Chris Hardesty

Atlanta

Senior Advice Editor at Kelley Blue Book

Fan of competitive eating & Frye shoes. Father, road trip enthusiast, all-around good guy from Chattanooga. Advice editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader.

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Articles

Worst Car Colors to Buy for Resale

1 week ago | autotrader.com | Chris Hardesty

Uncommon exterior colors sometimes offer better resale value than mainstream colors due to supply and demand. Some studies suggest dark-colored cars have a higher accident risk compared to light-colored ones. Certain colors, such as black and blue, are harder to keep clean, while gray and silver tones hide dirt and imperfections well. Selecting a car color is a personal preference.
Time anxiety, not range anxiety, is the real concern for EV drivers

1 month ago | ajc.com | Chris Hardesty

For years, the biggest hurdle to widespread electric vehicle adoption was thought to be “range anxiety” — the fear of running out of battery power with no charging station in sight. However, as EV battery technology improves and charging infrastructure expands, a new concern is taking center stage: time anxiety. Time anxiety refers to the worry that charging an EV will take too long and disrupt daily routines, making the ownership experience less convenient than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
How to Estimate Insurance Costs Before Buying a Car

1 month ago | kbb.com | Chris Hardesty |Russ Heaps

The national average annual cost for full coverage car insurance premiums is $2,670. Although liability car insurance is mandatory in every state except New Hampshire, collision and comprehensive coverage aren’t mandatory in any state. Your address can make a big difference in the cost of your car insurance; for example, the average insurance cost in California and Florida is much higher than in Oklahoma and Indiana.
Level 3 Autonomy: What Car Buyers Should Know

1 month ago | kbb.com | Russ Heaps |field-produced episodes. Additionally |Chris Hardesty

Level 3 Autonomy in a Car Quick FactsLevel 3 systems allow drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel and eyes from the road under certain conditions. Legal issues, state regulations, and added costs are the biggest impediments to widespread Level 3 usage. Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot is the first Level 3 capability available on models in the US.
AI Car Features You Need to Know About in 2025

1 month ago | kbb.com | Russ Heaps |field-produced episodes. Additionally |Chris Hardesty

Today’s new car models all feature some degree of artificial intelligence. Level 3 autonomous driving depends heavily on AI. Voice-activated virtual personal assistants can do everything from adjusting the climate control to recommending tourist attractions along your route. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is what all the cool kids are talking about these days, and it’s something to consider when buying a car.
Car Trade-in Tips: How Can I Maximize My Car’s Value?

1 month ago | kbb.com | Chris Hardesty

When purchasing a new or used car, savvy buyers take steps to get the best possible price for their desired vehicle. Presenting a trade-in car at the time of purchase is arguably the best method of lowering the final cost of a new automobile. With high prices across the board, used cars are a popular choice for shoppers. The average listing price for used vehicles at the end of 2024 was $25,565, compared to the average transaction price of $49,740 for new cars.
Deciding between a plug-in hybrid and an all-electric car

2 months ago | ajc.com | Chris Hardesty

As the automotive industry pushes toward electrification, car shoppers can choose plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and fully electric vehicles, among the options. Cox Automotive predicts that electrified vehicles will move into the mainstream in 2025, with 1 in 4 new automobiles sold powered by electricity in some way. Drivers considering shifting to an electrified car face a crucial decision that depends on driving habits, charging availability, budget and more.
REVISION How to Negotiate a Car Deal: What You Need to Know

2 months ago | autotrader.com | Chris Hardesty

Know the vehicle’s value before starting to negotiate a car deal. Determine your budget before car shopping, but never tell the salesperson your monthly payment target. Get an auto loan preapproval before visiting a dealership. Have the dealer make the first offer. Its price might be lower than what you’re willing to pay. Negotiate car price first, then trade-in value, and then add-ons. Be reasonable while negotiating a car deal, but walk away from pushy salespeople.
Deciding between a hybrid and a gas car? Read this

2 months ago | ajc.com | Chris Hardesty

New and used car choices keep growing with a broader variety of electrified automobiles: hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. Cox Automotive predicts that one out of every four cars sold in 2025 will be electrified, with hybrids and plug-in hybrids accounting for about 15% of the overall market. Choosing between a hybrid and a traditional gas-powered car is one of the most significant parts of the car-buying experience.
How to Check Battery Health When Buying a Used EV

Jan 10, 2025 | autotrader.com | Chris Hardesty

Understand the impact of factors like charge cycles, heat, and age on battery performance. Check the EV’s battery warranty coverage, including its transferability, and inspect the vehicle history report for accidents or issues that might affect the battery. Ensure the battery software is updated for optimal performance. Consider professional inspections for battery health data with a detailed and reliable assessment before purchase.