Russ Heaps

Russ Heaps is an author specializing in automotive, financial and travel news. For nearly 35 years he has covered the automotive industry for newspapers, magazines and internet websites. His resume includes The Palm Beach Post, Miami Herald, The Washington Times and numerous other daily newspapers through syndication. He edited Auto World magazine, and helped create and edit NOPI Street Performance Compact magazines. He supplied financial content and automotive-industry analysis to Bankrate.com and Interest.com.

Should You Accept a Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer?

Russ Heaps-August 19, 2025August 19, 2025

Deciding how to sell your car means weighing the amount of effort you’re willing to put in versus the amount of money you want to make.

360-Degree Camera: Why You Need It in Your Next Car

Russ Heaps-June 26, 2025June 27, 2025

If you’re looking at buying a vehicle, find out why a 360-degree camera feature is the one you didn’t know you needed.

2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch front left

Best Ford Explorer Years to Buy Used

Russ Heaps-June 11, 2025November 21, 2025

Find out about the generations of used Ford Explorers and the best year or years to buy

2025 Toyota Camry parked on the road.

Best Toyota Camry Years to Buy Used

Russ Heaps-May 13, 2025July 13, 2026

Unlock the best years to buy a used Toyota Camry. We unveil essential insights to potential pitfalls in our guide to buying a used Toyota Camry.

Best Tesla Years to Buy Used

Russ Heaps-March 26, 2025March 27, 2025

What years are best to buy a used Tesla? We tell you the years to buy and the ones to avoid, plus common Tesla issues.

SUV vs. Crossover: What Is the Difference?

Russ Heaps-February 7, 2025February 10, 2025

We break down the difference between an SUV and a crossover for curious shoppers interested in their next family car.

2018-nissan-leaf

Used Electric Car Buying: Is Mileage Important?

Russ Heaps-January 2, 2025February 25, 2025

We’ll tell you about electric vehicle mileage and if it matters when buying a used electric vehicle.

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

TRD and TRD Pro: What to Know in 2025

Russ Heaps-October 28, 2024February 6, 2025

Demystify the differences between TRD and TRD Pro in 2024. Explore performance, features, and more.

A totaled car in an intersection, presumably after an accident.

Should You Buy Back Your Totaled Car?

Russ Heaps-September 23, 2024February 5, 2025

Only in rare cases does it make sense to buy back your totaled car. Here are some issues to consider.

Selling a vehicle on Private Seller Exchange

Private Seller Exchange Quick Facts for Car Sellers

Russ Heaps-September 19, 2024November 20, 2024

Find out why using Autotrader’s Private Seller Exchange can be safe and save you money when selling or buying a used car.