Dashcams

[TheJetMan]

I have the Thinkware U3000 in my 8.5 and got it professionally installed and can’t sing it’s praises enough.

[MK7TDI]

Looking at grabbing the Viofo A229 kit. Stressed about Apillar wiring.. how hard is it to get the wires behind the airbag? 

[AHG]

Didn’t do it in the Golf but a friend did and it’s not very hard, if you don’t insist on taking off the cover and just slide it in from the side (there is a trick latch to get the cover off, but it bends enough).

 

I did do it in the Tiguan and the S3 and wasn’t much of a challenge (also didn’t remove, just because I did it have to).

[Aaron7]

Anyone bought a dash cam here? Never had a dash cam before and I’m getting one soon, was just curious to know which ones other people here bought? 

[AHG]

There is a great variety, anywhere from no-name form fitting one’s, through “branded” non-brands, all the way to brand names. Many expensive as well as some less expensive. Can’t tell you which is better. 

 

On our Tiguan we have the 70mai M300, and on the R we have the Garmin Dash Mini 2 which with a Polarized filter (in the new 3 it’s integral) and Parking Mode adapter, so it can be used when engine is off, for a while (I turned it off, fearing for my battery’s life). I think the 70mai was $70 and the Garmin about $200 (with all parts).

 

Both are small and are hidden behind the rearview mirror, so I can’t see them when I drive. And both are easy to use (controlled via your phone).

 

 

[Aaron7]

5 hours ago, AHG said:

There is a great variety, anywhere from no-name form fitting one’s, through “branded” non-brands, all the way to brand names. Many expensive as well as some less expensive. Can’t tell you which is better. 

 

On our Tiguan we have the 70mai M300, and on the R we have the Garmin Dash Mini 2 which with a Polarized filter (in the new 3 it’s integral) and Parking Mode adapter, so it can be used when engine is off, for a while (I turned it off, fearing for my battery’s life). I think the 70mai was $70 and the Garmin about $200 (with all parts).

 

Both are small and are hidden behind the rearview mirror, so I can’t see them when I drive. And both are easy to use (controlled via your phone).

 

 

Thanks for that I’ll check Garmin out? So many out there to choose from? I’m looking at the Viofo 229 pro at the moment, they seem pretty popular?

[Burble]

13 hours ago, Aaron7 said:

Anyone bought a dash cam here? Never had a dash cam before and I’m getting one soon, was just curious to know which ones other people here bought? 

I had a Thinkware U1000 plus installed a month or so ago. Does the job nicely, video quality is nice and sharp. 

[AHG]

9 hours ago, Aaron7 said:

Thanks for that I’ll check Garmin out? So many out there to choose from? I’m looking at the Viofo 229 pro at the moment, they seem pretty popular?

 

It may be hard to follow with all the “sticker name” in different markets (they’re all made in Shenzhen anyway).

 

I had a tiny and cool looking camera on my S3, called RSC NANO, said to have a Sony sensor and was actually quite good despite the relatively low price ($90 thempn).

https://rsc-labs.com/nano/

Not sure if they still make them anymore (it was many years ago) but I just saw it online as a Viofo WR1 (the one I bought didn’t say Viofo anywhere, not in the app and not on the package).

 

 

 

Also hides very well behind the mirror 

so as the driver I could t even see it

 

[Jay Psi]

On 19/07/2025 at 02:43, Aaron7 said:

I’m looking at the Viofo 229 pro at the moment, they seem pretty popular?

I got the A329S in mine, front and rear. Viofo are currently in vogue for (in relative terms) high specs for their price; they tend to have the latest available sensors at release. On the flip side, their software is fully functional, but rather clunky to use - all ~50 options are in one menu. I've seen complaints about Viofo's microphones but that hasn't been my experience. It is a larger unit though, and as functionality is app-only you'll need to mount it so you can reach the face buttons - mine's to the side of the mirror.

 

As @AHG said, there's a massive range of dashcams depending on your budget and use. Some things to consider:

- How many cameras? Front, rear, interior or a combination of the three?

- Will you do a lot of night driving? If so, will it be on well-lit roads?

- Do you want it to record driving only or parking events as well?

- Are there any extra features you want, such as voice control?

 

If you do want the dashcam always on, then it will need to be hardwired which is usually a separate kit.

[Aaron7]

9 hours ago, Jay Psi said:

I got the A329S in mine, front and rear. Viofo are currently in vogue for (in relative terms) high specs for their price; they tend to have the latest available sensors at release. On the flip side, their software is fully functional, but rather clunky to use - all ~50 options are in one menu. I've seen complaints about Viofo's microphones but that hasn't been my experience. It is a larger unit though, and as functionality is app-only you'll need to mount it so you can reach the face buttons - mine's to the side of the mirror.

 

As @AHG said, there's a massive range of dashcams depending on your budget and use. Some things to consider:

- How many cameras? Front, rear, interior or a combination of the three?

- Will you do a lot of night driving? If so, will it be on well-lit roads?

- Do you want it to record driving only or parking events as well?

- Are there any extra features you want, such as voice control?

 

If you do want the dashcam always on, then it will need to be hardwired which is usually a separate kit.

Thanks for that, yeh im probably going to go with Viofo, not sure which one yet? and I want it hard wired in as well, with a rear camera as well, you're right about a massive range, I've gone down the dash cam rabbit hole at the moment trying to choose one? lol

[Jay Psi]

I think you're on the money with the A229 Pro. It has the same sensor as the A329 (Sony STARVIS 2) so it should be good enough, and it's much cheaper. Feature-equivalent alternatives (VueRoid D21, Thinkware U3000, BlackVue DR9XX) are a bit pricier. Take a look at the Thinkware U1000/Nextbase GWXXX as well, they may do everything you need as a cheaper price.

 

Unfortunately, dashcams are a necessity nowadays. Whatever you pick will be worth it for the peace of mind you get.