New Car Price Trends in 2024 (May Update) (2024)

In 2024, the new car market is doing something it rarely does: holding steady. Although prices are stable, they remain close to record highs. This stability comes after several years of tumultuous changes in the automotive industry, from the pandemic-driven recession to the supply chain shortages that followed. As new car price trends prove tough to forecast, keeping an eye on the market’s subtle movements becomes crucial for potential buyers and sellers alike.

Let’s delve deeper into the current state of the new car market.

Contents hide

1 New Car Prices – May 2024 Update

2 Negotiability Is Key

New Car Prices – May 2024 Update

Which segments of new cars are experiencing price drops, and which are seeing a rise? Is now a good time to buy a new car, or is it a good time to sell? We will address these pressing questions and more.

New Car Price Trends in 2024 (May Update) (2)

According to recent data from Cox Automotive, the average transaction price for new cars is $47,433. That’s down 0.2% year-over-year, but up 0.5% since last month.

Month-YearAverage New Car Transaction Price
1/1/2023$49,468
2/1/2023$48,558
3/1/2023$48,289
4/1/2023$48,277
5/1/2023$48,658
6/1/2023$48,671
7/1/2023$48,165
8/1/2023$48,126
9/1/2023$47,797
10/1/2023$47,936
11/1/2023$48,247
12/1/2023$48,759
1/1/2024$47,401
2/1/2024$47,244
3/1/2024$47,218
4/1/2024$47,433

Some new car segments are seeing notable price declines in 2024, while others are holding firm. The luxury vehicle segment has experienced notable price reductions, largely due to Tesla’s aggressive pricing strategies. Tesla is now a top-10 luxury brand in America, not just the leader of electric vehicle sales. As of the most recent data from March, luxury vehicle prices have dipped 7.4% year-over-year.

On the flip side, non-luxury vehicles have seen a price increase of less than 1% YoY. The average price for new non-luxury vehicles in March 2024 was $44,052.

We track used car prices weekly. See this week’s used car price update.

Negotiability Is Key

If you’re looking for the BEST deal on a new or used car, remember this: knowledge is power when it comes to negotiating car prices. When you have an understanding of local inventory dynamics, car price trends, incentives, and the negotiable aspects of a car deal, you’re better prepared to drive away proud of your deal.

Free Car Buying Help Is Here!

New Car Price Trends in 2024 (May Update) (3)

Ready to outsmart the dealerships? Download your 100% free car buying cheat sheets today. From negotiating a deal to leasing a car the smart way, it’s all available for instant download. Get your cheat sheets today!

New Car Price Trends in 2024 (May Update) (2024)

FAQs

New Car Price Trends in 2024 (May Update)? ›

New Car Prices – May 2024 Update

Will new car prices come down in 2024? ›

At the end of 2023, most experts predicted that car prices would continue to fall slightly in 20242. They also expected new car production to increase in 2024, leading to lower prices for new and used vehicles.

What is the trend in car buying in 2024? ›

In 2024, consumers have more options than ever to tailor their vehicles to their preferences. This includes customizable exterior and interior options, adaptive lighting systems, and even programmable sound for electric vehicles.

What is the outlook for the automotive industry in 2024? ›

The automotive supply chain will likely never look like it did pre-pandemic, but inventory levels generally recovered in 2023 and are expected to continue doing so in 2024 and 2025. Car prices remain elevated in 2024 due to inflation but are showing initial signs of decreasing as inventory stabilizes.

Will new car prices come down? ›

Prices on new cars are expected to drop in 2024 as the industry moves beyond the supply-chain issues that pushed up auto prices during the pandemic, which will gradually ease the prices on used vehicles as well. That's welcome news for car shoppers who have faced record-high prices over the past couple of years.

What not to say to a car salesman? ›

Eliminating the following statements when you buy a car can help you negotiate a better deal.
  • 'I love this car! ' ...
  • 'I've got to have a monthly payment of $350. ' ...
  • 'My lease is up next week. ' ...
  • 'I want $10,000 for my trade-in, and I won't take a penny less. ' ...
  • 'I've been looking all over for this color. '
Feb 14, 2021

Will car interest rates drop in 2024? ›

Auto loan rates for new and used vehicle purchases fell in the first quarter of 2024 to 6.73% and 11.91%, respectively, down slightly from the 15-year highs we saw at the end of 2023, according to Experian.

Should I wait until 2024 to buy a car? ›

If you're looking to save money, waiting until 2024 might be a more financially savvy decision. Exploring the benefits of a used car buying can reveal substantial savings and value for money. Another advantage of waiting is the potential for improved features and upgrades.

What is the average car payment in 2024? ›

The average monthly car loan payment in the U.S. is $735 for new vehicles and $523 for used ones originated in the first quarter of 2024, according to credit reporting agency Experian.

Do you negotiate car prices? ›

As independent franchises, dealers can sell the car at any price. Some dealerships and brands have developed no-haggle pricing. The price on the window is the price of the car, they say. In most cases, you'll still need to negotiate the value of your trade, the cost of financing and the price of any add-ons.

What is the future outlook for the car market? ›

Here's what to expect for the auto industry in 2024: 1. Sales of new cars should hit 15.7 million, up from 2023. Vehicle availability has steadily improved after years of shortages, so more shoppers should find a ride to suit them.

What is the global forecast for new car sales? ›

Key Takeaways. Global light vehicle sales will increase by 2% to 3% over 2024 and 2025 (to over 90 million), mainly supported by growth in Southeast Asia and India. U.S. and Europe may lag global growth, while China's long-term potential remains.

What will the automotive industry look like in 2025? ›

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is well underway, and by 2025, it's expected to hit a major milestone. It's predicted that electric vehicle sales will reach over 30 million in 2025, accounting for approximately 30% of all vehicle sales. This surge will be driven by several factors.

How much will car prices drop in 2024? ›

Average Selling Prices Are Down 5% So Far in 2024 – Some Brands Are Dropping Even Faster. What vehicle are you interested in? In 2024's car market, we'll take good news where we can get it.

Is 2024 a good year to buy a car? ›

Experts say that 2024 will be the best year to purchase a new car since 2019. As interest rates slowly drop throughout the remainder of the year, payments will become more manageable. Don't overlook manufacturer rate promotions, as they can save you thousands of dollars.

How to avoid dealer markup? ›

How To Avoid Paying High Dealer Markups And Get The Best Deal On Your New Car
  1. Do your research.
  2. Know the invoice price.
  3. Get quotes from multiple dealerships.
  4. Avoid dealer-added accessories.
  5. Look for manufacturer incentives.
  6. Negotiate a discount.
  7. Pay attention to dealer fees.
  8. Get the price in writing.

Will cars ever be affordable again? ›

Though inventories of new autos are still well below the roughly 4 million level that prevailed before the pandemic, analysts and dealers say the rising availability suggests that 2024 will be the most affordable year of the past five in which to buy a new car or truck.

What will car prices be in 2025? ›

Auto Long-term Price Prediction
YearAverage Price (USD)High Price (USD)
2024$355.90$642.48
2025$202.80$594.80
2026$28.40$365.25
2027$1,192.79$1,364.54
7 more rows

Will next year be a good time to buy a car? ›

"2024 is probably the best year since the pandemic to buy a new car," Mark Schirmer, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive, told ABC News. "2021 and 2022 were really difficult years.

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