Which would you get...
 

So I am going to be driving (moving back) from Boston to Atlanta next month. My company is going to reimburse me for mileage which should come out to around $490. Since I am getting money for mileage, I won't get to expense gas, so $490 is for the total cost. That being said, I am torn between getting a Valentine 1 Radar detector or the Axial Flow short shifter. The V1 could be very useful for the long road trip, but the shortshifter is something I have had my eye on too. I could do both if I really wanted to, but I am expecting to spend close to $200 on gas for the trip...especially with the prices at the pump on the rise. I know some people will suggest getting an escort X50, but based on threads here and some research, I reall y would prefer the V1.

Its ~1100 miles from Boston to Atlanta so at 20MPG you are going to use 55 gallons. You may come out better than you thought and could get both. $490 is a pretty good rate, or its more than 1100 for your trip. ~1100 was from Boston downtown. Will they reimburse tolls and meals too? That will help you get closer to both with only a little of your money thrown in.

Where in Atl are you moving? I grew up in Atlanta. I moved to Austin from there a year ago.

I would get the detector. They work decent. and it will give help you relax on that long drive. I just moved from NC to ATL, and with the detector you can make pretty decent time. LOTS of hwy patrol in SC, but once you hit GA the average speed is like 30 over.

I get tolls back, but no meals, since I usually fly. Long story short, I still live in Atlanta, but I have been living up here temporarily for several months with my parents while my place is being finished in Atlanta since my client is also up here in MA. I am moving into a new condo in midown. On my initial drive down, I was getting close to 24 mpg, so that will be a plus if I can get some good cruise control time.

My reasoning is as follows ------> I think the detector would be a better long term investment. These things tend to pay for themselves. With a short shifter, you may become more inclined to speed which may lead to you getting a ticket, which is something you don't want. So get the thing that helps you prevent getting the unwanted thing.

...or the other way around.

I would be more likely to speed if I did have a radar detector. Get the short-throw shifter and keep your eyes peeled.

1 point for you sir, I respect your logic.

I never got around to getting one of those damn detectors anyway. I use my spidey-sense 85 percent of the time, which always saves me. But it's those others times when I'm not on guard I wind up gettin caught. I need to learn how to be more consistent

If you get the detector, just remember to turn it off & hide it from external view when you go through Virginia. They are illegal here. Also, watch out for non-standard models of cop cars in the Carolinas.

Ah VA...where they made it illegal to own a radio receiver.

I have a radar detector now, but its an old uniden..probably 5-6 years old and it just doesnt have the range to be reliable especially now as Laser has become more prevalent. I do like the thought of a short shifter, but I think the throw is pretty short stock, so I am leaning towards the V1