Admit it - one of the reasons to shop for a new car is the technology they include - navigation, entertainment, communication. But it is shocking how much auto makers and dealers expect for them. In addition to the new car price.
So here's an innovation - innovate your used car.
For $ 500 or so you can upgrade your car to get many of those technologies. And many of the gadgets below are portable so you can take them with you on the road - or to another car. Most categories have plenty of choices - my examples are representative. Also, many devices are converging so you may find some offering composite features.
To start with, pamper your neglected old car. Get it a detail and an auto vaccine. While you could spend a lot more, you can get both for under $ 100.
Then consider some of these:
- A power inverter - like this one from Digital Concepts which has 2 USB outlets and a AC and DC outlet for under $ 40.
- MP3 Cassette adapter - so you can play your MP3 or PDA based music through your car stereo. Like this Phillips Cassette Adapter for around $ 20 (or better - technology has been around since CD players came out a while ago). You may need an adapter if your music player only supports 2.5'' or USB outlets.
- If the car does not have a cassette player, hook your MP3 to a Kensington FM Transmitter for around $ 40. If you travel a fair bit, you may have to keep switching frequencies to get away from static.
- Get your kids a portable DVD player like this one from Vextra (with a holster which fits on the back of a car seat) for under $ 100.
- Of course, if you drive quite a bit to unfamiliar places, get a GPS Unit like the Garmin Nuvi 255 which Consumer Reports rates highly and costs around $ 225. You can also buy refurbished GPS units for under $ 100. There are others much higher with many more features. Also, many phones now come with GPS chips and using Google Maps or Microsoft Live on them you can get around fairly well.
- If you like to talk while driving, get a Bluetooth Speakerphone like the MOTOROKR T505 for under $ 100. Use it for your phone calls or your music - it supports A2DP streaming - assuming your PDA or Mp3 player does. Or if you not mind Bluetooth headsets get a nice one with decent noise suppression like the Jawbone for around $ 100 - that way you can continue your conversation when you arrive at your destination.
- Get a portable XM Radio like the Samsung YP-X5X for under $ 100. You will need a monthly XM subscription with basic car plans starting at $ 9.99 a month.
- Backup camera with night vision that can be mounted on your car license plate for under $ 75, is triggered when you reverse and can project to a DVD screen inside the car.
- Finally, don't forget a multi-outlet car charger for under $ 10. Don't overload your poor car's battery but think of gadgets you can use with the extra outlets - like a Koolatron cooler for around $ 65.
Goes without saying - but obey local laws around use of phones and GPS while driving. And keep these devices well "docked" and otherwise tied down. Also Bluetooth and GPS will drain your phone battery faster - and charging all these devices will likely reduce life of your car battery.
Update: More tech to spruce up your old car at New York Times
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