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.

2024 Hyundai Sonata

Trim Comparisons

2024 Hyundai Sonata: Choosing the Right Trim

Russ Heaps-December 13, 2023September 4, 2024

The Hyundai Sonata has been dramatically revamped for 2024, and the lineup has been reduced to two trim levels: SEL and N Line.

2024 Ram 1550 Classic Warlock

Trim Comparisons

2024 Ram 1500 Classic: Choosing the Right Trim

Russ Heaps-December 12, 2023December 3, 2024

The Ram 1500 Classic is an old school but high quality truck being sold for attractively low prices compared to most modern pickups.

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric

Trim Comparisons

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: Choosing the Right Trim

Russ Heaps-December 11, 2023March 8, 2024

Learn which about the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric to determine which of these compact electric SUVs might be right for you.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross in white.

Trim Comparisons

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross: Choosing the Right Trim

Russ Heaps-December 8, 2023December 3, 2024

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross offers the utility of a small SUV in a fuel-efficient Corolla-size package.

Buying a Car from Private Sellers Exchange

Private Seller Exchange Quick Facts for Vehicle Buyers

Russ Heaps-September 28, 2023May 6, 2024

Find out how you can benefit from buying a car from Autotrader’s Private Seller Exchange.

2021 Tesla Model S Plaid

What Is Ludicrous Mode and Ludicrous Plus Mode?

Russ Heaps-September 12, 2023November 18, 2024

Find out Tesla’s meaning behind Ludicrous Mode and Ludicrous Plus Mode on its models.

Private Seller Exchange for private individuals buying and selling cars

Autotrader’s PSX Helps Consumers Safely Buy and Sell Cars

Russ Heaps-August 23, 2023May 12, 2025

If you want to buy or sell a car privately, owner to owner, we’ll show you a safe way to transact.

Couple selling their car

Should You Accept Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer?

Russ Heaps-August 7, 2023November 20, 2024

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

Used cars at a dealership

Used Car Buying Guide

Russ Heaps-July 26, 2023February 4, 2025

With a wide selection, more affordable prices and better reliability than ever before, used cars offer car buyers the best value.

2024 Jeep Wrangler exterior.

Why Is the Jeep Wrangler Still So Popular?

Russ Heaps-May 5, 2023December 4, 2024

People love the Jeep Wrangler, and continue to choose it over more modern competitors. So what’s the Wrangler’s secret?