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Car prices

Dollars don't go far for car owners, report finds

by Mitchell Hartman
Oct 30, 2024
Since 2020, cost increases have far surpassed inflation, report finds. Prices for insurance and repair have been climbing.
You aren't imagining it — owning a car is more expensive than it used to be. But automakers and insurers have little incentive to lower prices.
Kevin Carter/Getty Images
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Affordability is key for the latest wave of car shoppers. Can carmakers keep up?

by Savannah Peters
Apr 2, 2024
Many companies have focused on building more expensive SUVs and fewer affordable compact cars. That's causing a mismatch with current demand.
“Even now, though, a monthly car payment can be well over $700. Which is obviously a pretty large monthly expense for a household,” says David Whiston, an auto analyst with Morningstar.
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Car prices are still stubbornly high

by Kristin Schwab
Aug 21, 2023
$20,000 used to be the starting point for a new car. Now there’s only one remaining model on the market that sells for around that figure … the Mitsubishi Mirage.
More consumers and carmakers are focused on bigger, more expensive cars. And with the pandemic chip shortage, the average price of a vehicle has ballooned to $50,000.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Cars: Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em

by Kai Ryssdal and Livi Burdette
Aug 15, 2023
Affordability has broken down, but the costs of not having your own vehicle are even higher for many. Marin Cogan of Vox explains.
The average new car costs a record $48,000 — up 25% between May 2020 and May 2023. During the same time, used car prices soared 50%.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
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EV prices are falling, but remain out of reach for many potential buyers

by Henry Epp
Jul 17, 2023
The industry may need to cut costs to bring down stickier prices.
Ford's F-150 Lightning electric pickup (above) is part of recent price drops in the electric vehicle space.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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I've Always Wondered ...

How do carmakers set the "manufacturer’s suggested retail price"?

by Janet Nguyen
Apr 28, 2023
Every car has one, but what you actually pay may differ from this amount.
A car's sticker price communicates its worth — but there might be better deals out there.
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What's driving car prices ever higher?

by Kristin Schwab
Apr 6, 2023
The new entry-level price for a new vehicle is $25,000, auto research site Edmunds says.
Ford is one automaker that has moved its focus from smaller, more affordable sedans to trucks and SUVs.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Vehicle demand is finally slowing down

by Justin Ho
Dec 29, 2022
Demand for autos has been strong throughout the pandemic. But in recent months, demand has been softening, thanks in part to rising interest rates and elevated prices.
Used cars are displayed at a dealership in New York City.
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In the market for a used car? There's some good news.

by Samantha Fields
Dec 13, 2022
Prices are 3.3% lower than they were a year ago, and have been dropping every month for the last five months. Here's why.
Despite a gradual decrease in price, used cars are still a lot more expensive than they were a couple of years ago.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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New car buyers are finally getting a break

by Lily Jamali
Nov 2, 2022
Those prices that spiked because of supply chain issues are starting to come down ... just a bit.
Used cars for sale are displayed on the sales lot at K&L Auto Expert in Richmond, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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