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Quick Answer: No. The new federal car loan interest deduction (up to $10,000 a year, 2025 to 2028) only applies to new vehicles whose original use starts with you and that had final assembly in the U.S. Used cars, including certified pre-owned, do not qualify. Business-use vehicles may still allow interest deductions under separate rules. What Is the New Car Loan Interest Deduction? The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a temporary tax break that lets some buyers deduct inte

Quick Answer: The best fuel-efficient used cars in 2026 are the Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid and Kia Niro, all landing around 50 mpg or better. For an SUV, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid get about 40 mpg combined and offer AWD for Chicago snow. Why Fuel Economy Matters More Than Ever This Fall Gas prices in 2026 have broken records. AAA reported the national average at $4.36 per gallon on October 8, 2026, and Sep

Quick Answer: Yes, slightly. Wholesale used car prices fell below year-ago levels in September 2026 for the first time this year, and Cox Automotive now expects them to finish 2026 up only about 0.2%. Gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs are dropping fastest, while fuel-efficient cars and used EVs are holding value or rising. Where Used Car Prices Stand Right Now If you have been waiting for used car prices to cool off, the fall of 2026 is the first real sign of it. After a strong sp

Quick Answer: In the certified pre owned vs used car choice, CPO costs more. But you get a warranty from the automaker, a detailed inspection, and limits on age and miles. Meanwhile, a regular used car costs less and gives you more choice. CPO is often worth it for luxury cars or cars with little warranty left. A regular used car often wins when the factory warranty still has time on it. Two cars sit on two lots. Same year, same model, close to the same miles. One has a "Cert

Quick Answer: In the trade-in vs private sale choice, a private sale usually brings a higher price. But it takes more time, more work, and more risk. Meanwhile, a trade-in pays less up front, but it's a faster, safer, and more convenient transaction. In Illinois, it can also cut the sales tax on your next car. So compare the money you actually keep, not just the two offers.. Trade-In vs Private Sale at a Glance Factor Trade-in Private sale Price Lower, close to wholesale High

Quick Answer: The best cars for teens are midsize sedans and small SUVs with modest power, a curb weight above 2,750 pounds, strong crash-test results, and standard automatic emergency braking. However, used Best Choices include the Kia K5, Subaru Legacy, Outback, and Forester. Meanwhile, budget good choices include the Kia Forte and the Subaru Impreza. What Makes the Best Cars for Teens Safe The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports publish a joi

Quick Answer: In the minivan vs SUV debate, minivans usually win on space. They have more third-row legroom, more cargo room, sliding doors, and a lower floor for loading kids and gear. Three-row SUVs win on towing, ground clearance, and style. So if you mostly haul people, pick a minivan. If you tow a camper or drive rough roads, pick an SUV. Two car seats, a booster, a stroller, and a hockey bag. Now try fitting all of that into a parking spot on a Chicago side street. That

Quick Answer: Pothole damage usually shows up as a tire bulge, a bent rim, a crooked steering wheel, a pull to one side, or a new clunk over bumps. If you hit a deep one, pull over safely and check your tires first. Then take photos, report the pothole to 311, and get a repair estimate. Chicago pays some claims, but usually only part of the cost. You spot the pothole too late. Your car drops into it, the steering wheel jerks, and you hear a loud bang. A minute later, everythi

Quick Answer: The best used car buying tips come down to doing things in order. First, check the vehicle history report, open recalls, and fair market price. Next, inspect the car body, underbody, fluids, and interior in daylight, starting with a cold engine. Then take a real test drive. Finally, pay for an independent pre purchase inspection for used car before you sign anything, even at a dealer. The online vehicle listing photos looked perfect, and the seller sounded hones

Quick Answer: The independent car dealer vs. franchise dealership difference comes down to one contract. A franchise dealership has an agreement with an automaker, so it sells new cars and factory-certified pre-owned cars and runs a brand service department. An independent dealer, on the other hand, operates separately from vehicle manufacturers and sells only used cars, usually across many brands, models, and price points. Still, neither is automatically cheaper or safer. Wh

Quick Answer: The best car for daily commute driving depends on your round-trip miles, how much of it is stop-and-go, and where the car parks. Short city commutes favor small, easy-to-park cars like a Kia Forte or Subaru Impreza. Meanwhile, Long expressway commutes favor comfortable, efficient midsize sedans like a Kia K5 or Subaru Legacy. Chicago winters make AWD worth a hard look. Choosing the best car for daily commute starts with understanding your driving needs, not just

Quick Answer: In the Buy Here Pay Here vs. traditional auto financing choice, the difference is who lends you the money. A Buy Here Pay Here dealer finances the car itself and approves mostly on income. A traditional loan comes from a bank, credit union, or finance company that leans on your credit history. Federal Reserve data shows subprime BHPH loans averaged 25.39% APR, versus 14.60% from traditional lenders. What Is Buy Here Pay Here Financing? Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) m

Quick Answer: Your credit score for a car loan can affect whether a lender approves your application and what interest rate and loan terms you receive. A stronger credit profile may help you qualify for better financing terms. Meanwhile, a lower score can make borrowing more expensive. However, lenders also consider income, debts, down payment, loan amount, vehicle, and credit history. Your credit score can have a real effect on how much you pay for a used car. Two people cou

Quick Answer: Take your used car to a car mechanic if you notice any of these five signs: slow or clicking starts, grinding or a soft brake pedal, clunks and wandering over bumps, slipping or harsh shifts, or engine warning lights, knocks, and smoke. A flashing check engine light, a red oil light, or a sinking brake pedal means stop driving now. Most other signs need a booked appointment this week. Used cars rarely quit without warning. They give you a sound, a smell, a light

Quick Answer: A Compact SUV vs. Full-Size SUV decision comes down to how much space, capability, and daily practicality your family actually needs. Compact SUVs usually make more sense for small families (four or five people) and low budgets, with lower purchase prices and better fuel economy. Full-size SUVs offer more passenger (7 to 8) and cargo room, stronger towing capability, and three-row seating. For used buyers, condition, mileage, history, financing, and ownership co

Every October, the same question starts going around Chicago: do I need all-wheel drive to get through this winter? The honest answer is more useful than the marketing one. AWD helps with exactly one thing, and it's not the thing most people think. Meanwhile, a much cheaper decision makes a far bigger difference - and most buyers skip it. Here's what actually matters when you're shopping for a used car that has to survive a Chicago winter. What AWD Actually Does (and What It

Buying a used car is one of the largest purchases most people make, and unlike a new car, every single vehicle on the market is different. Two identical model-year sedans with the same mileage can be twenty years apart in real-world condition depending on how they were driven, where they were parked, and whether anyone bothered to change the oil. In Chicago, there's an extra layer. Our cars survive salted roads for four to five months a year, potholes that could swallow a whe

Shopping for a used SUV in Chicago and trying to stay under $15,000? Good news - that budget goes a lot further than most people expect in 2026. You can find a dependable SUV with all-wheel drive, low mileage for its age, and modern features like Bluetooth, a backup camera, and even leather seating, all without breaking your budget. At Outlaw Motor Company in Chicago, we've helped hundreds of local drivers find the right SUV for their needs and budget since 2004. Here's our h

Trade in your car and the number you get back isn't random - it comes down to a handful of factors a dealer checks before naming a price. Mileage, condition, demand, and paperwork all move that number up or down, sometimes by a lot. This guide covers what actually sets your car trade-in value, how the process works, whether a financed or leased car even qualifies, and how long the whole thing takes from start to keys-in-hand. Outlaw Motor Company is a used car dealership in C

Toyota vs Honda is one of the most common comparisons in the used-car market. Both brands are known for reliable cars, good fuel economy, and practical models. But they are not identical. Toyota’s reputation precedes it when it comes to reliability, and they offer more hybrid models. Honda, on the contrary, is popular for its space, comfort, powerful engines, and sportiness. As for what cars are worth buying from the dealer, the make and model, year, and mileage greatly impac