Tim O'Sullivan
An automotive research contributor at CarGurus.
Articles written by this author:

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Rental Car
by Tim O'Sullivan
Buying an ex-rental car can save you money, but is it a good idea? Our in-depth guide runs you through the pros and cons.

How To Sell a Deceased Family Member's Car
by Tim O'Sullivan
This guide on how to sell a deceased family member's car can help you through the process and alleviate some of the stress of...
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How to Let Someone Test Drive Your Car
by Tim O'Sullivan
When you sell your car privately, you'll most likely need to let someone take a test drive. Here's how to do it, from screen ...
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Five Clear Signs it’s Time to Sell Your Car
by Tim O'Sullivan
From potential profit to suspect safety, here are five clear signs that indicate the time to sell your car might just have ar...
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Selling a Leased Car: Dealership vs Private vs Online
by Tim O'Sullivan
Even if your car is leased, there are still ways that you can sell it. Read on to learn how you can sell your leased car.

Understanding Taxes When Buying and Selling a Car
by Tim O'Sullivan
The laws on taxes for private party used-car sales vary by situation and by state, and in some cases, even by city. It may se...
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Car Tires: A Beginner's Guide
by Tim O'Sullivan
Tires are essential, connecting everything else in your vehicle to the road. The right tires are crucial to your driving expe...
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How To Drive Safely in Winter Weather
by Tim O'Sullivan
Driving safely in winter weather begins before you hit the road. You’ll want to prepare your car for the cold and make sure y...
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What to Fix Before Trading In a Car
by Tim O'Sullivan
So you're ready to buy a new vehicle. Even if you have an older vehicle, you can take advantage of your used car to chip away...
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The 6 Levers of a New Car Deal
by Tim O'Sullivan
The research you did to find the right car, trim level, and options will also prove useful when you negotiate the price. Let ...
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What to Know When Giving a Car as a Gift
by Tim O'Sullivan
If you have a vehicle that’s a good fit for someone in need, here's what you need to know before delivering that generous gif...
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How To Donate Your Car to Charity
by Tim O'Sullivan
Most people will either trade their old car in to a dealership or sell it themselves. But donating your car can make you feel...
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What to Look for When Shopping for a First Car
by Tim O'Sullivan
Buying a first car can be one of life’s most exciting experiences for a young driver, but it can also be scary—especially for...
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The 5 Levers of a Used Car Deal
by Tim O'Sullivan
The only way to know if you’re getting a good deal or not is to know the value of your potential purchase. There are many fac...
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Six Ways to Help Your Car Keep Its Value
by Tim O'Sullivan
Retaining as much of the car’s original value as possible starts at the dealership and lasts as long as you own the car. It c...
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How To Choose Between Gas, Diesel, Hybrid, and Electric Cars
by Tim O'Sullivan
A gas powertrain is no longer the no-brainer decision, so here’s a look at the four basic types of powertrains—gas, diesel, h...
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Five Tips for Driving in the Dark
by Tim O'Sullivan
Darkness reduces our field of vision, our depth perception, and our ability to distinguish colors. Driver fatigue is also a f...
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What’s the Difference? Understanding Vehicle Generations
by Tim O'Sullivan
It’s important to understand vehicle generations if you’re car shopping. You need to know what you’re looking at to get all t...
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Should I Buy an Extended Warranty?
by Tim O'Sullivan
You’ve spent hours, days, or maybe weeks researching, shopping, and negotiating for your next vehicle. Finally, you’ve picked...
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What to Know Before Buying a High-Mileage Car
by Tim O'Sullivan
Today, most cars are engineered to drive well past 100,000 miles, which means buying a high-mileage car can lead to a great d...
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What to Do With a Flood-Damaged Car
by Tim O'Sullivan
Whether it’s a hurricane in September or overflowing rivers in March, rising waters can lead to your car’s downfall. Knowing ...
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A Northerner’s Guide to Winter Tires
by Tim O'Sullivan
There really should be no debate about snow tires: If you live in a place where the ground is covered in white stuff for mont...
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Dealership Mechanics vs. Independent Shops
by Tim O'Sullivan
When your car needs service or repair, should you take your car to the dealership or an independent mechanic?

10 Things to Keep in Your Car This Winter
by Tim O'Sullivan
Sometimes you just have to find a safe spot off the main road and wait for the storm to pass. But if you aren’t prepared, eve...
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