Question 1

Is now a good time to buy a used car in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Used car prices (CPI index) are at 180.3, up 0.4% from last period against a 5-year average of 190.0. Our signal is BUY — 5% below average — good time to buy. Post-pandemic inventory normalization continues to be the biggest driver of used car pricing.

Question 2

Are new car prices coming down in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The new vehicle CPI index stands at 178.8, up 0.1% from last period. The 5-year average is 176.0. Prices remain elevated, so negotiate aggressively or consider waiting.

Question 3

What affects used car prices?

Accepted Answer

Right now, used cars are at 180.3 vs a 5-year average of 190.0, while gas is $4.08/gal. New car supply (chip shortages), fleet turnover cycles, interest rates, and fuel costs all interact — when gas rises, demand shifts from trucks/SUVs to sedans, reshuffling the used market.

Question 4

How do gas prices affect car buying decisions?

Accepted Answer

Gas is currently $4.08/gal, up 0.9% from last period (5-year avg: $3.5/gal). Elevated fuel costs are pushing buyers toward hybrids and smaller cars, which directly impacts resale values across vehicle segments.

Car Price Tracker

Used Cars & Trucks — 180.3

New Car Prices Jump 3.4% YOY, Squeezing Used Market & Affordability

Used Car Prices Drop 3.2% — But the Real Story Is What Dealers Aren't Saying