Your Money Minute Record High New Car Prices. Again 1/29/26
Jan 29, 2026
A quick take on the surge in new car prices and what that means for buyers. Brief coverage of record-setting average vehicle sticker prices. A look at rising monthly payments and the growing number of loans topping $1,000. Directions for where to find more in-depth coverage.
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Record High New Car Prices
- New car prices reached a fresh all-time high, averaging $50,326 according to Cox Automotive.
- The rise in prices translates into much higher monthly payments for buyers nationwide.
Average Monthly Payment Climbs
- The average monthly car payment is now $781, per Edmonds, reflecting more expensive borrowing.
- Higher sticker prices push payments up even when buyers focus mainly on monthly cost.
Surge In $1,000+ Car Payments
- The share of auto loans with payments of at least $1,000 jumped from 5% in 2019 to 20% now.
- One in five auto loans carries a $1,000-or-more monthly payment, a new record per Edmonds.