Get the Car You Need Now
CR’s experts reveal how to navigate the current market to find the right model and the best price for you
You’ve probably heard that it’s a tricky time to buy a car, be it new or used. And that’s true: Availability is tight and prices are higher than usual. But there are plenty of good reasons you might want (or need) to buy a car right now. Maybe your old car is on its last legs, your lease is almost up, your teen needs a car—or maybe you’re just excited about all the safety and convenience features the latest models have and are ready to upgrade. Don’t worry. Even in today’s challenging car-buying market, you can find a car you love for a reasonable price. We’ll tell you how.
But first, a quick look at the factors causing the current challenges. It mostly comes down to a global shortage in the supply of microchips. Each new car requires anywhere from 30 to 100 computers, each with multiple chips, to operate everything from window motors to infotainment display screens. The chip shortage and other pandemic-related supply-chain disruptions have made it tough for manufacturers to build cars quickly enough to meet consumer demand. To keep up, some manufacturers have even temporarily suspended certain features. General Motors, for example, announced late last year that it would leave out heated seats and other options on several models. Experts say the chip shortage will probably stretch into next year.
The resulting new-car shortage has amped up demand and prices in the used-car market, too.
With plenty of would-be buyers vying for available cars, dealers aren’t as motivated to offer discounts, so bargaining over price isn’t easy. Some of the more sought-after models are even selling for well above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), such as the Kia Telluride, which is recommended by CR and for which people are paying about 15 percent above, on average. But there’s a silver lining: If you have a car to trade in, it has never been more valuable and can help to offset higher prices on your next vehicle.
Read on for help from CR’s auto pros on navigating four common car-buying scenarios, plus their expert picks for the best new and used cars available now.
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