There 3 detectors that perform very well:
(in random order)
-Bel 980 (984 now I think)
-Escort Passport 8500
-Valentine One

Where I live, it's mostly Ka band now, so a cheap detector that has very little sensitivity in that area would not do well. My friend has some $100 cobra in his car, and we caravaned a few places and my detector (Escort 8500) detected signals WAY before his. So yes, any of those 3 will work just fine for you. Each has it's pros and cons, but I chose the Escort because I got it for $200 (used to work at best buy) and it has very few false alarms. I've been using for quite some time, and it has truly saved me more than once.

Of course, it won't get you out of all the situations, but it will help you keep that right foot in check.