Love the Car You're With!

Admit it. You're in deep lust for some of the new hyper-integrated sound and navigation options found in the newest models. The seamless iPod plug-in, the hundreds of satellite stations, the radio-stopping speakerphone. With each new magazine ad you flip to, each conversation you have with a proud new car owner, it becomes clearer: your car just isn't catering to your needs. True, you don't actually need a new ride. Your car looks good, runs great. But voice activation of your PDA while driving? Come on...

The ease and customization capabilities of the infotainment packages in new models have us tempted, too. But we're here to tell you: you can get almost all of the conveniences of a new car as aftermarket options on your existing ride. The solutions won't look as sleek, and they may not all talk to each other like they do in the newest models. But they also won't have you trading in your car in order to get a navigation package-when the one you can pick up at Best Buy will still get you to that same destination on time.

You can find plenty of cool audio gadgets for low prices at the dealer and local retailers. One caveat: make a quick phone call to a dealer or service advisor you trust before you commit to installation of anything that plugs directly into your electrical system, such as a remote starter.

iPod Synching

You can go to your dealer and pay hundreds of dollars to have an iPod adapter installed. Want something simpler? Consider the plug-and-play iPod adapters and transmitters; some play through your car's existing tape deck, others transmit through radio station satellites ($30+, Radio Shack and other retailers). These won't stop playing tunes when your phone rings or pause when your navigation system speaks, but they also don't come with a new monthly payment.

All-in-One Units

But if the ease of a system such as the Ford Sync ($395 and up) has serious allure consider the StreetDeck package: an all-in-one MP3 player, WiFi sync support, DVD player and satellite radio, it even has Bluetooth phone capabilities and rear audio/visual for passengers ($199.99; various retailers). Since this add-on accesses the electrical system remember to call a dealer before you commit to the install.

Satellite Radio

Devotees of XM and Sirius will tell you that the 100 plus commercial-free stations offer a feast of options for music lovers. Plus, the display offers up each song's title and artist. New models roll off the line with this functionality pre-installed, but it's easy and fairly inexpensive to add aftermarket. Receivers cost between $50 and $350 at Circuit City and other retailers and installation costs begin at $75. This upgrade, too, requires a quick call to your dealer for clearance.

For more real-life info on how to spend less, get more and sweeten your life keep exploring all the info, updates, deals and coupons on RedPlum!

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