Best used cars for in-car entertainment

27/03/12

Remember the days when in-car entertainment meant listening to your dad’s old Neil Diamond tapes endlessly until they overheated? Or playing number plate games and never-ending rounds of I Spy? Luckily those days are over thanks to the huge range of in-car entertainment systems that come as an added option in lots of luxury models. And if you haven’t got a luxury make or model of car, then you can still enjoy your journey with a selection of portable DVD and MP3 players. Here’s our guide to the best used cars for in-car entertainment.

BMW X5

This iconic, luxury car manufacturer doesn’t disappoint with their 2012 model, which features a fantastic built in audio system with subwoofers under the front seats – if you choose the optional Professional hifi system – and optimised speakers across the entire interior for evenly distributed sound. Another option is the rear seat entertainment system, featuring a colour monitor, DVD player and headphone sockets – meaning the kids can stay entertained while you concentrate on driving.

Volvo XC90

The classic Volvo got an update in 2003 with a new entertainment system, and is available in a number of second hand models. The system features soft-touch screens fitted into the back of the front head rests, a DVD player with 10 disc multi-DVD changer, and an AV input for games consoles or camcorders. The screens can be operated independently and can also play CDs different to those being played on the in-car system.

Range Rover

Many of the Range Rover makes and models have the added option of installing a rear seat entertainment system, so finding a second hand model with this included isn’t that difficult. The rear seat entertainment system, like that in the Volvo XC90, features screens in the back of the front head rests, 2 pairs of headphones and is compatible with a range of audio visual equipment.

If you’re more interested in a portable DVD player, choose one with a long battery life in order to last the full length of long journeys. And make sure you’ve got headphones available for the kids – otherwise you’ll end up being more distracted than they will!