is just asking for a ticket. You need to either travel in packs and stay in the middle, or use the "rabbit" method where you wait for someone to cruise past you, then pace him about a half mile ahead of you. But still keep a watchful eye in the rear view mirror. Radar detectors just give drivers a false sense of security.
And by no means is this an instructional on how to speed. I would never do such a thing!

 

Best way to avoid a speeding ticket is not to break the speed limit.

It's the law, it's there for a reason, and once you get into the habit of following the limit all the time, it's a hell of a lot easier.

 

It's the law? I thought it was a "guideline".
Many people treat speed limits as merely a suggestion, then get pissed at the cop when they get caught. And frankly, pokey drivers can sometimes be more of a menace (and frustration) than fast drivers can be. I know some cops around here will let the speed limit slide a bit if that's what the "herd" is traveling, on the expressway that is. I've even had cops go past me when I'm going almost ten over. I'll bet they were probably just racing to Dunkin Donuts to get a fresh batch!

 

I got my license suspended for a month awhile back- too many speeding tickets. The last one was for going 102 km/h in a 70 zone (that's about 65 mph in a 45 zone)

And I was driving with no insurance at the time. I didn't get a ticket for that, which was very lucky. After that, since I NEED to drive in order to get to and from either of my jobs, I decided I'd just not speed until I got my license back.

Once I did, the habit'd formed, and I've found it's now actually harder for me to break the limit than it is to follow it. Nowadays I mostly stick to the right-hand lane and let everyone pass me. Yes, people get annoyed with me and I've nearly had my back bumper taken off a few times, but I am doing what's right and saving myself worry and money for doing it.

And if anyone ever does decide they need to smack into me, they will be at fault and liable for the damage.

And hey- I get better gas mileage too. I've gotten 40 mpg out of the Cobalt before, and it's only rated at 22 city, 31 highway.

 

i have to speed i formed a habit as soon as i got my camaro and now i cant stop (and i dont gots a speedo

 

well its kinda hard to go the speed limit with a 5.7l and a 5speed.. i would of baught a corolla if i wanted to drive like a snail.