Get access to the same vehicle valuation tool that dealers rely on. With Black Book, you’ll have insider data to accurately assess trade-in and purchase values—empowering you to negotiate the best possible deal.
When shopping for a car, the last thing you want is to end up with is a lemon. A Lemon Law car is a vehicle plagued with defects that can lead to endless repairs, frustration, and unexpected expenses. Fortunately, there are several telltale signs that can help you avoid purchasing a lemon. Here’s how our CarEdge pros keep an eye out for lemon cars when shopping for our Concierge service.
1. Check the Vehicle History Report
One of the first steps in evaluating a used car is to obtain a vehicle history report from a service like Carfax. Don’t accept a report from an issuer you’ve never heard of, or very little is known about. This report provides crucial details about the car’s past, including any reported accidents, title issues, service records, and whether it has been labeled a lemon by previous owners. A clean history report is a good sign, but be wary of any red flags such as frequent ownership changes or multiple repairs early in the car’s life.
2. Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Deals
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low prices compared to similar models on the market could be a sign that the seller is trying to offload a lemon. Always research the fair market value of the car you’re interested in and be cautious if the price is significantly lower without a reasonable explanation. It can’t hurt to ask the salesperson why the car is offered at such a good price. CarEdge Insights is the perfect research tool for every car buyer, and includes detailed, local car price data.
3. Inspect the Exterior and Interior Thoroughly
A careful inspection of the car’s exterior and interior can reveal signs of previous damage or poor maintenance, in addition to a possible Lemon Law car. Look for uneven paint jobs, mismatched body panels, or rust, which could indicate previous accidents or improper repairs. Inside, check for wear and tear that doesn’t match the car’s age or mileage, such as overly worn seats, broken switches, or a musty smell, which could point to water damage.
Even if a car has been repaired, the quality of those repairs matters. Check for signs of shoddy workmanship, such as misaligned body panels, uneven gaps around doors or hoods, and poorly fitting trim pieces.
4. Have a Trusted Mechanic Inspect the Car
Even if the car seems perfect on the surface, it’s wise to have a trusted mechanic conduct a pre-purchase inspection. A mechanic can check the car’s engine, transmission, suspension, and other critical components for issues that might not be obvious during a regular inspection or test drive. This professional evaluation can save you from unexpected repairs and costs down the road.
If the seller gives any pushback at all, this is a major red flag. It’s reasonable for them to ask questions considering that you’d be taking their car to a shop. Offer for them to come along to assuage any concerns. Regardless, our CarEdge experts don’t budge on this: no pre-purchase inspection on a used car? No deal.
A thorough test drive is crucial for uncovering hidden issues. Pay attention to how the car handles, brakes, and accelerates. Listen for any unusual noises, such as clunking, grinding, or whining, which could signal mechanical problems. Also, test all of the vehicle’s features, including the air conditioning, infotainment system, and lights, to ensure everything is in working order.
If you’re not too familiar with how a car should drive, invite someone who is along for the ride. This could be covered under the pre-purchase inspection we just covered above.
6. Review Warranty and Lemon Law Protections
If you’re buying a used car, check if any of the manufacturer’s warranty is still in effect. This can offer some protection if you end up with a lemon. Additionally, familiarize yourself with your state’s lemon laws, which provide legal recourse if you purchase a defective vehicle. Knowing your rights can help you make a confident purchase and protect yourself if something goes wrong. Consider extended warranty coverage for peace of mind. Learn more about CarEdge’s extended warranty, the most transparent coverage on the market.
Spotting a lemon law car before you buy can save you from a world of hassle and expense. By following these critical steps, you can minimize the risk of ending up with a problematic and wallet-draining vehicle. Remember, it’s better to invest a little extra time in the buying process than to deal with the consequences of purchasing a lemon.
The top compact cars for 2025 are feature-packed, top-rated for safety, and surprisingly affordable. These cars prove that amazing value still exists for under $30K, despite ever-rising car prices. Here’s why these five compact cars are the best value for car shoppers in 2025.
2025 Mazda 3 ($25,135 – $36,985)
Average Selling Price Today: $29,623
MSRP increase since 2020: +12%
The Mazda3 is the best-value compact car for 2025. With a starting price well under $30K, Top Safety Pick Plus honors in crash testing, and a score of 78/100 overall from Consumer Reports, there’s a lot to love about this Mazda sedan.
The 2025 Mazda 3 is available as either a sedan or hatchback in all trim levels, something that’s new for 2025. All-wheel drive is available for the Mazda 3, and comes standard with the lavish Carbon Edition ($30,595 MSRP + destination). The two-wheel drive version scores 31 miles per gallon in combined driving. That’s a tad more than the all-wheel drive Mazda 3’s 27 miles per gallon.
Here’s how Consumer Reports rates the Mazda 3 in the top categories reviewed:
In 2024, the Prius was fully redesigned, transforming the geek squad symbol into a sharp-looking compact car. Fuel economy remains strong, with the standard hybrid powertrain delivering 54 miles per gallon. Consumer Reports is a fan, and gave the 2024 Prius an overall score of 80. Here’s where the major metrics stand:
Following years of upgrades and facelifts, the Elantra has been gradually elevated to ‘more than a commuter car’ status. You can sum up the appeal of the Elantra with one word: value. For well under $30K, this compact car gets you modern looks, a well-designed suite of tech, and fuel efficiency. Consumer Reports gives the Elantra a score of 74/100, which isn’t bad for a car in this class. Here are the major CR ratings for the Elantra:
Now available as both a sedan and a hatchback, there’s even a Corolla pickup truck on the way in a few years. The Corolla has been a best-selling compact car for decades, and with good reason. For the price point, Toyota has consistently delivered a car packed with value. Consumer Reports is a fan, too. For 2024, CR scored the Corolla sedan 75/100 overall. Here’s a look at the rest of the Consumer Reports category scores for the Corolla:
The 2023 Corolla earned the Top Safety Pick badge from the IIHS in the most recent crash testing. This applies to the 2024 Corolla sedan, which was unchanged from the prior year. See the full safety review here.
With the discontinuation of the Subaru Legacy in 2024, the Impreza is the last compact car standing for the brand. Subaru has been steadily increasing U.S. market share over the past decade, in large part due to the emphasis on highly-desired yet more costly crossovers. The Impreza is the most affordable Subaru on sale today, and now comes only in the hatchback option. Rest assured that all-wheel drive comes standard, as it does with the entire Subaru lineup.
Consumer Reports also sees the value in this AWD car, giving it an overall score of 76/100. Here’s how the CR ratings breakdown by category:
The Impreza earned a ‘Good’ score in most IIHS safety tests, but performed poorly in the updated side crash test. See the IIHS safety rating details here.
Whether you’re looking into compact cars, trucks, luxury SUVs, or the latest electric vehicles, CarEdge makes it easy for you. Let our CarEdge Concierge find the car you want, negotiate the price, and deliver it to your door. If you don’t save at least the cost of the service, it’s free!
Despite an abundance of inventory and high interest rates, new car prices keep rising, and 2025 car prices are no exception. Many automakers are increasing the starting prices of their vehicles at a pace that far exceeds inflation. Time and time again, we’ve seen automakers drop affordable base models, despite consumer appetite for cheaper options. Here are 10 models with the biggest MSRP increases for the 2025 model year. Note that all prices include mandatory destination fees.
Stay tuned for Part 2: The New Cars with the Lowest MSRP Hikes for 2025
With a base MSRP of $48,990, the CT5 has seen a whopping 23% increase. The CT5 Sport, the most popular spec, sees a 10% price increase for 2025. These hikes reflect Cadillac’s efforts to shift the brand to an even more upscale clientele. However, this comes at a notable cost, pushing Cadillac CT5 prices ever higher, and out of reach for more buyers.
With the elimination of the 4-cylinder Supra, Toyota’s classic sports car sees a much higher cost of entry. For buyers who prefer the more common GR Supra 3.0, prices increase ‘only’ $800. But at least all Supra variants now come with a 382-horsepower turbocharged engine,
MINI Cooper Hardtop prices have risen 23% over the past 5 years. These MSRP hikes have made a beloved brand once associated with affordability less attainable for many. The base MINI Cooper saw a 12% price increase for 2025. However, it’s not just the base model. The 2025 Cooper S Hardtop, a more popular trim, received a 10% price bump for the 2025 model year.
Chevrolet is synonymous with affordability. At least, that’s how it’s been for decades. Unsurprisingly, Chevrolet is aiming for a more premium market, with everything from design to price points reflecting that. GM sold 212,000 copies of the Equinox last year, and healthy sales have continued into 2024. But if you’re looking ahead to the 2025 model, the popular Equinox RS receives a 10% price hike, now starting at $35,480. 2025 car prices are on track to continue the upward trend.
Before we talk about Infiniti’s 2025 prices, let us remember one fact: the brand is merely Nissan’s upscale nameplate. With that in mind, would you pay close to $100,000 for one? For 2025, Infiniti is raising prices for the huge family hauler, the QX80. With a 2025 starting price of $84,485 with destination fee included, the QX80 receives a 11% price increase. Worse yet, the QX80 Luxe is 20% more expensive for 2025, now starting at $91,595.
Lincoln continues to refine its luxurious midsize SUV, the Aviator, with a large price increase for 2025. The base model now starts at $60,275, marking a 10% increase from 2024. The Lincoln Aviator Reserve, a favorite among buyers, sees an even steeper increase of 15%, bringing its starting price to $69,375.
With the much-anticipated redesign comes a much higher starting price for the 2025 Forester. Base model aside, the Popular Forester Sport also sees a 9% MSRP hike. With the 2025 Forester’s changes, the legendary Subaru has completed the journey from boxy hatchback (in the 90’s) to bonafide SUV.
For the 2025 model year, the Carnival MPV (A Kia acronym for multi-purpose vehicle) receives its first facelift since its debut in 2021. Unsurprisingly, Kia is leveraging the new fascia and added features to justify an 8% price increase for the base Carnival. The more popular Carnival EX sees a 4% MSRP increase for 2025.
For 2025, the Explorer sees an 8% price increase, bringing the base MSRP to $41,350. Surprisingly, the popular ST-Line trim sees a price reduction of 5% for the new model year. In 2024, the average selling price of a new Explorer is $47,515. Ford Explorer prices have increased by more than a third over the course of the past decade.
Car Price Inflation Is Real
The trend of rising car prices shows no sign of slowing down in 2025. While these increases might seem daunting, empowered buyers can still find ways to negotiate better deals. Staying updated on price trends and being prepared to negotiate are key strategies in this evolving market. Luckily, CarEdge has 100% free resources to get you there!
👉 Ready to let the experts negotiate for you? Let CarEdge take it from here. Your CarEdge Concierge can find the best vehicle for your needs, negotiate the best price, and handle all the details. Home delivery is available! Save time and money with CarEdge Concierge, the #1 car buying service in America.
If you’re looking for speed and handling without breaking the bank, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. There are several high-performance cars available for under $100,000 that deliver fun on the track, and a great ride on city streets. Let’s take a look at five of the best sports cars available under $100K in 2024.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette
The classic sports car
Starting at $69,995
Average selling price in 2024: $84,990
Widely viewed as the best-value deal for a performance car, the 2025 Corvette is all you could want in a sports car. The Corvette’s V8 produces 490 horsepower, enough to launch you to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. Want more of a luxury feel? The Corvette 3LT gets you Bose speakers, upgraded seats, leather upholstery, and a lot more starting at $81,745.
The Supra is built alongside the BMW Z4 in Austria, and that’s not a bad thing. The two affordable sports cars share a 382-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine. Want a stick-shift? It’s available on the GR Supra at no extra cost.
It’s a 3-Series with the performance turned way up
Starting at $77,175
Average selling price in 2024: $94,130
Do you see yourself in a BMW? What about in a BMW, but with a racing helmet on? The 2025 BMW M3 is the ultimate blend between daily driver and performance champion. Both manual and automatic options are thrilling, leaving little room for competition. The only downside: the price easily climbs towards $100K, despite the attainable base price.
The closest we’ll ever get to the 300ZX of the 1990’s
Starting at $44,110
Average selling price in 2024: $53,614
The current generation of the Nissan Z screams nostalgia, and that seems to be what Nissan was aiming for when they launched their surprisingly affordable sports car. Design elements inspired by the Nissan sports cars of the 90’s Make no mistake, it’s no GTR, but it sure is fun to throw into corners. And, it’s easily found for under $50K.
You may have seen the reviews by now, most of which share a common theme: the IONIQ 5 N is the most fun you can have in an electric car, period. 601 horsepower (nearly double that of the AWD IONIQ 5) and a vast suite of performance features to tinker with makes this a memorable track car. In fact, it’s so track-oriented that it may feel a bit out of place on public roads!
From the classic Chevrolet Corvette to the innovative Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, there are plenty of options under $100,000 that offer both performance and excellent value. Whether you’re into the nostalgic feel of the Nissan Z or the luxury of the BMW M3, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to buy your performance car without the dealership hassle? Let CarEdge Concierge help you navigate the car buying process. Our experts can find the best vehicle for your needs, negotiate the best price, and handle all the details. Save time and money with CarEdge Concierge, the #1 car buying service in America.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that offers fuel efficiency without the charging hassles of an EV, a hybrid might be your best match. This month, automakers are offering lease specials across a range of models, from the redesigned Prius to hybrid SUVs like the Corolla Cross. Let’s dive into the top hybrid lease deals available for November 2024.
Ready to find the perfect hybrid without dealership hassles? Let CarEdge help you navigate the leasing process. Our experts can find the best vehicle for your needs, negotiate the best price or lease terms, and handle all the details. Save time and money with CarEdge Concierge, the #1 car buying service in America.
States eligibile for below invoice pricing and 100% free delivery:
Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Delaware, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
What if I don’t live in these states? If you're outside these areas, don't worry! We're committed to making sure everyone can enjoy our deals. Although the delivery fee will not be waived, you can still purchase from CarEdge and either pay for shipping or coordinate pickup at a participating dealer.
Our concierge service costs $999 plus an optional shipping fee (based on distance or pick-up).
To get started, pay the one-time payment of $999 and a CarEdge concierge will start by negotiating the vehicles in your favorites.
Why should you let a concierge do the work?
Get the best deal
Our team of concierges and industry experts with 75+ years of combined experience with access to tools and data to leverage the best deal possible.
Convenience
Gone are the days of looking for a car and stepping into the dealership spending hours and hours of head banging only to get smooth talked into a higher price.
Expert assistance
We answer all questions you may have regarding the buying process, what the right car is, the deal itself, and more!
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Transparent when others aren't
Our commitment to transparency and honesty ensures that you make informed decisions, while our years of experience guarantee that we will be able to secure the best deal for you.
When you win, we win
We work for you, not the dealership, ensuring your interests are always our top priority.
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