Parking/reverse sensors.. Got 'em?

[islandboy57]

I see more and more cars lately with them installed - and come to think of it, either I only notice Toyotas (ha ha) or the Toyota dealerships must push it more than the other makes.

Anyway.. How many of you had them installed? We got them on my mom's car 3-4 years ago and got them on my car as soon as I got it. I drove without them for two weeks on my car and it was fine but with the sensors it's so much easier and faster to park. I live in the city so parking can be really tight. It's funny I've read similar discussions elsewhere and there's always one person who says 'I'm a good driver, I don't need it' but they've never tried it! It's not a catch-all for the people who can't judge their car if their life depended on it, rather an aid [like headlights]..you know?

Any particular reason why you decided to get them or not to get them?

[Yazovets]

I got them installed as an accessory on my new Camry SE V6. I have just two on the rear bumper. They get activated any time I put her in reverse, and the distance is communicated through beeping.

On our other car - the ML500, that has 10 sensors. 6 in the front bumper and 4 in the rear. That one beeps, and also has an LED display for each corner of the car to tell you the distance.

The reason I have the feature is very simple - both of these cars are large. Well, the Camry is actually longer than the ML500, and I can't easily calculate where exactly the trunk ends.

As for the ML500 - that thing is a tank. You view everything from high up, and rear-ward visibility is quite mediocre. So that's why I need those 10 sensors there. That was a $1400 option back in 04. Kinda high, but well-worth it.

I have never ever bumped anything in my life when parking, and I wanna keep it that way through the use of these sensors.

[akide]

you have any pics of what the sensors look like installed on your camry?

[SuperGoop]

Originally Posted by Yazovets

I got them installed as an accessory on my new Camry SE V6.

Around how much did they cost parts and labour (if you don't mind), and are they colour matched? After reading about them, I want to add them too. I see some on ebay for cheap, but I rather have them colour matched and professionally installed.

To the original poster, I want to get them for safety reasons.

[Yazovets]

Sorry I don't have pics because my car is in the body shop still.

My sensors are black, just like my car. Mine were an official Toyota accessory called "Park Pilot".

It was something like $400 including dealer installation. This kit also comes with a "defeat" switch near the steering column. If I wanna turn the thing off when in reverse, this switch allows me to do that.

[thanatos808]

now u got me thinking.....

[islandboy57]

I have the black sensors as well, just two on the back bumper. Cost was $300 direct from the wholesaler who is the contractor for local dealers. The only difference is that the dealers charge $400. On their office wall there's a white board with the various dealers around me along with appointments times. Their techs go out to the dealers to install it.

I think it's a great safety feature. You never know when a kid will run behind your car (I stop if the sensors flat line all of a sudden when I can't see anything myself) or when there's a short pole you can't see.

[pjp]

I just started to look into this.
Seems that since the 07 Camry rear bumper is flat all you need is 2 sensors. I wonder if I can get the sensors in Barcelona red? humm...
In Canada it's a dealer installed option for Park Pilot - Flat Sensor $472.50CND


FYI: Here is a link to the manufactor http://www.rostra.com/ParkPilotParkingAide.htm

but I cannot find info on local installers, other than the Toyota stealership.

Does anyone know if there are other better options?

[Yazovets]

2 sensors do NOT properly cover the rear.

I just got two additional ones added to my system for another $250.

[pjp]

Originally Posted by Yazovets

2 sensors do NOT properly cover the rear.

I just got two additional ones added to my system for another $250.

Good to know, do you have any pictures of your rear bumper?

[carlo$]

cut holes on my camry? no way.

[pjp]

Originally Posted by carlo$

cut holes on my camry? no way.

Gotta do it for the sensors, plus it is only plastic, there should be no rust problems...
Rust scares me more than anything else.

[islandboy57]

Originally Posted by Yazovets

2 sensors do NOT properly cover the rear.

I just got two additional ones added to my system for another $250.

Two sensors work fine for me. I've parallel parked countless times in tight spots.

[wireless]

Originally Posted by islandboy57

Two sensors work fine for me. I've parallel parked countless times in tight spots.

And you aren't driving a Gen6 either (I assume by your signature).

[chitty]

Check out the Laser Pro Park. It also works as a jammer. It is the best jamming equipment out there. They sell it as a parking device but it really works as a jammer. Youtube it to see how well it works. They also call it LPP.