Lauren Swift

Lauren Swift is Senior Editor with Autotrader’s Digital Operations team, where she creates multimedia automotive content. Prior to her current role, she was a contributing writer and editor for national publications including U.S. News & World Report, USA Today Blueprint, and Consumer Affairs. Lauren began her career as a freelance writer and editor. She then transitioned into a role as a senior editor for a marketing and SEO agency, where she worked on strategic blogging and SEO campaigns. She is also a dedicated creative writer and has edited and contributed to numerous literary magazines. She’s committed to developing sharp, informative, and creative automotive content that’s for humans, by humans. In her free time, you can find her making crochet masterpieces and pretending she’s a contestant on baking competition shows.

Car Shopping

Should You Buy a Used Car in August/September 2026?

Lauren Swift-August 18, 2026September 3, 2026

Used car prices leveled off in July as inventory remained tight. See current prices, supply trends, EV data, and tips for buying used.

Car Shopping

How to Buy a Car

Lauren Swift-July 15, 2026July 17, 2026

Learn how to buy a new or used car, set a budget, compare financing, negotiate the price, and complete the paperwork with confidence.

Car Shopping

What to Look for in a Certified Pre-Owned Warranty

Lauren Swift-June 22, 2026June 22, 2026

Review CPO warranties for the warranty timeframe and its coverage for powertrain, bumper-to-bumper, and other benefits, such as roadside assistance.

Car Shopping

How Online Buying Has Changed Car Shopping

Lauren Swift-June 5, 2026June 9, 2026

Shopping for a car online continues to evolve and become easier and more sophisticated, but there’s still room for the technology to grow.

Car Shopping

Alert: Scammers Are Spoofing Dealership Websites

Lauren Swift-June 5, 2026June 9, 2026

Learn how AI-powered dealership spoofing scams work, spot warning signs, and protect yourself when shopping for a car online.

Car Shopping

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car?

Lauren Swift-May 14, 2026May 14, 2026

Learn why buying an outgoing model-year car can help you save money, plus the trade-offs to consider before choosing last year’s model.

Car Shopping

Can I Buy Temporary Car Insurance?

Lauren Swift-April 21, 2026April 21, 2026

Temporary car insurance is not usually available, so most drivers need a standard policy, added-driver coverage, or rental insurance, depending on the situation.