Car Buying

Welcome to the latest automotive apocalypse, brought to you by a new 25% tariff on imported vehicles and car parts. In this blog post, adapted from a recent episode of The Straight Shift podcast, we’re unpacking what these tariffs actually mean for you, your wallet, and the entire car industry. Spoiler alert: it’s not great.

When it comes to buying a used car—especially for a teenager or as a budget-friendly second vehicle—many people ask the same question: how old is too old? The answer, of course, depends on a variety of factors, including the car’s make and model, how it was maintained, where it’s lived, and how it’s been driven. But one thing is clear: age alone isn’t the whole story.

...We all know cars are getting smarter—but are they getting a little too smart for our own good? In this blog, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of modern car technology and asking a question most people haven’t even thought to ask: Is your car spying on you?

...Mobility, comfort, visibility, and ease of use are often more important than horsepower or infotainment systems. Some seniors are as active as ever—my neighbors put me to shame—but many face issues like arthritis, joint replacements, limited flexibility, diminished eyesight, and slower reaction times. Some use mobility aids like walkers or scooters, which adds another layer of complexity.

...“Are Honda and Toyota still reliable?” It's a fair question. Recent headlines have highlighted some less-than-stellar moments for both brands. Honda has been dealing with everything from excessive oil consumption to gearboxes that seem confused about their job description. Toyota, long considered the gold standard for reliability, has been hit with engine failures in its new Tundras, transmission issues in Tacomas, and even brake problems in the Corolla Cross. So what g

One of the best parts of my job is keeping up with all the new cars, trucks, SUVs, and yes, even minivans hitting the market. It's like a never-ending auto show, and I love seeing where each brand is headed. Especially in this era of fast-paced change, the shifts in technology, consumer demand, and government regulation are rewriting the playbook. And with a wave of all-new and redesigned models coming for the 2025 and 2026 model years, there's a lot to unpack.

As we head into a new year, one of the most common questions I get is: Should I buy a car in 2025 or wait? It's a valid question, especially with all the noise circulating online about market crashes, crumbling inventory, and sky-high prices. Let’s look beyond the clickbait and break down what’s really happening in the car market this year—and what it means if you’re planning to buy a new or used vehicle in 2025.

...The average new car price in the U.S. is now flirting with $50,000. And that figure doesn’t even include luxury exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis. We’re talking everyday vehicles—SUVs, trucks, sedans. Some mainstream models, like the GMC Yukon or Jeep Wagoneer, now start over $100,000 when fully loaded. That used to be the cost of a house!

...The last few years have been tough for car buyers. Thanks to pandemic-related supply chain issues, there simply weren’t enough cars to sell. That meant dealerships didn’t need to offer discounts—they could barely keep inventory on the lot. But 2024 is different.

So... we had an election last week, and that means it's time for everyone's favorite game: speculating what the new administration might mean for various industries. In the case of the automotive world, that speculation matters more than you might think. Automakers and their suppliers make up the largest manufacturing sector in the U.S., accounting for a full 3% of our gross domestic product. That may not sound like a lot, but for a single industry, it’s a huge slice of the e

Hurricane Helene—and then her equally unwelcome cousin, Hurricane Milton—came barreling through the Southeast last week, hammering Western North Carolina and parts of Florida. Here in the Charlotte area, we were lucky. Some wind, some rain, but nothing like the devastation in the mountains. So this week, I want to talk about how these hurricanes are going to impact the automotive industry—beyond just the usual flood car warnings.

After years of chaos and confusion, the automotive industry is finally showing signs of recovery in 2024. From empty dealer lots and outrageous markups to a resurgence in inventory and incentives, a lot has changed. If you're in the market for a new or used car—or just trying to make sense of where things stand—this article will break down the current state of the auto industry and what it means for you as a car buyer.

In the age of Amazon and DoorDash, it’s no surprise that the automotive world has followed suit. Online car dealerships promise a seamless, hassle-free experience—browse from your couch, get “no-haggle” pricing, and have the car delivered to your front door. Sounds perfect, right? But when it comes to one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make, convenience shouldn’t replace caution. While buying a car online can be quick and easy, it also comes with risks you may not see

Leasing a car can feel like a smart way to drive something new without a long-term commitment, but what happens when your situation changes—or your lease just isn’t working for you anymore? Whether you’ve gone over your mileage limit, need a different vehicle, or want to escape high monthly payments, here’s what you need to know about getting out of a lease without wrecking your wallet.

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