Can I upgrade my car audio for less than $100?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been wanting to upgrade the audio in my car for a while now. Not just for my own enjoyment, but because I feel like my car deserves it after all the reliable service it’s given me. It’s a 2003 Rover 45, basically the same as a Honda Civic VI. I live in Europe, and my budget is pretty tight—around $100.

Here’s what I’ve got right now:

  • 2 original tweeters (from 2003, so yeah, not great)
  • 2 JBL Stage 1 speakers in the front (I replaced the originals)
  • A very old Pioneer DEH 1590R head unit

Here’s what I’m thinking of doing:

  1. Replace the tweeters with aftermarket ones (I’d love JBL, but they seem hard to find around here—looking to spend $25 or less).
  2. Upgrade the head unit to something modern with Bluetooth. I’m looking at brands like Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, JVC, or Kenwood and trying to find a used one under $60.

There’s an option to add two speakers in the back, but honestly, I mostly drive alone or with my girlfriend, so I’m not sure it’s worth it.

Will this setup work? Is there anything else I should replace? I could stretch my budget a little or buy things gradually. Also, I’ve heard about subwoofers. Are they worth it? Are they hard to install?

Thanks for any help! I really appreciate any advice or suggestions. Let me know if you need more details. Cheers!

If your budget is this tight and everything works, maybe just leave it as it is for now. Or, you know, save up a bit and then treat your car to something better later.

I agree with MMY—your budget is super low for this. If you can stretch it a little, start with a good head unit. Something like a used JVC model with Bluetooth could be a solid choice. It’ll make a noticeable difference even with your current speakers. Subwoofers? Those start at $300 minimum for a full setup.

You don’t have to buy new subs, though. Check local marketplaces. I found two JL subs for $150.

Did you get an enclosure, amp, and wiring for that price too? Because if you did, that’s a rare deal. Usually, it’s a lot more when you factor in everything.

I see your point, but are used subs really that hard to come by for a decent price? Also, I’m just trying to get better sound without going overboard. Bluetooth and better quality speakers would already be a big upgrade for me.

Used is definitely the way to go on a tight budget. Have you thought about soundproofing the doors? Even a small amount of dampening could improve the sound without replacing too much gear.

Honestly, if $100 is all you’ve got, maybe just save it for now. It’s tough to do anything worthwhile for that amount.

With that budget, my advice is to keep your car fueled up and running smoothly. Upgrades might need to wait.

If I raise my budget to $200, does that make things more realistic?

At $200, you could get a decent head unit and maybe some entry-level door speakers. It’s doable but still tight.

Stick to upgrading the head unit for now if you’re limited on cash. A good one can make even your current speakers sound much better. Check local forums or marketplaces for a good deal on a used Pioneer or similar.

Tweeters under $25? Not worth it. Head units under $60? Same story. Maybe now isn’t the best time for an upgrade. Save up a bit more.

Here’s an idea: disconnect the old tweeters and use some soundproofing on your front doors. That’ll improve the overall sound without breaking the bank. You can move your JBL speakers to the back and look for a cheap component set for the front. Dayton makes budget-friendly options.