Easy car upgrades: make an old car feel new for under £200

You don't need a new car to get CarPlay, a dash cam and decent sound. These are the upgrades that plug in or clip on, with no garage visit for most of them.

1. Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, without a new stereo

Already got wired CarPlay? A wireless adapter plugs into the USB port and you never plug your phone in again. No CarPlay at all? A portable dash-top screen gets you maps, music and calls, and works in any car with a 12V socket.

Set your route before you drive. It's illegal to hold your phone while driving, and a screen must be fixed in place and not block your view of the road.

2. Dash cam

Cheap evidence if someone pulls out on you, and some insurers give a small discount. Front-only is fine to start; front and rear is better.

3. Better sound

Swapping the front door speakers is the biggest jump for the money. Check your car's speaker size first (usually 6.5 inch or 6x9).

4. Small stuff that makes daily driving easier

Sources

• GOV.UK: using a phone or sat nav while driving (the law)
• The Highway Code, rule 149
• Which?: dash cam reviews

We haven't fitted these to our own car. We compare specs, UK law and independent reviews. Prices from UK listings, Oct 2026.