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Cody Carlson

Author: Cody Carlson

Cody is a New York City-based automotive writer and editorial specialist with over six years of experience covering the industry. He has written and edited thousands of articles for automotive consumer and enthusiast platforms, including Autoblog, CarEdge, and Jalopnik. His work covers vehicle purchasing, ownership, maintenance, emerging automotive technologies, and industry trends. Cody specializes in researching complex automotive topics and turning them into practical guides that help readers better understand their options when buying, owning, and maintaining vehicles.
11 Popular Sedans of 2026 to Look for at Salvage Auctions 

11 Popular Sedans of 2026 to Look for at Salvage Auctions 

Cody Carlson Cody Carlson October 20, 2026
Explore 11 models worth considering in 2026, from the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry to the Kia K5 and Mazda3. Learn what makes each sedan appealing, which trims stand out, and what repair considerations to keep in mind before bidding. Read more
Buying Salvage Work Vans for Small Businesses: Sourcing Trades Vehicles on a Budget

Buying Salvage Work Vans for Small Businesses: Sourcing Trades Vehicles on a Budget

Cody Carlson Cody Carlson September 29, 2026
A salvage work van can be a practical way for a small business to get the cargo space it needs without paying new-van prices. But the lowest auction price doesn’t always mean the lowest project cost. Learn what to inspect, what to calculate, and how to match a van to your trade before bidding. Read more
Missing Catalytic Converters on Salvage Auction Cars: What Buyers Need to Know

Missing Catalytic Converters on Salvage Auction Cars: What Buyers Need to Know

Cody Carlson Cody Carlson September 25, 2026
A missing catalytic converter doesn’t automatically make a salvage auction car a bad buy. Learn how to check whether the converter is missing, estimate replacement and labor costs, factor the repair into your maximum bid, and understand emissions and legal requirements. Read more
9 SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage to Look for at Salvage Auctions

9 SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage to Look for at Salvage Auctions

Cody Carlson Cody Carlson September 22, 2026
Looking for salvage SUVs with the best gas mileage? Several salvage SUVs allow you to balance fuel economy, added space, and enhanced safety for a lower upfront cost.  We make it easy for you to capitalize on these opportunities with... Read more
Diesel vs. Gas Engines: Which Is Better for a Used Work Truck?

Diesel vs. Gas Engines: Which Is Better for a Used Work Truck?

Cody Carlson Cody Carlson September 18, 2026
Diesel and gas work trucks offer different advantages. Compare towing, payload, operating costs, maintenance, longevity, and vehicle condition to choose the right used truck for your needs. Read more
Auction Cars With Missing Keys: Replacement Costs and Buying Considerations

Auction Cars With Missing Keys: Replacement Costs and Buying Considerations

Cody Carlson Cody Carlson September 10, 2026
Buying an auction car without keys does not necessarily mean walking away from the deal. Learn how key type, replacement costs, vehicle condition, and inspection options can affect your decision before you bid. Read more
Undercarriage Rust on Salvage Cars: How Corrosion Affects Repair Costs & Safety

Undercarriage Rust on Salvage Cars: How Corrosion Affects Repair Costs & Safety

Cody Carlson Cody Carlson August 28, 2026
Salvage car projects can offer excellent value. However, undercarriage rust can negatively affect restoration economics and safety. You might be viewing a salvage auction lot, see no mention of rust, and assume that corrosion isn’t present. However, the absence of... Read more
Buying Rental Cars at Auction: Risks, Rewards, and Red Flags

Buying Rental Cars at Auction: Risks, Rewards, and Red Flags

Cody Carlson Cody Carlson August 24, 2026
Cars sold by rental companies are another category of used vehicles available through auctions. These vehicles typically become available as companies rotate newer vehicles into their fleets. Other reasons rentals may end up at auction include shifting market demand, high... Read more
The 5 Safest SUVs of 2026

The 5 Safest SUVs of 2026

Cody Carlson Cody Carlson August 21, 2026
SUVs were again the most popular U.S. vehicle class in 2026, capturing 60.9% of registrations. Enhanced safety is among the many reasons buyers prefer this segment. Generally, SUVs’ increased size and weight allow them to better absorb crash energy than... Read more