Should You Buy A New Car -

Shopping in late spring, summer, or at the end of the year can yield deeper discounts as dealerships push to hit sales quotas. Is buying a new car in 2026 a mistake? : r/personalfinance

New cars can lose 20–30% of their value in the first two to three years. If you plan to sell within five years, buying a 3–5 year-old used car—which has already absorbed this hit—might be better. should you buy a new car

In some popular models, like the Toyota RAV4, a three-year-old used version may only be $5,000 cheaper than a brand-new one. When factoring in lower interest rates, the monthly payment on the new car can actually be lower. Shopping in late spring, summer, or at the

The decision to buy a new car in 2026 depends on your personal financial goals, but for many, the current market makes a new purchase more logical than in years past. While the average new car price has climbed to roughly , special manufacturer incentives and better financing rates often make them a smarter long-term bet than used vehicles. Why Buying New Makes Sense in 2026 If you plan to sell within five years,

Federal tax credits for EVs were killed in late 2025, making new EVs significantly more expensive. Leasing an EV may be safer due to rapid technology changes and faster depreciation.