Need advices on parking sensors

[Grace]

I know I am sounding like a noob, but when I was test driving the FR-S, I found that the visibility wasn't that great...
I know FR-S is a small car but I want to baby it a little while I am getting used to the car.
I haven't got my car yet, but I am considering to install some parking sensors (possibly front and rear).
But I bargained a little, my dealer is offering me both front and rear parking sensors for around $1000, sounded like I still getting ripped off.
Also, the sensors they will be putting in are ultrasonic sensors which requires drilling... I am kind of reluctant to drill holes on my brand new 86.

I have done some researches and found that there is a electromagnetic sensor which doesn't require drilling. Anyone has any experiences on that?
Any DIY advices?

Would love to hear some opinion on this matter?

[Rossman]

http://www.antilaser.ca/

It's a parking sensor, I swear, officer!

j/k

[Grace]

Originally Posted by Rossman

http://www.antilaser.ca/

It's a parking sensor, I swear, officer!

j/k

haha Interesting find =]

Any serious advices?

[chulooz]

Pony up the bills if you are afraid to park... no whining allowed. :happy0180:

[Rossman]

I just searched Consumer Reports and they don't have any "Ratings" for sensors but they do have an overview article which makes most systems sound pretty lackluster, as most of them appear to require drilling

Hopefully someone else here will have some better information.

[Flat Black VW]

any decent system will need drilling. I have installed the no drill ones and they are always shitty and/or break/fall off easily.

$1000 is definitely very pricey. I work at a fairly expensive car audio shop and I only charge $450 for 4 rear sensors painted to match the vehicle and $250 for 2 fronts. if you do both its only $600. These are the prices I hold when installing on porsche/maserati/land rovers/bmw ect., so if they say its a premium for a difficult car they are just trying to take your money.

[Grace]

Originally Posted by Flat Black VW

any decent system will need drilling. I have installed the no drill ones and they are always shitty and/or break/fall off easily.

$1000 is definitely very pricey. I work at a fairly expensive car audio shop and I only charge $450 for 4 rear sensors painted to match the vehicle and $250 for 2 fronts. if you do both its only $600. These are the prices I hold when installing on porsche/maserati/land rovers/bmw ect., so if they say its a premium for a difficult car they are just trying to take your money.

Thank you for your advice!!
It is nice to hear from someone who has experience using both.
When I was doing some research online, I noticed that Audi uses the non-drill solution, which is very tempting not having to damage the bumper. A little bit of me is resisting from drilling holes on a brand new car.

It sounded like I am getting robbed by my dealer. I will definitely have to look for solution elsewhere.
Would FR-S be considered a "difficult car"? Does Toyota provide drill hole positions? Hole drilling is not something I can afford to mess up

[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.

[Turbowned]

I wouldn't waste the money. My car has parking sensors and I never use them. The car has less outward visibility than the FR-S and is a lot bigger, too.

[Bonburner]

I'd consider them for the rear - not used to reverse parking yet :/

[Fenrir]

The car is tiny, if you need sensors to help you park.... You're probably not buying the right car.

Getting a gimmick to overcompensate instead of actually learning the proper way is one of the reasons drivers are continuing to worsen.

[DIE1000DEATHS]

Get added value and install an in-dash screen with back-up cam... Audio upgrade and parking assist!

[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

[jcs]

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