to buy new or used? thoughts please?

[steeltag]

Hello all, this is my first posting. I've had a v1 since 1993!~ it was stolen recently, started reading about newest radars just b/c even though I intended to get a v1. Read about 9500ix Passport being so good, so I bought one....only b/c I could return it if I didn't like it...gave me a chance to try it out. Well, it was good and all, but like everyone says, I miss the arrows!!! I returned and going to buy another v1 now.

Here is the question: I've read some reviews where the v1's had different software or firmware or something.....3.864 vs 3.871 etc and the higher the #'s the better it performed. So, I called Valentine to inquire....all they would say is they have the latest software and they only sell 1 version. IF thats true, how are guys finding their units have different ( engineering updates I supposed they'd be called) versions?

I'm asking b/c I'm considering buying used ones vs new from v1 site. Any thoughts out there on what I should do....cheaper $ vs brand new?

ps I found one locally for sale....but he wanted $380, new in Feb/2010. He wants too much in my mind, why would someone buy s USED one for $19 less than a new one with full factory warranty (plus $11 shipping)? I don't get it, you've got to offer a reason to buy used for a prospective buyer....am I off on this thought?

thanks so much, love to see this forum....I"m reading up on it....didn't have a clue that I could have programmed my v1 all these years to do different things...wow

[radarrob]

Welcome.

[milkman]

Welcome! If you are looking for a used or refurb V1, then the only place that I would buy is from Valentine Research. I have a 3.872 this is the newest version. They say that the 3.813 is the best version made. Go to GOL(Guys of Lidar) and look at there tests results for V1's.

[Woodscolby]

Welcome to the forum.
There has been a long going argument that the older V1s 3.812 and 3.813 perform slightly better than the 3.872. These are the Pre-Pop versions on the V1. You can only get the 3.812 and 3.813 used and most of the time they will need to be tuned due to their age. It is up to you which version you pick. Unless you are a hardcore enthusiast like a lot of us are, you probably won't notice a difference.

[dpatel01]

The market for used V1s commands high prices and once they are tuned or upgraded, the price often puts you in the same ballpark of a new V1. If you want to save 10%, call them up and ask for a returned unit. You also have to be sure the V1 you get in the used market is not stolen, else it won't be serviced.

[steeltag]

Thanks so much guys. How would I determine which version a v1 has if I can't touch it( like on ebay)? I know about the stolen ones, v1 told me that I could call them with a potential serial number for verification of stolen or not. When mine was stolen, I called them and gave them my serial number for the same purpose.

Any idea how 'old' the 3.812 or .813 versions are?
I had no idea you might could ask for a returned unit for savings. hmmmmm

[OldGoat]

Welcome to the Forum

Risking your driving-record to save $50-80 on a sophisticated piece of electronics isn't really 'economy'.
For what a V-1 does, $400 is already a bargain. The 'returns' are a steal.
You loved your old V-1, support the process and buy from Valentine Research

[category4]

New, unless you know who you are buying it from.

[GreenRadar]

only buy used if you are buying direct from the factory, but remember your warranty will not be as long as if you bought new

[dpatel01]

only buy used if you are buying direct from the factory, but remember your warranty will not be as long as if you bought new

Returned V1s carry the same warranty, 1 year. These units aren't very used, they've been in service less than a month so its almost new.