Nowadays almost all cars are installed with CD only audio systems with probably a USB. However, if you are looking to own your car for a long term say 30 plus years or so, there is one old technology that would come a long way. It is the humble car tape player.
There are a few specific advantages of tape players:
1)Analog technology.
Most people think digital is everything and the best. That is true in the fields of data storage, data communications, video, wireless etc. In the field of music, analog has some advantages because of strange characteristics of human ear. Analog sound closely resembles the studio with its inherent noise and "warmth" characteristics. Music in the form of digital files MP3, FLAC, SACD are clean, they are VERY clean. Clean to the extent that natural noise is also removed. Sony claims to have better natural sound through its proprietary ATRAC3(plus). In analog tapes with Dolby B/S, there is no hiss and there is no need to add extra dithering. An explanation of dithering is here:
https://crawdaddy.com/index.php/2009/03/30/dithering-away-the-compact-disc/?doing_wp_cron
Most people engrossed with digital technology may be surprised with the news that the sales of the two analog formats - LP record(also known as "Vinyl") and analog tape(in form of blank tape) have started increasing from the last few ears. Tapes are still available when it comes to devotional music. Also started appearing in the market are new 8-in-1 audio systems like Mitashi MX2009 that allow you record anything, including USB to tape.
2)Durability of protected tape:
CD and disc based medium have though theoretically immortal have one draw back. They need EXTREME care to protect against scratches in the exposed surface. Tape on the other hand though theoretically mortal, have very surprising endurance. Biggest advantage is having an outer shell for protection, enough to withstand drops.
3)Inherently skip-free and durability of tape head assembly.
The tape player is skip free irrespective of how bad the road is. Low-end CD players skip and have timing problems when driving over pits. Skip-free CD players are expensive. Tape player is the cheapest option for skip free technology that can play CDs through an adaptor. When the roads is really terrible, even skip free player car CD players reach their limit.
4)Cheap servicability
Draw back of CD player is lack of Component level servicability when it comes to the lens. The Head of a player tape usually needs replacement every two years but costs only Rs 150.
5)Future-compatible adaptors
Surprising advantage of tape players is ABILITY TO PLAY ANYTHING. A tape player can play CD, IPOD through head phone cassette adaptors.
https://digitalmania-online.com/iPod-Cassette-Adapters.html
The latest invention is to play USB with a car tape player is known as "USB Mixtape":
https://random-good-stuff.com/2008/08/27/ultimate-usb-mixtape/
CD players have so far been restricted to CD and more expensive ones with a USB socket.
6)Non-music use:
One of unsual but important advantages of car tape system is to play speeches or lectures or lessons with continuity(play where you left even if removed), some thing not possible with USB or CD unless it is left on. Another important quality is ability for quick pause/forward/rewind instead of search buttons.
Nowadays tape+USB combinations have started appearing for Rs 1200 in electronics markets.
If you are thinking for long term ownership and cheap servicability, a good tape player with an adaptor may not be a bad idea. Pioneer and Pyramid are good branded systems. These are now mostly available on-line.