OK I know the debates before V1 versus Passport. Have the V1 and love it but any experience with the 9500ix? TIA!!

 

I have the unit and it seems to be working but I have no direct comparison. The only thing I liked about the V was the arrow directions but the custom installed feature was what I wanted. The installer used the card holder below the AC unit in front of the gear shifter and placed both units there and it looks sweet. The custom installed unit is expensive but I hate the units hanging from the windshield.

 

Do you have any photos you can post or email me? Thanks.

 

I've used the V-1 for years. I installed the Passport SRX in the turbo along with the V-1 (belt and suspenders). Because of the different mounting locations they sometimes don't pick up a signal at the same time or one will pick up a signal that the other doesn't.

Now I have the new 9500ci with the GPS feature installed, again with the V-1 hardwired just to right of the mirror. The 9500ci is mounted in the little space in front of the shifter and the control button is mounted just to the left of the PCM up high. No holes were drilled. These are the same mounting locations I had for the SRX (which is now installed in my Audi A3 with another V-1). The one problem, if you could call it that, is the display is hard to read. This wasn't so much of a problem with the SRX, but the 9500ci displays a lot more information, which can prove useful. The mute button now has several functions (actually 5 buttons) and it is hidden behind the steering wheel. This will work out as I become familiar with the button functions.

I offer these remarks for your consideration when mounting your unit.

As before the V-1 seems to be much more sensitive and has a longer range, but the constant in city beeping can be annoying to the first time user. The 9500ci GPS feature is very handy, however I haven't figured out how to delete a single "marked location" without deleting all "marked locations".

This a subject that can be discussed ad infinitum so, if you like, PM me with a phone number and I'd be happy to call you and we can talk about it.

Larry

WARNING! If you have both the Passport and the V-1 and they both go off at the same time it will definitely scare the crap out of you.

 

I have the 9500ci (pretty invisible) which I'm happy with and it's saved me lots of tickets. The down side is that it is not as sensitive re range (warning time) as some other units. But more sensitivity = more false alerts. It's a compromise. If you get an alert with the 9500ci, you just have to take it seriously right away. False alerts are minimal and it learns quickly to block most of them. I installed the display in my glove box - too much info for daily use as you only need the display for adjusting function settings.

 

Could never switch to an inferior unit just because it's better looking or has more features. Just doesn't seem logical. I've gotten to know where the regular false signals are and they don't surprise me when they initiate a warning.
V1 is the best and has saved me countless times while friends with other units were warned a little too late, continued at speed and busted. When rolling anywhere near/into triple digits, range and response time is key!
HOWEVER ... I'd love to see that install. Please post pict's or send them to me PM.
Thanks for sharing those installs, it's something I'd love to do as i too hate the windshield/dash/visor mount on the 997. On my old 996 it was perfect on the dashboard with medical Velcro for easy mount/dismount.

 

Valentine desperately needs a custom install option, not their lousy remote system which still requires that big box on the visor or dash.