Need car stereo which can support direct connect MP3 player - suggestions?

Lum

It's an option on loads of car stereos these days. look for a "line in" or "aux in" on the front of the stereo.

It's hard to recommend one as there are so many at a variety of different price points and sound quality levels.

VoucherMan

As an MSE alternative what about an FM transmitter?

Just choose an unused frequency & plug into the headphone socket.

I've been using one for years now with my iPod and other MP3
players.

There are various brands and styles out there but I've found this one to be okay.

Lum

I think they want to replace the stereo anyway, since the CD player is broken on it.

Here's a cheap one on Halford's site that will do it, no idea if it's any good, but it does CD, line in and USB. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_762015_langId_-1_categoryId_165474