Renee Valdes

Atlanta

Author and Editor at Kelley Blue Book

Lead Advice Editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. Tester of Cars. News Junkie. Globetrotter.

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Articles

Is Now the Time to Buy, Sell, or Trade-in a Car?

1 month ago | kbb.com | Sean Tucker |Renee Valdes

Now is a great time to buy a car before tariffs trickle down to new vehicle prices at dealerships. New car prices held steady in March compared with the previous month and year, but that’s soon to change. Used car prices were up slightly from the month earlier but down from last year. Tariffs will radically change prices over the next few months. Consider this the relative calm before the storm as car prices for new and used vehicles held steady in March.
When Will New Car Prices Drop? - Kelley Blue Book

1 month ago | kbb.com | Renee Valdes

Find out what our economists say about car prices dropping. We share the best and most updated information so you can make an informed car-buying decision.
Tariffs on Cars and Parts: What You Need to Know

1 month ago | autotrader.com | Renee Valdes

What is the reason for tariffs on cars? A White House fact sheet says the tariffs “protect America’s automobile industry.” How will of a car? Tariffs for new cars priced under $40,000 could impact them by as much as $6,000 per vehicle. What do tariffs really mean to Americans? Tariffs mean the government levies taxes on cars (and soon parts) coming into the U.S., and those costs typically get passed on to consumers.
Eight intriguing new EVs to watch for in 2025 and beyond

2 months ago | ajc.com | Renee Valdes

As consumers rush to take advantage of electric vehicle tax credits, manufacturers plan dozens of new models for this year. According to Kelley Blue Book, new electric car sales hit a record high at the end of last year, as volume soared to more than 102,000 units in January, a nearly 30% increase compared to January 2024. When carmakers planned the new EV models, the Biden-era EV incentives had just taken effect on new, used and leased vehicles.
What's driving soaring insurance costs and what you can do

Feb 1, 2025 | ajc.com | Renee Valdes

Wild weather, reckless driving and a spike in car repair costs are just some of the reasons car insurance premiums jumped last year. According to a forecast from the Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group, drivers can expect another 7% increase in premiums in 2025. Bankrate says full coverage car insurance in the U.S. increased 26% last year to an average of $2,543. The average annual premium in Georgia jumped to $2,610 — $67 higher than the national average.
Should You Buy a Used Car This Month?

Jan 27, 2025 | autotrader.com | Renee Valdes

At the start of January, the average used car listing price was $25,721, and for used electric cars, it was $36,976. Looming tariff threats on new cars could drive up prices for used vehicles in February due to greater demand. Used-vehicle days’ supply was 48 at the beginning of January, down eight days compared to last year. It’s a challenging time to buy a used vehicle right now, but some good deals exist.
Electric Car Buying Guide: How to Buy the Right EV

Jan 20, 2025 | kbb.com | Sean Tucker |Renee Valdes

Fully electric cars use no gasoline. You can also find hybrids or plug-in hybrids, both of which use gas. Buying an EV means making a mental shift in thinking about how you refuel your car. The good news is most EV charging gets done at home. There are pros and cons of buying an EV. Range and infrastructure continue to be limitations. Electric cars will drive the future of the automotive world.
5 Signs Your EV Battery Could Be Dying

Jan 9, 2025 | kbb.com | Renee Valdes |Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Among the telltale signs that your EV battery may need replacing is that your battery loses its capacity to hold a charge over time. It’s important to note that electric vehicles, like other cars, are sophisticated and will display dashboard warning lights or other signs. The federal government mandates that carmakers provide EV battery warranties for at least eight years or 100,000 miles, though some provide them for longer.
7 Ways to Protect Yourself When Selling a Car Privately

Nov 15, 2024 | kbb.com | Renee Valdes |Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Selling your car yourself can be easy and profitable, especially if you start with an online ad on Kelley Blue Book’s Private Seller Exchange. Even so, you’ll want to keep some essential things in mind. Use our simple steps to help protect you and make the process go smoothly. What’s below isn’t an exhaustive list of everything involved in your sales transaction, as each sale is unique.
Report: Dodge Speeding Gas-Powered Charger Plan

Nov 12, 2024 | kbb.com | Sean Tucker |Renee Valdes

First, it was the electric muscle car. Then it was the electric muscle car with a gas-powered option. Now, it appears, the 2025 Dodge Charger may be more of a gas-powered muscle car with an electric option. A new report says Dodge is speeding up plans to build the gas-powered version of its 2025 Charger. This one is a little confusing, so allow us some background:In late 2022, Dodge announced a radical plan to remake its future.