You’ve probably heard people refer to ‘book value’ when talking about a car’s price. The ‘book’ they’re talking about is usually the Kelley Blue Book.
Kelley Blue Book and beyond: researching used car values
Car depreciation and how to beat it
A Toyota Tacoma listed for sale by owner on TRED We’ve all heard about how the second you drive off the dealer’s lot, your new car starts to depreciate. In fact, most cars lose 10% of their value on that first drive-off. That first year after buying a new car is a killer: the value... Continue Reading →
The state of the used car market: August 2020
Used cars are hot right now, and prices are high. It's a great time to sell, and can also be a good time to buy... here's what to know.
The best ways to to sell a car
Will this be the year that you get the car you really want or need? If you've been thinking about upgrading your ride, you've probably been wondering: what’s the best way to sell a car? What do I need to know? And to complicate things a little more, we are of course in a global... Continue Reading →
How to Avoid OfferUp Scammers
Scammers are the worst. As marketplaces continue to grow their online presence, scam artists are stepping up their games (from all over the world). In 2006, it was reported that 44.9% or almost half of all consumer complaints were related to online fraud. OfferUp, a popular site for buying and selling items has made attempts... Continue Reading →
The DMV—long on wait times, short on social distance
Going to the DMV is always a hassle, and a long time out of your day, spent in a place most of us would rather not be. But now, there’s another reason not to go: the risk of being inside, in close proximity to hundreds of people, for an extended period of time. Better to... Continue Reading →
Can you pay for a car with Paypal? Or Venmo? Or Zelle?
Buying (or selling) a car is always a major transaction, because it involves a significant amount of money as well as legal documents for transfer of ownership and for registration. It’s hard to know how to pay, especially when you’re dealing with a private seller—because there are safety issues. When you’re buying a car, the... Continue Reading →
Common car scams and how to avoid them
Buying or selling a car is a big transaction—so scammers and thieves have come up with elaborate ways to exploit the process. Here are some of the most common schemes and techniques to watch out for, and the best ways to protect yourself. Title washing You may have heard the phrase “clean title” when referring... Continue Reading →
Price it Right: Keys to Selling Your Car Quickly
For most car shoppers, there are several parts to the buying equation. The two biggest are the car itself (which you don’t have too much control over), and the price. The price is where you have all the control—and it’s the single greatest factor that will impact how quickly you sell your car. The car... Continue Reading →
5 Reasons to Change Your Mind About Extended Warranties
When buying a car, you always have to worry about reliability, repair costs, and your car’s condition. But do you need an extended warranty? Typically, an extended warranty kicks in after the manufacturer’s warranty ends. The goal is to stabilize repair costs that would otherwise surge at random points in time. For many, this is a... Continue Reading →