The Driveway Journal

Cars, explained.

Buying guides, market notes, EV know-how and honest advice for anyone who drives in Los Angeles — written by the people who sell and service the cars.

Woman holding up car keys in front of a white car

Buying guides

New vs. used vs. certified: which is right for you in 2026

Three ways to buy, three different trade-offs. A plain look at price, warranty, depreciation and peace of mind to help you choose.

October 3, 2026

Electric crossover at a covered fast-charging station

EV & hybrid

EV range in the real world: what LA drivers actually get

The sticker range is a yardstick, not a promise. Here is what really changes the number in Southern California, and how to size an EV to your week.

September 26, 2026

A hand holding a smartphone displaying a calculator app over a paper folder

Finance & insurance

Understanding APR, term and total cost

A lower payment is not always a better deal. How APR, loan length and fees combine, with side-by-side numbers to show what each choice really costs.

September 18, 2026

Driver steering through open countryside

Buying guides

Test-drive checklist: 15 things to check

A test drive is your best chance to learn how a car fits your life. Use these 15 checks before, during and after the drive.

September 10, 2026

Road with palm trees with Los Angeles in the background.

Local drives

Five LA drives worth a full tank

From Pacific Coast Highway to Mount Baldy, five Southern California roads that reward a half-day out, with notes on timing, charging and what to drive.

August 30, 2026

Buying guides

How to read a vehicle history report

A history report is a used car’s résumé. Learn what title brands, accident entries and owner counts really mean, and what the report cannot tell you.

August 19, 2026

Man cleaning the wheel of a silver car in a garage

Finance & insurance

What your trade-in is really worth (and how to get more)

Trade-in offers can differ by thousands of dollars. Learn what drives the number, how to prepare, and why to keep the two deals separate.

August 7, 2026

White electric SUV plugged into a garage wall charger

EV & hybrid

Hybrid, plug-in or full EV?

Three kinds of electrified car, three different lifestyles. A plain guide to which one fits your parking, your commute and your road trips.

July 25, 2026

Pouring fresh oil into an engine during a service

Ownership & care

Maintenance schedule for the first 100,000 miles

A practical timeline of what your car needs and when, with adjustments for hybrids, EVs, heat and Los Angeles stop-and-go driving.

July 11, 2026

Buying guides

How to spot a great deal: understanding price vs. market

Two identical-looking cars can be worth very different amounts. Here is how to compare a price with the market and read a deal rating sensibly.

June 26, 2026

Hand signing a contract with a fountain pen

Finance & insurance

Leasing vs. financing: a plain-English comparison

Leasing is not cheaper, it is different. How each option works, what the fine print means, and which one suits the way you drive.

June 5, 2026

Ownership & care

Charging at home in an LA apartment

Living in an apartment does not rule out an EV. The charging speeds, building options, public alternatives and costs that make it work in Los Angeles.

May 10, 2026

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