Market Insights
Used car pricing, trends, and the best time to buy or sell.
Federal & State Cash-for-Clunkers Programs in 2026
There's no federal cash-for-clunkers in 2026 — but more than a dozen state programs pay $2,000 to $9,500 for trading in an old vehicle. Here's the list.
Why Luxury Cars Depreciate So Fast
A $90K German sedan can be worth $36K in three years. Here's why luxury cars hemorrhage value — and which ones don't.
How Interest Rates Affect Your Car Payment
Auto loan rates moved more in two years than they had in two decades. Here's exactly how each percentage point reshapes your monthly payment.
How Inflation Affects Used Car Pricing
Inflation didn't just push used prices up — it locked them there. Here's how 2021 to 2024 inflation reshaped the used car market for the rest of the decade.
How the Chip Shortage Still Affects Used Prices
The chip shortage technically ended years ago — but its 2020 to 2022 production gap still warps used car prices in 2026. Here's how.
Dealer Markup in 2026: Is It Still a Thing?
Most dealers stopped tacking on $10K markups — but a handful of hot models still get hit. Here's where ADM survives in 2026.
The Car Depreciation Curve: Year-by-Year
Year one is brutal — but years three and seven hide the real bargains. Here's the full depreciation curve mapped year by year.
EV vs Gas: Real 5-Year Savings Calculation
An EV can save $7,800 — or cost $4,200 more — over five years. The answer depends on six variables most calculators ignore.
Most Expensive States to Register a Car
Owning a $35K SUV in one state can cost three times as much as the same car in another. Here are the priciest states to register a vehicle.
Cheapest States to Buy a Used Car in 2026
A used Civic in New Hampshire can cost $2,400 less than the same car in California. Here's where the deals actually live in 2026.
Best Time to Buy a New Car (Month/Day Analysis)
December isn't the only sweet spot. We mapped 12 months of incentive data to find the cheapest day, week, and quarter to drive off the lot.
Used Car Prices in 2026: Where the Market Is Heading
Inventory is finally rebuilding and rates are cooling — but used car prices in 2026 won't crash. Here's what the next 12 months really look like.