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.

Car Shopping

Should You Fix Dents and Scrapes in Your Older Car?

Chris Hardesty-February 25, 2026February 25, 2026

Deciding whether to fix a dent, scrape, or scratch? Learn typical repair costs, when insurance help and a quick checklist to know when to repair and when to leave it.

Car Shopping

Should You Trade In or Donate Your Used Car?

Chris Hardesty-February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Compare the pros and cons of trading in vs. donating a car.

Car Shopping

How to Tell if the Car You Want Was Built in the US

Chris Hardesty-February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

To find out if the car you want is made in the USA, decipher the VIN, check the door jamb sticker, search online and remember that American car companies can have assembly plants outside of the US.

Car Shopping

How Do You Know a Car’s In-Service Date?

Chris Hardesty-February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

A car’s in-service date is its original sale date — and it determines when factory and many CPO warranties and perks begin and expire.

OG-2018-kia-sportage-ex-cpo-safety-features-jpg_b8d284

Car Shopping

Don’t Skip These 8 Safety Features on Your Next Car

Chris Hardesty-February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

Shop smarter without sacrificing safety. Here are 8 must-have car safety features to prioritize when buying a new or used vehicle on a budget.

Car Shopping

Check for Rust Before You Buy a Used Car

Chris Hardesty-February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

Avoid costly surprises when buying a used car—learn where rust hides, how to spot early warning signs, and when rust damage is a dealbreaker.

Car Shopping

Who Is Responsible for a Defect After You Buy a Car?

Chris Hardesty-February 9, 2026February 10, 2026

Responsibility for a used-car defect varies. Learn what to do next and how to avoid problems before you buy.

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.