Need advices on parking sensors

[Grace]

Originally Posted by Flat Black VW

Since we technically do these as aftermarket systems, although we do them on mostly brand new cars for dealerships who add them as a factory option for the customer for financing, none of ours come with drill hole positions or templates, we simply measure them out and mark the spots before drilling.

I would definitely not consider the FR-S a difficult car. There is plenty of room behind the bumper and running wires through this car is cake. What I consider a difficult car and would have to upcharge for would be a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mclaren, Ect. These are cars where I must run wires past an engine, they have minimal room behind the bumpers, and panels inside the car are a PITA to take apart properly. Even with these difficulties it simply takes more time and I still would only be at around $600 to install rear sensors on these cars.

Thank you very much!
I am feeling very well informed =]

[Grace]

Originally Posted by sesmls

I just bought ordered one of these to warn me of impending doom to the lower front of my car:
http://www.southerncarparts.com/curb-alert-p-3474.html

They make a version with a smaller sensor for $259.00 or this one for $159.00

I haven't seen this before.

But, how is this different from a parking sensor?

Curb feelers?... no thanks... the car will look handicapped.

[Bairex]

I have installed the ultrasonic type on my Mazda. I will on the BRZ once I get it. The sensors have saved me from being hit and from hitting others backing out of a parking lot.

Furthermore, I can't count the number of time that small kids on a parking lot, barely tall enough to be seen thru the rear windshield have crossed behind my car and the sensors have detected them.

Yes, I had to drill. You have to be very careful, you only have one shot at this. Where you locate them will also affect how they perform.
I got mine from this place: http://www.carsensors.com/Home.html . They sell them painted to match the bumper.

[sesmls]

Originally Posted by Grace

I haven't seen this before.

But, how is this different from a parking sensor?

Curb feelers?... no thanks... the car will look handicapped.

This is a parking sensor, but doesn't require drilling holes in your bumper...the sensor mounts with adhesive (or however else you want to mount it) behind the grille, low to the ground. You set the angle of the sensor and it gives you a warning (which can be muted) when the front of your car gets too close to a curb or post.

[poudre]

Originally Posted by jcs

I'll save you some money:
http://www.thehotrodgirl.com/curbfeelers.html

[Alfalasy]

Originally Posted by sesmls

I just bought ordered one of these to warn me of impending doom to the lower front of my car:
http://www.southerncarparts.com/curb-alert-p-3474.html

They make a version with a smaller sensor for $259.00 or this one for $159.00

I find this very useful especially with an extended lowered front lip

[Demandred7]

I was going to say back up camera, but, really, the car is so small how do you need sensors to park? Maybe it is the fact that my dad really engrained into me to know the size of the vehicle that I am driving, but honestly, the FR-S is one of the easiest cars to park that I have ever owned. No disrespect.

[Ryuu0u]

I'd say save your money and just be more attentive. Like others said this car fairly small. Most parking spaces I have almost 6in-1foot on each side and parallel parking I can fit in quite comfortably. Just use your judgement and you'll be fine.

[Stryker]

The $1,000 figure is cheap, sort of.

If you want to get the OEM Park assist that is available in Australia, for the parts (uninstalled) you're looking at ~950 USD. Plus you would need to get it shipped. This is the price for front and rear, but honestly...just get a back up camera and be done. This car is not hard to park from what I've experienced (test driven it twice).

[zaptorque]

I have some parking sensors....they're called my eyes.

[root]

Well, I just backed into the end of a chainlink fence with the right rear corner. Was pretty sickened when I heard it. I'm still not used to the additional width of the FR-S I guess. Should have moved the sideview mirror, but it was night in a poorly light spot so probably wouldn't have helped much. Oh well, first major scratch. A lot of it buffed out and it was all on the plastic so no dent damage. I'm going to live with it, not worth going to paint shop for.
The FRS like lots of cars nowadays has pretty high rear deck so I can see some value in sensors.
But you have to wonder when you see Smart cars with backup sensors, these people would need backup sensors on their butts!

[mrlewistan]

might i suggest a rearview camera? most mount just on your licesnse plate frame. Plus good excuse to get an aftermarket headunit. Some headunits even offer two channel camera inputs so you can mount a tiny cam up front too

[FRiSson]

Rear view license plate cam (bluetooth or not) is a better deal.