Smarter car tech such as touchscreen displays, hands-free calling, and advanced diagnostics can be yours—even if your car is old and dumb. The car-stereo aftermarket is rife with touchscreen infotainment and GPS features, and dozens of devices and apps can work with your phone or tablet, plus your car's existing computer technologies, to help you drive and maintain your car. You can even add a HUD (head-up display) for your GPS, or replace your older car's computer. So don't give up on old reliable—make your beater better with a replacement or an add-on such as those below. You can get started for less than $100.
You can add hands-free calling to any car with a radio, though unfortunately the sound quality can be pretty bad. Bluetooth is the option that appeals to most users; for example, I hooked up Belkin's CarAudio Connect AUX ($80), which feeds to your in-dash unit via the auxiliary-audio input.
The CarAudio Connect AUX gets its power via your cigarette lighter (auxiliary 12-volt connector), but DIY-ers can easily create a more elegant power-feed setup by using any 12-volt wire under the dash, or by tapping the feed to the radio. I also tried JVC's $90 KS-BTA100 Bluetooth hands-free unit, which works exactly like the Belkin but draws power from the radio's wiring harness.
For top audio quality, or the cheapest option, you'll have to plug in. The easiest method is to run a three-pole (stereo) cable from your phone's headset jack to the aux input of your radio head unit. This arrangement gives you sound through the radio, and you use your phone's microphone. If you want to use an external microphone, shop for a breakout cable online.
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