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Tim O'Sullivan

An automotive research contributor at CarGurus.

Articles written by this author:

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Rental Car

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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What to Look for When Shopping for a First Car

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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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