Plans to update my radar have changed. For now...

[ejames7]

I was planning on getting an X50 this summer by either trading it to Escort for $80 discount or selling it locally and using that towards a new one.

Unfortunetly I can no longer stand my crappy faded window tint so I think I am going to spend the money on that. I got my BMWs windows tinted 3 years ago but the crap tint has faded and the "20%" they put on now looks like 40+. I'm going on Tues to have the shop look at it and get an idea of whats going on. Most likely I'll remove most of the old tint myself to save on that part of it.

Anyway, I have seen posts about sending an older 8500 in for a tune-up? Would it be possible or worth it to do that or should I keep what I have and wait until down the road and upgrade then?

Thanks,

[CJR238]

I was planning on getting an X50 this summer by either trading it to Escort for $80 discount or selling it locally and using that towards a new one.

Unfortunetly I can no longer stand my crappy faded window tint so I think I am going to spend the money on that. I got my BMWs windows tinted 3 years ago but the crap tint has faded and the "20%" they put on now looks like 40+. I'm going on Tues to have the shop look at it and get an idea of whats going on. Most likely I'll remove most of the old tint myself to save on that part of it.

Anyway, I have seen posts about sending an older 8500 in for a tune-up? Would it be possible or worth it to do that or should I keep what I have and wait until down the road and upgrade then?

Thanks,

I did it with my old 8500 and it works just fine now, but mine was having issues and the horn was replaced $80. If yours is not just leave it. Or if you can get Escort to do it for $40.

[ejames7]

What if I send it in for the off button being broken. Will they update software or anything like that? I thought I read about that...

[karl56]

Send it it stating the needed off switch repair and ask for sensitivity check/tune.

I sent my old 8500 in a few weeks back and they only charged me $40. Just send it in its original case without cord or mounting bracket and they will send all new also.

The 8500, while old in years, can still hold its own with Ka.

[ejames7]

Thanks for the info. Did you have to buy it from them or do they care? All I have is the unit and the cord but wouldnt mind that OFF button getting fixed. That way I dont have to keep pulling it in and out of the ciggy.

[karl56]

Thanks for the info. Did you have to buy it from them or do they care? All I have is the unit and the cord but wouldnt mind that OFF button getting fixed. That way I dont have to keep pulling it in and out of the ciggy.

I was the orignal owner of mine; maybe that is why they gave me a good deal on the repair. It had also been repaired back in 06 for same thing, so maybe they felt guilty :roll: and gave me the $40 repair charge instead of $80.

They will repair yours without being the original owner.

[ejames7]

Oh ok. I'll give them a shout this week. I guess email first then a telephone call later on. Thx again, guys!

[focalcivic]

Oh ok. I'll give them a shout this week. I guess email first then a telephone call later on. Thx again, guys!

Typically call them first to get an idea of cost. It is worth it, in some cases the unit is like new again. By the way is yours an X50?

For a cheap detector I would not waste the money, but an 8500 it would be worth it.

[amoney]

Dam that has to be some cheap tint to fade like that. Otherwise I would not pull tint off unless it was bubbleing up.

The 8500 is a great detector, and only does not have POP, so unless your going all out for an upgrade to a V1 or 9500, I would say save your money.

Send it in only if you feel performance is not up to snuff, when was the last time you had a long range alert on K and Ka. Tune up for peice of mind.

[ejames7]

Nahh, just a 8500. He said it was bought in 2001. Thats why I was thinking maybe I should send it in and see what it does. I will definetly give them a call this week.

I just think it may be kinda weak at the moment. The other night I saw a cop had pulled someone over right before my exit. It was a mild left turn when I saw the lights and about 3-4 secs later the RD started saying Ka as I was about 80 yds away. I guess its not bad when he was pointng the direction I was traveling and not aiming my way at all.

Friday night I took a different way home and at a light had some fun with a 3er and took off and beat him and when I got to 45 (PSL was 40) I abruprtly let off the gas and slowed to 40 and he kinda went by and I say was doing 50-52. When I reached the top of the hill I got over to get on the highway and Ka goes to about three bars and I didnt even look where he was but my guess is under the bridge I was avoiding by getting on the highway. I would of thought it gone off sooner but who knows.

For the tint, I am not sure. I mean in sunlight I see right through it. I was told it was 20% (thast what I had them put on) when I had it done but I dont believe it. It was lighter than I wanted when I picked it up but thought it was all the bubbles that you get from having it done.

We'll see! I'm going to call Escort later this week and see what they say. Will report back!