Before Facebook, it was an email chain forwarded by your mom. ("I don’t know if this is true, but just in case… be careful!”) And before that, a campfire story that made you lie awake in your tent. These are ghost stories, myths, and sometimes just cautionary tales wrapped in a story. The person it... Continue Reading →
Serious or superficial? Common used car problems
When you're looking at used cars, you might notice some signs of wear. Which ones are just cosmetic, and which ones could be signs of more serious problems? Here's our guide to common used car problems, and whether they're only superficial or warrant further inspection. Paint One of the most common things you’ll notice about... Continue Reading →
A winter checklist for your car: get ready for cold
The leaves are turning, days are getting shorter, and temperatures are starting to drop. We all know that means holidays, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, and ski season... but what does it mean for your car? Winter weather can have a huge impact on your car's condition, as well as its (and your) safety... Continue Reading →
How Many Miles is Too Many When Buying a Used Car?
There are a lot of things to consider when buying a used car, and if you peruse the blog section of TRED.com, you’ll find that we’ve touched on just about all of them. However, one piece of the used car puzzle that we’ve made sparse mention of is mileage, which happens to be one of... Continue Reading →
The future of cars: an enthusiast’s thoughts
In the early 2010s, there was much debate and disagreement over what the future of the automotive industry would look like. Brands like Tesla, and cars like the Nissan Leaf, were just getting off the ground. Enthusiasts, journalists, and industry insiders alike failed to agree on whether or not they'd really take off. As we... Continue Reading →
Best cars for snow and ice: our top picks
We're on the cusp of winter, and some of us are already anticipating ski season and road trips to the mountains. Others might live in the mountains, or other places where winter driving is a daily event, and not for the faint of heart. If you're in any of these categories, and you're thinking of... Continue Reading →
That’s a wrap: is a custom vinyl “paint job” right for your car?
Have you ever thought about changing the color of your car? Or wanted something really unique, like a matte paint job? Vehicle wraps used to be used mostly for advertising, but in the last few years they’ve been used more often for cosmetic applications. It’s sort of a whole new frontier, and most people have... Continue Reading →
Buying a certified pre-owned car: is it worth it?
If you’re like me, you probably spend a more-than-reasonable amount of your free time perusing car listing sites just to see what’s out there. Or, perhaps you’re actually in the market for your next car. Whichever the case, chances are that you’ve come across the term “Certified Pre-Owned,” frequently abbreviated as CPO. CPO is a... Continue Reading →
Modern cars most likely to become collectible
Cars are what’s generally known as a ‘depreciating asset’. They’re not an investment, they’re going to be worth less as time goes on. But there are a few exceptions—the ones that are rare and/or particularly prized among enthusiasts and likely to become collectible. They may not depreciate at the same rate as most cars, and... Continue Reading →
Does your car fake it? Phony engine noises exposed
As car technology improves, insulation, materials, and engine design have also gotten better—which means there’s a lot less noise in the cabin. Less road and engine noise is generally desirable and associated with luxury and higher-end cars. Generally. But certain types of drivers, in certain types of cars, actually want to hear some engine and... Continue Reading →