CarMD

The nifty hand-held “Car Doctor” helps prevents you from breaking down, or at least tells you what the problem is when you do. Winner of the 2007 Consumer Electronics Association “Innovation Award,” it’s a portable diagnostic tool that you plug into your car’s internal computer (it only works for vehicles made after 1996) and it tells you what certain flashing lights mean or what’s ailing your vehicle. It can give second opinions after a check-up and, after you download the results onto www.CarMD.com, suggest likely repairs and estimated costs—all for $89.99. You may never need a mechanic again.

Price: $89.99For more information: CarMD