Lorraine Sommerfeld, a seasoned columnist from Driving.ca, shares her expertise on the shifting dynamics of the automotive market. With dealership lots brimming with new vehicles, she discusses whether this surplus will finally lower car prices that soared during the pandemic. Listeners will learn effective strategies for buying new versus used cars and gain valuable tips on negotiating deals, understanding trade-ins, and navigating the evolving landscape of electric vehicle depreciation—all while rethinking their car preferences.
Despite increased inventory, car prices remain high, with new vehicles averaging $66,700, necessitating cautious budgeting by consumers.
Evaluating personal driving needs is essential to avoid purchasing a vehicle that may be larger than necessary, impacting overall expenses.
Deep dives
Current Car Market Trends
The current car market has seen an increase in inventory due to replenished stock, but prices remain high and are unlikely to decrease significantly. Despite having more new cars available, the average price for a new vehicle hovers around $66,700, which many consumers find exorbitant. Used car inventories have loosened slightly as individuals who previously held onto their vehicles are now trading them in, but even with this increase, used car prices have not dropped drastically. Buyers need to remain cautious about their budgets and evaluate whether opting for a new car might offer better financing options along with a full warranty.
Assessing Vehicle Needs
Choosing the right vehicle requires careful consideration of one’s actual needs, rather than opting for larger SUVs or vehicles purely for perceived safety. Many manufacturers are shifting focus towards bigger vehicles, diminishing the availability of smaller options, which often leads consumers to buy cars that are too large for their real requirements. The discussion highlights the importance of evaluating how frequently a vehicle will be used for specific purposes, such as transporting items or passengers, and whether renting larger vehicles occasionally might be a more economical choice. Ultimately, understanding personal driving habits can lead to better purchasing decisions while avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Navigating the Buying Process
When purchasing a vehicle, it’s crucial to approach the negotiation process with knowledge and restraint to avoid being overwhelmed by emotional appeals. Buyers are advised to research their trade-in values and familiarize themselves with dealership practices to secure fair pricing on new or used cars. Patience is key, as consumers should be ready to walk away if the deal does not align with their budget or expectations, and bringing a trusted companion can help maintain a calm demeanor during negotiations. Furthermore, ensuring that dealerships are reputable and registered can protect buyers from potential pitfalls in the used car market.
After years of shortages, dealership lots are finally full of new vehicles again. The question is if this will bring down prices that spiked during the pandemic? In this episode of Today, In This Economy, we chat with Driving.ca columnist Lorraine Sommerfeld about what to expect in the marketplace and everything you need to know about buying a new or used car this fall.
(We're hard at work a new season of In This Economy?!—but this fall we're also introducing shorter episodes that let our experts explain what the latest piece of economic news means for you, right now, Today, In This Economy.)
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