Carfax Smart used car Buys In A Hot Car Market

Car prices are heating up, but your strategy can stay cool. We sat down with Patrick Olsen of Carfax to cut through the noise and map a smarter path to your next vehicle—whether you’re shopping new to beat tariff-driven pressure or hunting for a reliable used car with real value. We dig into timing the market, reading shifting inventory, and setting practical guardrails that protect your budget without giving up tech, safety, or comfort.

If you’re weighing used options, we break down why sedans are the overlooked bargains: late-model Civics, Accords, Camrys, and Malibus that deliver strong mpg and long-haul reliability. We talk about lease-return realities, the must-know red flags on history reports, and the truth about extended warranties versus building your own repair fund. For parents and grads, we call out the safety features that matter most—blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking—and why they deliver day-to-day dividends.

Curious about used EVs? We get real on costs, home charging, and how to think about range so an affordable 150–200 mile car can be your low-cost daily driver. We compare brand trends—Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, Ford—and what’s shifting in resale. Plus, we look at rental-fleet buys, separating maintenance positives from driver-abuse concerns so you can make a clear-eyed choice. To round it out, we fire up a detailed review of the 2024 Ford Mustang GT: design updates, tech quirks, driving feel, performance, and pricing that explains why the GT remains a crowd favorite.

Want to browse smarter? We point to Carfax research tools and free reports on listings so you can verify history, surface hidden risks, and focus on the best candidates for your needs. If you’re ready to upgrade your ride with confidence, tune in, take notes, and tell us what you’re shopping for next. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s car hunting, and leave a review with your top question—we might answer it on air.

Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!

---- -----
Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?

In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!

Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.
----- -----
Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.

In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:

Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.

Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTime

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/

https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltime

https://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTime

For more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at

info@inwheeltime.com

InWheelTime.com/InWheelTimeCarTalk.com available on iHeartRadio, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and most podcast providers.