Why car prices are so high today
- - Why car prices are so high today
Susan Meyer for TheZebraJanuary 14, 2026 at 9:30 PM
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A young couple checking out a car at a dealership. - taras.chaban // ShutterstockWhy car prices are so high today
Has it been a while since you’ve walked into a new vehicle showroom? Expect some serious sticker shock. The typical MSRP for a new ride nowadays is halfway to six figures. Considering steeper purchase prices, it’s little wonder that many drivers hold onto their vehicles longer or opt for used cars.
What’s behind these costly new vehicle prices? Alternatively, what can you expect to pay for a used auto today? What are some factors you need to consider carefully before committing to a vehicle purchase? And how can you shave serious dollars off your car transaction? TheZebra shares answers to these and other questions.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Car in 2026?
The average transaction price for a new vehicle is currently $49,814, up 1.3% from one year ago, according to November 2025 data from Kelley Blue Book (KBB).
Of course, out-the-door dealership price isn’t the only expense drivers need to take into consideration. On average, owning and operating a new vehicle today costs $11,577, according to AAA.
Here’s some of how that breaks down:
The average consumer spends around $2,449 on gasoline every year, WalletHub reports.
Additionally, Americans now fork over an average of $838 to fix their cars, according to recent data from KBB.
The average annual rate for full-coverage auto insurance in the United States is currently around $2,256, based on The Zebra data.
Also, consider that 61% of American households pay auto loans, according to a recent study by doxoINSIGHTS, with these bills adding up to 9% of total consumer household bills per year. The median monthly auto loan bill is $470, totaling $5,640 annually.
“Beyond the sticker price, buyers need to budget for sales tax, title and registration fees as well as dealer/documentation fees,” says automotive industry expert Lauren Fix, author of Car Coach Reports. “On a typical new vehicle, fees and insurance plus some upfront costs can easily add up to an additional $2,000 upfront.”
Why New Car Prices Were So High in 2025
So, why do vehicle prices remain so elevated? The reasons are plentiful, the experts agree.
“In 2025, new U.S. tariffs on imported cars and auto parts increased manufacturers’ costs, leading to higher prices for buyers. One analysis estimates these tariffs could raise car prices by 10%, or add about $5,000 to the average price of a new car,” says Beth Swanson, an insurance analyst at The Zebra. “At the same time, the cost of materials and key components — including computer chips — has gone up, and ongoing supply chain delays continue to slow production and add expense.”
Rami Sneineh, vice president at Insurance Navy Brokers, points out that the semiconductor shortage during the pandemic severely hampered the production of new vehicles, making a recovery difficult.
“Even when factory capacity returned, the skyrocketing costs of labor and materials helped raise sticker prices even higher than they were in the pre-pandemic era,” Sneineh explains.
Mandated technology, high interest rates and demand for larger and more advanced vehicles have also contributed to steeper new car prices.
“There is an increased tendency toward bigger cars like SUVs and trucks, which are inclined to be more expensive than smaller cars, raising the average cost of purchases,” Sneineh continues.
How Used Car Prices Have Changed
Eager to save money on a pre-owned set of wheels? KBB indicates that the average used car right now has a list price of $25,945.
A data graph chart showing CPI for used vehicles for the last 5 years. - TheZebra
If you’re in the market for a used vehicle below $15,000, it’s slim pickings: Dealerships only had around a 34-day supply in late 2025, which is two weeks below the industry’s overall average. Additionally, potential tariff price pressures could worsen matters; many consumers look more closely at the used market when new autos become more costly, which further dilutes already sparse used inventory.
Ponder, as well, that many drivers retain their cars for longer, with the average vehicle on the road now 12.8 years old. Consequently, the most attainable used car now typically falls in the $15,000 to $30,000 range.
“Prices continue to rise, with 1- to 5-year-old used vehicles now averaging about $31,770 — up nearly 4% from last year,” Fix continues. “Overall, the market is still far more expensive than pre-2021 levels, and the gap between new and used prices remains unusually small.”
What Car Buyers Need to Think About
It’s smart to be well prepared before heading to a dealership or meeting with a used car seller. That means:
Determining your budget and what you can afford.
Thinking carefully about the type of car you want to purchase and how long you plan to own it.
And learning if your credit is worthy enough to qualify for a better rate and terms if you need financing.
“High car prices combined with higher interest rates mean you’ll likely face larger monthly payments. With an average new car loan rate around 7% today, and a typical term close to 69 months, affordability is often stretched thin,” says Fix, who adds that financing a $50,000 car at 7% over 60 months will result in a car loan payment of around $1,000 per month — before adding insurance, taxes, and fees.
Additionally, ponder long-term fix and upkeep expenses based on your desired make and model. Per a Consumer Reports’ study of lowest repair and maintenance costs by brand, Tesla tops the list with approximately $4,035 in total 10-year maintenance expenses, followed by Buick and Toyota at about $4,900 each, and Lincoln at around $5,040. Mainstream mass-market brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Nissan, Mazda, and Honda also fall on the lower-cost end. In contrast, European luxury vehicles tend to be the most expensive: Land Rover can surpass $19,000 over 10 years, Porsche around $14,090, and Mercedes-Benz about $10,525.
A data bar chart showing cost to own different cars over a period of 10 years. - TheZebra
“Remember, too, that the type of vehicle you choose affects your insurance costs,” Swanson adds. “Older, reliable and safe cars usually cost less to insure than newer luxury models or high-performance sports cars. But only part of your insurance rate is based on the vehicle itself. Your personal factors matter even more — things like your age, driving history and where you live play a major role in what you will ultimately pay for car insurance.”
Tips for saving money on a car purchase
Want to spend less on a new or used car? These expert-backed strategies can help cut costs.
Shop beyond your zip code. Prices can vary widely by location, so expanding your search may unlock better deals.
Time your purchase carefully. “Dealers are far more motivated to bargain in the last week of any month or quarter,” says Fix.
Ask about incentives. Look for manufacturer rebates, special financing, or loyalty discounts.
Avoid expensive extras. “Optional dealer add-ons, especially cosmetic packages and extended warranties, can be extremely expensive,” warns Sneineh.
Buy slightly used. “The sweet spot is a 3-year-old car, preferably a former lease,” says personal finance expert Paul Walker.
Check the vehicle history. A low-cost report can reveal prior accidents or serious damage.
Size and trim matter. Choosing a smaller vehicle or mid-level trim can lower both purchase price and ownership costs.
Get preapproved financing. Credit unions and online lenders often offer better rates than dealer financing.
Avoid long loan terms. Shorter loans usually cost more per month but reduce total interest paid.
Do the math on EVs. Higher upfront and insurance costs may offset fuel savings.
Consider certified pre-owned or off-lease vehicles. These options can significantly reduce monthly payments with minimal compromise.
Negotiate the out-the-door price. Focus on the total cost, including taxes and fees, not just the monthly payment.
Be ready to walk away. If the deal doesn’t feel right, leaving may be your strongest leverage.
This story was produced by TheZebra and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Source: “AOL Money”
