An Easy Modern Tech Makeover for a Classic CarJustin Helton"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."Quick OverviewCarpodGo CarpodGo T4 Plus 10.9$250 at amazon.comVKQTS VKQTS CD Slot Mount for CarPlay Screen $9 at amazon.comTresalto Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit $5 at amazon.comThere's something admirable about an old Toyota Camry that's still faithfully doing its job more than two decades after it rolled off the assembly line. My friend's 2005 model isn't flashy, nor is it destined for a concours lawn, but it starts every morning, sips fuel, and asks for little more than routine maintenance.Justin HeltonCarpodGo CarpodGo T4 Plus 10.9$250 at amazon.comThat's exactly why I wanted to install the CarpodGo T4 Plus Apple CarPlay screen. Rather than replacing a perfectly good car with one that comes with a hefty monthly payment, we wanted to see just how much modern functionality we could add in a single afternoon. The answer, it turns out, is quite a lot.A wholly unremarkable 2005 Camry finished in Dark Red Metallic.Justin HeltonInstallation and SetupInstallation couldn't have been much simpler. Because the CarpodGo T4 Plus is a standalone unit, there was no need to tear apart the Camry's dashboard or replace the factory radio. I mounted the 10.4-inch touchscreen on the dash, routed the power cable neatly around the trim, paired an iPhone, and connected the audio through Bluetooth.AdvertisementAdvertisementWithin minutes, the Camry suddenly had wireless Apple CarPlay, a responsive touchscreen interface, hands-free calling, music streaming, voice control through Siri, and full-screen navigation with real-time traffic.The Camry's standard media arrangement.Justin HeltonAdding the included backup camera was equally straightforward, requiring only a bit of wire routing to the rear of the car. Once installed, reversing became dramatically easier thanks to a wide-angle camera feed that simply didn't exist when this Toyota was new.One of the biggest advantages of the CarpodGo system is that it doesn't ask you to become an automotive electrician. Unlike a traditional head-unit replacement, there's no need to remove the factory stereo, splice into the vehicle's wiring harness, or spend hours deciphering installation diagrams. For older cars, especially those with perfectly functional factory radios, that's a huge advantage. I mounted the display using a CD-player-style mount that was already in the car since it used the same ball and socket system as the mount included with the CarpodGo.Pairing with the system was equally painless. After powering it on, the CarpodGo quickly connected to my iPhone, automatically launching wireless Apple CarPlay. From there, all the familiar apps were immediately available, including Apple Maps, Google Maps, Spotify, Apple Music, podcasts, and messaging apps. The interface felt responsive, touch inputs registered accurately, and connecting the display to the car's existing stereo using the built-in FM transmitter meant we could continue using the Camry's factory speakers without modifying a single piece of the original audio system.Aside from turning a handful of bolts, this was nearly the extent of mechanical labor required for the install.Justin HeltonThe backup camera required the most hands-on work, but even that proved approachable for a curbside installation. Mounting the camera near the license plate and routing the wiring through the trunk took a bit more time than setting up the display itself, but the process was well within the capabilities of anyone comfortable with basic DIY projects. Basic hand tools, some wire strippers, and a set of trim removal tools are likely all you need for just about any vehicle. Once everything was buttoned up, the payoff was immediate. Shifting into reverse brought up a clear, wide-angle view behind the car, one of those modern conveniences that's easy to take for granted, even after you've spent years craning your neck out the back window.Be sure the mounting surface is clean before applying the adhesive strip that secures the camera.Justin HeltonThe transformation behind the wheel was remarkable. Instead of reaching for your phone and squinting at the map, navigation now sat at eye level on a bright display that was far easier to glance at while driving. Podcasts, playlists, and audiobooks streamed wirelessly, text messages could be read aloud, and directions from Apple Maps or Google Maps appeared exactly where you wanted them. All thanks to a single device.Justin HeltonAdvertisementAdvertisementIn today's market, it's easy to convince yourself that the only way to get modern conveniences is by signing up for another five or six years of car payments. But many older vehicles still have decades of dependable service left in them, especially models with reputations for durability like this Camry. A standalone Apple CarPlay display won't give you adaptive cruise control or heated massaging seats, but it delivers many of the features drivers use every single day—navigation, Bluetooth audio, hands-free calling, voice controls, and a backup camera—for a fraction of the cost of upgrading to a newer vehicle.Sometimes the smartest automotive upgrade isn't replacing the car at all, it's giving a reliable old ride just enough modern technology to keep it feeling relevant for years to come.Helpful Tools You May Need:VKQTS VKQTS CD Slot Mount for CarPlay ScreenAmazonVKQTS VKQTS CD Slot Mount for CarPlay Screen $9 at amazon.comTresalto Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool KitAmazonTresalto Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit $5 at amazon.comYou Might Also LikeAdvertisementAdvertisementIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State