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

Navigating car financing and loans amid tariffs

1 month ago | ajc.com | Chris Hardesty

The car market is changing. New tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts, imposed at a 25% rate on many vehicles and key components assembled outside North America, threaten to reshape prices and consumers’ financing options. Understanding these changes is essential to making an informed and financially sound decision when using a loan to purchase your next vehicle. Tariffs are taxes on imports.
Ceramic Window Tint: Is It Worth the Cost in 2025?

2 months ago | autotrader.com | Chris Hardesty

Thanks to its advanced nanotechnology, ceramic tint provides exceptional UV radiation protection, heat rejection, and glare reduction compared to other types. Ceramic window tint is more expensive upfront, but its durability and long-term effectiveness make it a cost-effective investment over time. Consider your budget, vehicle type, and local climate when deciding if ceramic film is the right choice for your needs.
Should you lease or buy your next car? Here's what to know

2 months ago | ajc.com | Chris Hardesty

The automotive landscape is a dynamic mix of rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences and shifting economic conditions. Still, the question remains: Should you lease or buy your next car? With the average price of a new vehicle close to $50,000, deciding to buy a car or lease one for a few years has significant financial implications. And now, car shoppers must also navigate the marketplace with tariffs on imported vehicles.
Worst Car Colors to Buy for Resale

2 months 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

Mar 21, 2025 | 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

Mar 13, 2025 | 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

Mar 13, 2025 | 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

Mar 12, 2025 | 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?

Mar 3, 2025 | 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

Feb 21, 2025 | 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.