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Fresh, plain-English guides to help you buy smarter.
The Telltale Signs a Used Car Will Stay Reliable
Some used cars keep running long after others give up. Here are the signs that point to lasting reliability.
Where the Best Value Is Hiding in the Used Market Right Now
Value is about more than a low price. Here is how to find used cars that give you the most for your money.
How to Use a Vehicle Score to Negotiate a Better Price
A score is not just for choosing a car; it is a negotiating tool. Here is how to put it to work at the dealership.
Why Two Nearly Identical Cars Can Score Very Differently
Same model, different score? Small differences in year, trim, and engine can move the needle more than you think.
What a Low Score Really Means (and When to Walk Away)
A low score is a warning, not always a dealbreaker. Here is how to read one and decide what to do.
How to Compare Two Cars Using Their Scores
Comparing cars gets easier when you let the numbers do the heavy lifting. Here is a simple framework.
What Actually Goes Into a VIP Score
A single number packs in a lot of data. Here is a plain-English breakdown of what a VIP Score measures and why.
The Truth About Small Turbo Engines and Fuel Economy
Small turbocharged engines promise power and efficiency. Here is when they actually deliver, and when they do not.
Does Great Fuel Economy Help a Car Hold Its Value?
Efficient cars can be easier to sell later. Here is how fuel economy factors into resale value and total cost.
The Most Fuel-Efficient Used Cars That Also Score Well
Great gas mileage is only a bargain if the car is reliable. Here is how to find used models that deliver both.
7 Driving Habits That Quietly Boost Your Fuel Economy
You can squeeze more miles out of any tank without changing cars. Here are the habits that make the biggest difference.
Hybrid vs. Electric vs. Efficient Gas: Which Saves You More?
There is more than one path to low fuel costs. Here is how hybrids, EVs, and efficient gas cars really compare.