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  1. #1

    Default Inherited an 8500, still good?

    Hey guys,

    Complete newbie here, so apologies if these are stupid questions.

    I managed to find a complete 8500 (the original, not the X50) that my dad used to use in my parents house. I tested it on a few trips and it definitely works!

    However, I know this detector is pretty old now. How useful is it compared to the current crop of RDs? I know this is a pricey past-time, so is it worth it to consider a trade-in/upgrade?

    I've also heard that old detectors can be updated with more recent software, is there any truth to this for the 8500?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Newcomer
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    Jun 2009
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    Default Re: Inherited an 8500, still good?

    I got a handmedown 8500 a few years back too. You may think it's working fine and it may be, but I'd spend $80 and ship it to Escort and get a tune up. It should serve you well.

  3. #3
    Lead Foot
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    Jul 2009
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    497

    Default Re: Inherited an 8500, still good?

    I have a refurb 8500 and it does a very good job. It still holds its own very well. imo.

    Hopefully the Escort rep will chime in, but I don't believe you can upgrade a regular 8500.
    Last edited by nosbusa; 07-21-2010 at 08:25 PM.

  4. #4
    Professional
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    Default Re: Inherited an 8500, still good?

    I think the fact that a lot of experienced people on this forum still keep & use the 8500 as a backup speaks volumes.

    I bought one of the refurb 8500 S7s prior to my V1 and was very impressed with the sensitivity of it, especially on k-band compared to the Whistler XTR-695 I was using.

    I note your location is Tuscaloosa, AL, and understand they use a lot of I/O k-band, so the 8500 will serve you very well!

  5. #5
    Radar Fanatic
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    Sep 2007
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    Default Re: Inherited an 8500, still good?

    I would send it in for 60 dollar refurb. At least do a full reset on it. Turn it off. Hold down all 3 buttons and turn it on while holding them down. Like rebooting your PC.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Inherited an 8500, still good?

    how much is it really for a check up on this? I've called Escort and they said it was $120.00, and everyone on here is talking 60 bucks. What gives?

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Inherited an 8500, still good?

    Quote Originally Posted by Andrew21 View Post
    how much is it really for a check up on this? I've called Escort and they said it was $120.00, and everyone on here is talking 60 bucks. What gives?
    the 60 is for the 8500x50 but I beleive the checkup for the 8500 should be 80 unless they've changed something. hop over the the escortradarforum and pm the user "EscortRadar" or wait for him to reply here, he can't get PMs on this forum.

  8. #8
    Power User
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    Default Re: Inherited an 8500, still good?

    Quote Originally Posted by Andrew21 View Post
    how much is it really for a check up on this? I've called Escort and they said it was $120.00, and everyone on here is talking 60 bucks. What gives?
    $120 for a tune??? I would sell it on eBay and buy a $150 refurbished Escort 8500 from Escort's eBay store. As long as it sells for more than $30, you will save money.

  9. #9
    Manufacturer
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    Jun 2009
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    998

    Default Re: Inherited an 8500, still good?

    The repair fee for an original 8500 (not the newer X50) is $79.95 unless there is extensive damage due to mis-use or moisture damage. I do not know why you were quoted $120.

    The Passport 8500 is an excellent detector.


    Escort Radar customer service is available from 8am-6pm Eastern Time Mon-Fri at 1-800-543-1608

 

 

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