For much of the last four years, automakers and their dealers had so few cars to sell — and demand was so strong — that they could command high prices. Those days are over, and hefty discounts are starting a comeback.

During the coronavirus pandemic, auto production was slowed first by factory closings and then by a global shortage of computer chips and other parts that lasted for years.

With few vehicles in showrooms, automakers and dealers were able to scrap most sales incentives, leaving consumers to pay full price. Some dealers added thousands of dollars to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, and people started buying and flipping in-demand cars for a profit.

But with chip supplies back to healthy levels, auto production has rebounded and dealer inventories are growing. At the same time, higher interest rates have dampened demand for vehicles. As a result, many automakers are scrambling to keep sales rolling.

  • @tyrant
    link
    276 months ago

    Another article about “deals”. Lower the prices. Deals are bs. These corporations have over reached and no one is buying their shit any more.

      • @tyrant
        link
        36 months ago

        I saw at least one more from NY times after this one. Marketing through the press

  • Pistcow
    link
    fedilink
    266 months ago

    Purchased a new Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in 2020 for $45k. The new 4th gen 2024 TRD Pro is 45% price increase. Car manufacturers can get tucked with these prices.

    • @KoalaUnknown
      link
      3
      edit-2
      6 months ago

      I bought a new Corolla in 2021 for 18k. Totaled it a year later and the insurance company gave me 24k. That still wasn’t enough to buy a new one.

  • 🔰Hurling⚜️Durling🔱
    link
    206 months ago

    Dealers and car manufacturers can get fucked. New cars are gimmicky privacy invading gas guzzlers that cost a small fortune, fuck that. If I HAVE to buy another car, it will be something older than 1994 even if I have to tear the thing apart and rebuild it it will STILL be better than whatever ginormous SUV or Truck these cunts think of selling in order to circumvent the CAFE regulations.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    96 months ago

    Good news, but still far from over yet. Good luck to any family trying to get a Toyota Sienna minivan.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        4
        edit-2
        6 months ago

        it’s a Type R, not a base model Civic with a traditional 4-cyl engine. Isn’t the type-R used for modification, racing, and supported by a whole secondary market?

        • @[email protected]
          link
          fedilink
          English
          26 months ago

          I think maybe they meant it the other way around? Tuner/enthusiast trims have been getting high markups for decades. It’s weird that the family cars are now getting the same markups.

    • @chronicledmonocle
      link
      36 months ago

      I bought one two years ago. Managed to snipe it before it went up on the web site. It still hadn’t been cleaned or detailed, but I didn’t care with how scarce they are.

  • @AnalogyAddict
    link
    76 months ago

    I was getting harassed by my dealer to buy a new car, and I said I didn’t like the new cars and all their “features.” He said “fair enough” and left me alone after that.

  • granolabar
    link
    fedilink
    56 months ago

    Imagine having to “own” a rapidly depreciating equipment to be able to work for some clown to earn money for shelter and food but car payment first ;)

  • Flying Squid
    link
    56 months ago

    Cool. I’m still never planning on buying a new car.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      46 months ago

      I’ve owned dozens of cars, none have been purchased new (or even from a dealership), and I hope I never will. New cars are just computers with wheels, it’s a no from me.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        36 months ago

        I bought one new car, it was neat but not that much better than a 3-5 year old used car with ~40,000 miles for half the price.