Are you thinking of buying a used car? If so, you’ve probably done some shopping only to notice prices seem to fluctuate. Why is that? 

Remember the pandemic that changed the world? The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of shutdowns. Supply chains were hampered. And when it comes to the manufacturing of automobiles in recent years, the semiconductor chips they all needed weren’t available. Supply did not keep up with demand. Therefore, fewer cars were made in recent years. And when there’s less supply than there is demand, prices go up. If you looked at sticker prices for new or used vehicles recently, you probably thought, “Just a few years ago I could afford a vehicle, and now look at these outrageous prices!” 

Prices have always been fluctuating based on supply and demand. When there’s more supply than demand, prices fall. When there’s more demand than supply, prices rise. Lately, though, add in there the issue of inflation. Notice how your groceries doubled in price in the past few years? Similarly, prices have gone up in many sectors, including vehicles. So what once might have been $35,000 might now be $55,000, to use an example. Did your wages increase to match the higher prices of things you want to buy? Probably not. No wonder, then, that most people are in a quandary when it comes to getting a new/used vehicle or using money to keep food on the table. 

What about repairs and car parts? The bad news is this: they cost more than they used to. Even car insurance rates have skyrocketed.  

Since prices fluctuate but in general seem to be rising more than falling, what can you do when shopping for a vehicle these days?

Compare prices online, looking at different websites to see who is selling what at what price. Used vehicles, as usual, should be cheaper than brand new ones, so consider buying used. Do what you can to negotiate the price, and pay for the vehicle in cash if you can. This will help you avoid a loan and save you from paying interest. Also, ask about discounts. Maybe there’s a military or first responder discount, or some other incentive depending on who you are and what you do for work.

If you’re looking for a reliable used car in the Lehighton, PA area, check out the selection at 443 Auto Sales.