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

Electric Car Charging Types: 4 Things You Must Know

Chris Hardesty-May 15, 2026October 2, 2026

A clear guide to EV charging levels, plug types, station availability, and common misconceptions for new and prospective electric vehicle owners.

Car Shopping

Is It Bad to Buy a Used Car With Unusually Low Mileage?

Chris Hardesty-April 29, 2026April 29, 2026

Learn the pros, cons, risks, and inspection tips for buying a low-mileage used car, including odometer checks, maintenance history, and scam prevention.

Car Shopping

How to Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection Before Buying a Used Car

Chris Hardesty-April 23, 2026April 24, 2026

This guide explains how inspections work, modern tools that simplify the process, and what you must check especially if you’re considering an electric vehicle (EV) or a tech-heavy model.

Car Shopping

Tire Warranty: Is It Worth the Price?

Chris Hardesty-April 8, 2026May 6, 2026

Tire warranties can be worth it, but only some are worth paying extra for. Learn which tire warranties matter, what they cover, and typical price ranges.

Car Shopping

How to Use Your Tax Refund as a Down Payment

Chris Hardesty-March 9, 2026July 7, 2026

Use a tax refund to boost your car down payment, lower the loan amount, or cover out-the-door costs while keeping a small savings cushion for inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Car Shopping

What Is More Important When Buying a Used Car: Miles or Age?

Chris Hardesty-March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

Maintenance history beats age and mileage when judging a used car. Learn what miles mean, why low mileage an be risky, which safety features matter, and how financing limits may apply.

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.