Chris Hardesty

Chris Hardesty is Senior Advice Editor for Cox Automotive. He edits and writes articles for Autotrader, advising consumers on the financial aspects of buying and selling cars, and sharing maintenance and ownership tips. His goal is to simplify complex topics to help readers make confident decisions. Chris spent nearly three decades in newspapers, including leading research departments at The Mercury News in California and Newsday in New York. After that, he was the How-to Guides Editor at The Wall Street Journal until moving to metro Atlanta. Chris has judged multiple Emmy Awards in News & Documentary categories. With two children under 10 years old, he's very familiar with the challenges of keeping minivans clean.

A car key on top of an insurance policy document.

Car Shopping

How Do You Add Insurance if You Buy a Car Over the Weekend?

Chris Hardesty-February 6, 2026February 16, 2026

Learn how to add car insurance over the weekend when buying a vehicle. Discover grace periods, 24/7 hotlines, and pre-purchase coverage options to avoid delivery delays.

Car Shopping

What “As Is” Means on a Used Car

Chris Hardesty-February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

“As-is” used cars are sold with no dealer warranty – meaning you’re responsible for repairs after purchase. Learn the risks, why inspections matter, and when a CPO warranty may be a better option.

Car Shopping

How Long Has a Dealership Had a Car?

Chris Hardesty-January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Learn how to estimate days on lot, identify aged inventory, and use floorplan pressure to negotiate a better car price.

Car Shopping

I’m Way Over My Car Lease Miles, What Do I Do?

Chris Hardesty-January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

If you’re leasing a vehicle and realize you’ve exceeded the number of car lease miles in your agreement, we’ll tell you what you need to do.

Car Shopping

Can You Return a Car You Just Bought?

Chris Hardesty-January 26, 2026January 27, 2026

Most car purchases are usually final, with no return period for buyer’s remorse. Exceptions can include lemon laws and a dealer’s written return policy. If you can’t return, contsider refinancing, selling, or trading.

Car Shopping

Should You Buy a Manufacturer “Buyback”?

Chris Hardesty-January 20, 2026January 21, 2026

a practical consumer guide to manufacturer buyback (Lemon Law) cars: Benefits, risks, disclosure red flags, what to check on a test drive, and how to decide if a buyback is worth it.

Car Shopping

Moving? Trade in Your Car Before You Leave

Chris Hardesty-January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Changing geographic locations may necessitate a new vehicle better suited to local conditions. Here’s what you need to know about trading in a car before you move.

Car Shopping

Can You Buy a Car With a Credit Card in 2026?

Chris Hardesty-January 8, 2026January 9, 2026

Learn the pros and cons of using a credit card to buy a car and see why a traditional auto loan is often the smarter financial choice.

Car Shopping

Getting the Most Money for Your Trade-In

Chris Hardesty-December 30, 2025January 5, 2026

Get top dollar for your trade-in with simple steps: Clean the car, fix small issues and dents, address curb rash and tires, and bring service records to strengthen your appraisal.