Has anybody using a radar detector inside of their ES350? I really don't want any hanging cords in the car, so just curious what do you guys use and how do you manager the power cord? I just start doing on-line research and found a few cordless battery operated radar detectors. Anybody using one of those?

 

If you are serious about radar detection, then you have to go Valentine1. I use it in my ES350 all the time. I plug it into the cigarette lighter socket when I use it, and the spiral cord reaches up nicely to the middle of the front glass where I mount it. There isn't any loosness or flapping of the cable at all.

I don't use it when driving around the city as there really is no need, but always use it on the highway. The V1 has saved me so many times from speed traps. The V1 isn't the smallest detector and isn't cordless, but if you want radar detection then look no further. It fits nicely into the front armrest console or glovebox when not in use.

 

Of course I heard of V1, a number of my friends use it. But, at $400 I can't really justify it, and I will have to keep it hidden in armrest when parked. I have been using for many years my Whistler which is 5 years old and it never let me down on "mean roads of Jersey" But with all these cables, I was looking for a cleaner setup. I'm kind of looking into Whistler DE 1788 cordless radar detector with that new POP detection.

BTW, where did you mount your V1, on top of dashboard or windshield?

 

Hardwire it yourself or take it to a reputable shop and get it hardwired, I have mine right behind my rear view mirror and even if i do get pulled over the cop cant see it. The best is Passport 8500 x50. I have owned both V1 and Passport.

 

My V1 is mounted on the glass using the suction cups. I'd investigate having it permanently wired into the electrical system but I"m too scared to let some installation shop start pulling apart my Lexus at this point.

 

wonder if you can still find non-X50 escort passport 8500s, since the X50s are 300, then non-X50 would be cheaper. I think both escort and V1 have hardwiring kits

 

For those who want complete protection, including from laser guns, I highly recommend the passport SR7 remote laser and radar detector. I had this system on my last 2005 ES 330, and transferred it to my new ES 350.

It's not inexpensive, but provides almost complete protection, with the exception of instant on radar, and photo radar. The laser protection results from the system shifting the laser signal so that there is no reading available on the laser gun. You quickly slow down, tap a remote button on your steering column twice, which turns off the laser shifter, and the laser gun can now get a reading. In most states this is not illegal as it doesn't send a false reading to the laser gun, just prevents the gun from getting a reading while it's activated.

There are many online reviews of this system, which verify its effectiveness. I can personally verify that it has worked for me on numerous occasions. With the optional speaker component. It will tell you exactly what radar (X,K,Ka) you are being hit with verbally. The front two laser shifter's and radar detector are completely hidden behind your front bumper. The rear laser shifter is attached to the top of your rear license plate with the same screws used by the plate. While you know it's there, it really doesn't attract attention. This is a hard wire remote system that needs to be professionally installed to opperate correctly.

Anyway, for those that want the best protection and are willing to spend the money for it, I believe this is the best system available on the market today.

 

I have the X50 and I beleive radar detector is not the place to cut corners. Police are using more and mpre laser and more advanced radar you got use a better radar system/. The X50 is wonderful.

 

I'm not too crazy about hardwiring it either. You will really have to run wires/cables unde the "skin" of the car to get to the power source. For those who had wired systems and cable running to the cigarette lighter, wouldn't that mean that ashtray have to stay open all the time? The more reading I do on-line. the more I see how close a lot of these radars in performance. What really sets them apart is quality of filtering false alarms (which actually shows V1 as mediocre) and the detection distance of up to 5 miles ahead (which shows V1 as a leader, but others falling 1-2 miles behind in early detection). That could make a big difference when you are on a highway/express way with not a lot of traffic and need faster response for radar detection....

So, I'm still leaning more toward a fully wireless Whistler 1788 which actually the only wireless that runs on 4 AA/rechargeables which gives enough power to detect every other radar/laser. If I decide to get it, will share my experience here with everybody. Cause, nothing can beat a clean look without any cables running through the car...

 

I currently have an Next Gen V1 hard wired to the upper center console on my 03 ES300.
Fairly easy job and to be safe you can take the fuse out first that powers that area. I intend to do the same with my new ES 350 when it gets here (This friday perhaps? )
I'll see how that goes.

 

Just want to chime in. I have a V1 and it is not hardwired. I bought a std 25 foot long RJ11 cord from Lowes (colored gray to match with my light gray interior). I then routed the cord around the windshield, exiting to the side and going to the center console. All I see now is the wire going into the center console. This is the closest I can get to hiding the wire connection without hardwiring it. Now if I can just drill a hole in that center console. Photos to follow.

 

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