by Admin | Dec 5, 2025 | Used Cars, Why Keep Your Old Car |
The used car market is experiencing unusual volatility. Many buyers are wondering if the time is right to purchase a car or if waiting might yield better deals. With seemingly random tariffs affecting automotive imports and manufacturing costs, the relationship between new and used car pricing has become complicated.
Tariffs Drive New Car Prices Higher
Recent tariffs on imported vehicles and automotive parts have created a ripple effect throughout the new car market. Manufacturers are passing these increased costs on to consumers, with some new vehicles seeing price increases of several thousands of dollars.
Even domestic brands aren’t immune, as many rely on imported components for assembly. These elevated new car prices create a cascading effect on the entire automotive market. When new vehicles become less affordable, demand shifts to the used market, which traditionally drives used car values higher. However, this dynamic is complicated by other factors including inventory levels, interest rates, and consumer confidence.
The Case for Buying Now Versus Waiting
The decision to buy now or later depends on your specific situation and market timing. Buying now makes sense if you need reliable transportation immediately, if your car needs a now extremely expensive repair or if you find a well-maintained vehicle at a fair price.
Used car values remain elevated due to sustained new car prices, but waiting carries risks. If tariffs persist or expand, new car prices could climb even higher, further inflating used car values. Additionally, the specific vehicle you want today might not be available later. However, waiting could benefit buyers if tariff policies change or if manufacturers find ways to absorb costs. The used market may also see increased inventory as lease returns accelerate. At A1 Performance Auto Repair, we recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection regardless of timing to ensure you’re making a sound investment.
by Admin | Mar 5, 2024 | Car Blog, Why Keep Your Old Car
According to psychologists, our brains are wired for novelty. New things trigger the release of dopamine, a hormone associated with pleasure and reward.
Seeing a sleek, shiny car activates this reward system, making us feel excited and motivated to possess it. But for how long?
Well, your brain eventually adapts to the new stimuli and the initial excitement fades away.
So, is the excitement worth it, especially when it comes at such a high cost to your finances and when things are tough?
Freedom From Financial Pits
Imagine cruising down open roads in your reliable used car, paid for upfront. No payments dragging you down in the slow lane surrounded by folks regretting their loan decisions later.
Owning a practical relic like a 2004 Honda Civic outright keeps your options wide open. You can switch jobs more freely without worrying about your wheels getting repossessed. And no monthly millstone means you’ll pay off student loans post-college quicker, instead of that albatross strangling your flexibility for a decade-plus.
Sure, you occasionally envy their smooth-riding suspension and cutting-edge dash displays, while your wheels groan and the radio glitches. But any jealous skids vanish quickly when you remember the freedom of owning your transportation outright.
Hitting the road packed with laughing buddies for a crosstown concert sparks joy money can’t buy – and no loan officer can take away because you were smart enough to reject the shackles of debt.
As gas prices surge, you smile cruising right past stations, knowing no payments inflate your costs. Your used Civic has another 10 years left, minimum. And the savings compound as you invest wisely instead of pumping over $500 monthly to boost bankers’ pockets.
Getting tied down with a car loan really kicks you in the teeth long-term. Don’t swallow incentives that ultimately consume your dreams! Buy used, avoid debt, and you’ll stay securely in the driver’s seat of your financial destiny. The open road awaits!
