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 sign for pre-owned vehicles

Certified Pre-Owned vs. Off-Lease Cars: Which Is Better?

Chris Hardesty-January 24, 2025January 24, 2025

The benefits of Certified Pre-Owned vs. off-lease depend on what’s important to you. We explain.

Technician checking an electric car battery's health.

How to Check Battery Health When Buying a Used EV

Chris Hardesty-January 10, 2025December 17, 2025

Buying a used electric car can be an excellent choice for saving money if you take these steps to check the battery’s health.

Homeowner charging an electric car.

Should I Charge My Electric Car Every Night?

Chris Hardesty-October 7, 2024February 5, 2025

Knowing whether to charge your EV each night is a need or not is crucial information before buying an electric car. Find out more.

Consumer making car payment

What Term Should Your Car Loan Be When Buying?

Chris Hardesty-September 18, 2024November 29, 2025

Considering a new car? We examine a few factors to help determine which loan term is right for you.

Downpayment on a car

How Much Money Should You Put Down on a Car?

Chris Hardesty-September 9, 2024December 3, 2024

Determining the right down payment for a new or used car loan or a new car lease depends on more than just the buyer’s finances.

towing-repossessed-vehicle

Car Repossession: How Many Payments Can You Miss?

Chris Hardesty-July 26, 2024February 8, 2025

If you may miss a car payment, you’ll need this information to find out how car repossession works.

Mechanic pouring motor oil

Should You Get Your Oil Changes at a Dealership?

Chris Hardesty-June 27, 2024February 27, 2025

An oil change is a simple procedure — so do you have to go to a dealership for it? Here’s our take.

Blue Volvo Recharge at a charging station

Do I Have to Pay to Charge My Electric Car?

Chris Hardesty-April 19, 2024February 8, 2025

Did you ever wonder if you pay to charge your electric car? Learn about costs per kilowatt-hour and prices in your area.

Car Title

How to Transfer a Car Title

Chris Hardesty-April 3, 2024February 25, 2025

If selling a car, you’ll need to know about transferring the car title, whether online or to its new owner.

Gas pumps

What Kind of Gas Does My Car Take?

Chris Hardesty-March 27, 2024February 25, 2025

Regular, premium or midgrade? Our guide will help you decide what kind of fuel to put in your car.