As the 2009 models hit dealer showrooms, the automakers have been blitzing us with advertisements. What's probably piqued your interest as much as fuel economy or performance is all the new technology available from the factory.  Bluetooth, MP3 docks, giant in-dash touch screens, surround sound and video monitors — it would leave anyone dreaming of a new car. 

But for most of us, now is not the ideal time to buy or lease. With the economy stalled, trade-in values down and credit tight, more and more of us are choosing to drive our cars longer. So what if you could add some of the most sought-after new car technology to your not-so-new car? What if it cost just a fraction of what you'd pay for those same features in a new car? And what if you could add features over time, and transfer the technology to a new car in a few years? Guess what, you can!
Here's a look at some high-tech options in today's new cars, and options for adding those same features to your car for less.

iPod and MP3

Many new cars — from Fords to Ferraris — feature iPod docks, MP3 player inputs and Flash memory slots for playing MP3s through the factory audio system.  Luckily you have lots of options for listening to your MP3 player or digital audio files in your car too. Vehicle-specific "integration" kits add an auxiliary input or iPod connection to your factory stereo. These products give you remote control of your iPod or flash drive and numerous options for listening through any car stereo. Or better yet, you could completely replace your car's audio system with an iPod or MP3-ready aftermarket model. 

Premium Sound

Just about every automaker offers a "premium" sound system upgrade with a gazillion watts and speakers aplenty. Despite the marketing hype, often the only premium is in the price. Fortunately, you have many options for delivering great sound in your car. You might start by replacing your factory stereo with an aftermarket car stereo or in-dash receiver. You'll enjoy improved features, connectivity and sound quality compared to your factory stereo, and in many cases you can retain use of your car's steering wheel controls (if so equipped). For true high-fidelity, consider an audio processor that tailors the sound for your specific vehicle interior, high-output power amplifiers, and custom-installed speakers and subwoofers. If you can't replace your car's factory radio, vehicle-specific "integration" kits let you tap into your factory audio system to connect external sources, amplifiers and speakers. 

Satellite Radio and Digital HD Radio™

Many new cars offer satellite radio or HD Radio as an upgrade feature. You, too, can tune into these digital broadcasts. Whether you add a portable receiver that works with your existing radio or replace your car stereo altogether with a properly equipped in-dash car stereo, you'll enjoy the vast programming choices and high-quality sound that satellite and digital radio both have to offer. While portable units offer the flexibility to move from car to car, in-dash models typically give you more features, a larger screen for displaying song and artist info, improved sound quality and a more seamless look.

Navigation With Real-Time Traffic

Virtually every new car model offers optional navigation, and many luxury models now include real-time traffic information as well. Real-time traffic uses live traffic-flow data to help recommend the quickest route and steer you clear of backups. The great news is that you can add the luxury of navigation and real-time traffic to your car at a fraction of the price. Your options range from dash and windshield-mount portables to large in-dash screens that rival the most expensive factory-installed navigation the automakers offer. 

Two-Way Security with Remote Start

Imagine how great it would be to remotely start your vehicle to let the interior warm up or cool down prior to climbing in. Even more, what if your car could tell you its status right on your key fob while you're in a movie theater, restaurant or at home. Confirm whether the vehicle started, if it's locked, or if the system has been triggered. Such technology, which is just making its way into luxury cars, has been available in aftermarket security systems for years.  There are many models of two-way and remote-start systems from which to choose.

Reverse Aids

Think how much easier it would be to back out of your garage, exit parking spaces and parallel park if you could see or sense what was behind you. Just about every SUV, minivan and luxury sedan offers optional factory-installed reverse aids that do just that. Many come with ultrasonic sensors in the bumpers that alert you audibly to objects around the vehicle, while others offer a live behind-the-car view on the in-dash navigation screen when you're in reverse. You can install these same reverse sensors and back-up cameras in your current vehicle, and for much less. Options range from self-installed systems to custom-installed rear-view cameras that display images on your in-dash screen or rear-view mirror monitor.

Bluetooth™

Hands-free communication is all the rage, and many new car models offer Bluetooth hands-free from the factory. Good news: you have numerous options for adding Bluetooth to your car. Vehicle integration kits let you add Bluetooth hands free calling to any car, and some models give you the added bonus of streaming music wirelessly from your MP3 player or phone wirelessly via using the Bluetooth Stereo (A2DP) profile.  If you want to minimize the number of gadgets adorning your dash, several portable navigation systems also offer Bluetooth hands-free calling features. For the most integrated new-car-like solution, in-dash Bluetooth-equipped car stereos will give your calls better sound quality and will even mute your music when your phone rings.

Rear-Seat Entertainment

If you're looking to add a DVD video system to your backseat, you can rival any system the automakers offer for a fraction of the price. Rear-seat video options include portable systems, installed overhead "flip down" screens and custom-installed screens that you can mount just about anywhere. While most have built-in DVD players, you can also add sources like satellite TV or connect just about any device from digital cameras to game consoles. Add a surround-sound processor, amps and speakers and you have a mobile theater that will rival most home theaters.

Voice Commands

Popularized by Ford's new Sync system, speech recognition is a premium feature available on several new car models. Not only a convenience, voice-activated electronics are a safety feature, too. There are numerous ways to add speech recognition to your car, from portable navigation systems to in-dash receivers sporting this feature. The latter will not only let you speak addresses and other navigation commands, but voice-control your audio, video and mobile phone functions too.

To add any of this exciting technology to your car, visit your local mobile electronics retailer or custom installer. Be sure to ask for an MECP certified installer to do the work.