Car Buying Resources

Practical guides and tips to help you buy a car with confidence. No fluff, no sales pitches. Just the stuff I wish more people knew before they walked into a dealership.

Family enjoying a stress-free car shopping experience at a dealership
Article

Car Shopping in Chicago's Northwest Suburbs: How to Make It Stress-Free

Why car shopping feels stressful, how to prepare, and what actually makes the difference.
Illustrated headshot of V, the founder of V Knows Cars in a navy blazer and pink shirt
V Knows Cars
14 Jan 2026
•
5 min read
People enjoying collaborative buying experience at a car dealership
Free tool

What to Bring to a Dealership: A Complete Checklist for Car Buyers

Everything you need before walking into a dealership. Documents, trade-in prep, financing tips, and Illinois-specific requirements.
Illustrated headshot of V, the founder of V Knows Cars in a navy blazer and pink shirt
V Knows Cars
16 Jan 2026
•
7 min read
Business person estimating out of the door price of a vehicle
Free tool

Interactive out of the door price calculator for Illinois car buyer

Interactive out of the door price and the monthly payment calculator that helps estimate how a real car purchase transaction in Illinois will look like
Illustrated headshot of V, the founder of V Knows Cars in a navy blazer and pink shirt
V Knows Cars
21 Jan 2026
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Interactive tool
Business person estimating out of the door price of a vehicle
Free tool

Interactive tool: Put money down or invest the cash? 

Should you put money down on a car at all, or keep your money invested? Run scenarios with the interactive tool and make a decision for your situation
Illustrated headshot of V, the founder of V Knows Cars in a navy blazer and pink shirt
V Knows Cars
26 Feb 2026
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Interactive tool
Car loan interest deduction, auto loan tax deduction under Trump's bill
Article

Car Loan Interest Tax Deduction Guide for Illinois Buyers

Complete guide to the new car loan interest deduction under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Learn eligibility, savings, and how to claim up to $10,000 annually.
Illustrated headshot of V, the founder of V Knows Cars in a navy blazer and pink shirt
V Knows Cars
26 Jan 2026
•
7 min read
ERT stands for Electronic Registration and Title
Article

What Is the ERT Fee When Buying a Car in Illinois?

Full information about the ERT fee charged by dealerships to submit paperwork electronically to the Illinois Secretary of State
Illustrated headshot of V, the founder of V Knows Cars in a navy blazer and pink shirt
V Knows Cars
26 Jan 2026
•
5 min read
Expert picked car listings by V Knows Cars. Local gems. Cars worth considering
Online listings

Hand picked car listings from my inventory that are worth considering

Every week I pick a selection of cars that I drive myself and can vouch for their condition
Illustrated headshot of V, the founder of V Knows Cars in a navy blazer and pink shirt
V Knows Cars
26 Jan 2026
•
5 min read

Ready to make car buying easier?

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