So I've decided I finally need to replace my old Escort Solo. I've had it since 2001 and it's been a great unit! I'd really like to replace it with a new solo, but I don't want to spend $250-300 for a new one. I'm looking for some options under $100...preferably cordless.

 

Wish i could help ya. Any one i ever had that was cheap went off for every darn thing on the road. Hispitals, bridges. Got so annoying i yanked it off the window.

 

They are illegal in some states (mine & my neighbors). Try the EbAY, or Craigslist.

 

I have a cobra, very similar to this onehttps://www.cobra.com/detail/xrs-944...oice-alert.cfm. It was like $90 if I remember correctly. Ive only had two radar detectors my entire life, and I can tell you this one was A MILLION times better than the first one I owned. it always seemed like i seen the cop and then it went off with the older one...this cobra is pretty good. mine is a 13 band. almost all the same options as this one. city/highway modes. picks up very weak signals from miles away. BUT. like i said, i have not had many so somebody else may have a better recommendation for you. but cobra has always been there for me.

oh and it has a cord.

 

Can't help you in that price range Brandon, But my Passport 8500x50 has been a good unit. Mines hardwired in. But I still have the coiled cord if I ever need to put it in another vehicle. I also like the remote head unit in the dash.

 

VALENTINE ONE or nothing......I got one for sale....

 

I just purchased a Passport 8500X50 (blue display) "black version" from EBay for $274.00 and free shipping. I also have the old "gray version" Passport 8500 with blue display purchased around 2002 which still works fine. These detectors have saved me $$$ many times.

"Featuring 360-degree radar and laser detection, the Escort Passport 8500 radar detector lets you be aware of your speed on the road. Thanks to its AutoSensitivity mode, this Escort radar detector automatically minimizes false alarms. Moreover, the Escort Passport 8500 has the sensitivity required to detect even low-frequency Pop radar. This Escort radar detector delivers warnings at preprogrammed volume levels that enable you to easily discern threats."

 

The last one I had was a Whistler XTR-330. I don't think they make that model any more, but similar units are available online for under $100. You have to be careful with cheap detectors. Some are worse than worthless. But I did quite a bit of research before I bought that one and it did well in real world testing. I was very happy with it. It was easily as sensitive as the more expensive units I've owned.

I always felt naked without a detector in my MINI Cooper S, but somehow haven't felt the need in my HHR.

 

V1 is only good for range ..do the research...corners obsticles..not so good, and costly. The B.E.Ls and the Escorts are virtually the same ( different cases),,BEL is cheaper. Both owned by same company. Google it..lots of good info,,one site even has a chart to "match" u with the best detector for your particular use. They are 'not' all the same and u get what u pay for. I have an RX 65, (2nd one) since they came out and more then a dozen times paid for themselves ( save the speed comments...only one driver can drive at a time). Current one is 7 years old and has never failed me..was surprised one day when it was being persistant only to find it was regestering a cop over 2 mile away..Only time it wont work is when the use POP radar...and no other units work there either so....Research http://www.radartest.com/

 

Same with laser. Laser has to be used stationary and is very popular with motorcycle officers. By the time you get a laser indication it's too late. I've never gotten a ticket while using a detector, but when it comes to laser, it's just because I don't speed in the high traffic areas where it's used.