Renee Valdes

Renee Valdes is an author and editor with Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. She edits and writes stories about vehicles, including advice on how to buy and sell cars in an ever-changing world. Valdes also edits and authors stories about the ins and outs of car insurance from a consumer’s perspective. When she is not editing or penning the latest automobile advice, Valdes is enjoying photography, car camping and kayaking with her family or spending time digging in her garden.

Used Car Lot

Should You Buy a Used Car in June 2025

Renee Valdes-May 19, 2025June 13, 2025

Find out about what the used car market and tariffs have in store, plus the pros and cons of buying now. We’ll provide details of what to know.

Best time to buy a car with woman looking at vehicle.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car?

Renee Valdes-May 9, 2025May 9, 2025

Find out the best time to purchase a vehicle. There are plenty of ways to shop smartly throughout the year.

Aerial view of new cars on dealer lot

Tariffs on Cars and Parts: What You Need to Know

Renee Valdes-May 1, 2025June 10, 2025

With all the questions about tariffs, we provide answers about how to decode where your vehicle was made so you can determine how you may be affected.

A car's VIN on the dashboard near the windshield

Where Is the VIN on a Car?

Renee Valdes-April 23, 2025April 30, 2025

Find out how to locate the VIN number on a vehicle so you can check the car’s history.

Car lease buyout

Should You Do a Lease Buyback in 2025?

Renee Valdes-January 10, 2025May 14, 2025

At the end of your lease, crunch some numbers and decide whether a buyback makes sense.

Purchasing car with cash from piggy bank

Buying a Car With Cash: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Renee Valdes-December 16, 2024December 18, 2024

Is it a good idea to buy a car with cash? We answer commonly asked questions and more.

A car title, cash, and an ignition key.

What Is a Rebuilt Title?

Renee Valdes-November 7, 2024April 17, 2025

Ever wonder what the phrase “rebuilt title” means in a used car listing? We explain exactly what to expect when you see those words.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid in white.

Hybrid Battery Replacement: When Can You Expect It?

Renee Valdes-September 30, 2024February 5, 2025

If you own an older hybrid or you’re thinking of buying one, when can you expect to replace the hybrid battery? We have the info you need.

How to decide whether to buy from private seller or dealer

Private Seller vs. Dealer When Buying a Used Car

Renee Valdes-September 17, 2024November 21, 2024

Should you buy your next used car from a private seller or a dealer? We outline the pros and cons of both options.

REPO

Financing After a Car Repossession: What You Need to Know

Renee Valdes-September 9, 2024November 21, 2024

Getting financing after car repossession can be challenging, but we have advice when you need a loan.