These 7 cars are still worth their money despite their high prices – and 3 of them aren’t

Every time there is an actual decline in the new vehicle average transaction price (ATP) from month to month or from year to year, critics are quick to declare the end of the current era of exorbitant pricing. However, even though ATP prices are down 2.4% since the start of 2023, the average new car in America will set you back $48,451, up $42 from last year and 0.6% from July, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Supply chain disruptions and heavy demand have driven up prices during the pandemic, but there are a number of other factors keeping ATPs higher. The most important of these changes is the change in production trends for many car manufacturers, which are reducing their low-priced models from their range to focus on more profitable models.

“The bottom line is that while all vehicles are becoming more efficient, there has been a rapid shift away from producing sedans and wagons to producing more SUVs and pickup trucks,” says Chris Harteau, senior policy advisor at Consumer Reports.

Fortunately, despite discontinued models and rising prices, there are plenty of small and midsize cars and SUVs on the market that are worth their cost. As CNN reported, when adjusted for inflation, the average price of base models has actually declined over the past two decades compared to the average sticker price with options, according to Edmunds.com data.

“Savvy shoppers know that if you look beyond the flashiest new models, there’s still a lot of value in today’s auto market. Cars like the Toyota Corolla and Subaru Forester are… “Excellent values ​​and are actually cheaper today than 20 years ago when you adjust their prices for inflation.”

7 cars worth their cost

Improved safety standards over the years have kept all cars on the road longer, but if you weigh cost and value, fuel-efficient small and midsize cars and small SUVs, including hybrids, tend to hold their value the best. .

Here are 7 cars that are worth their cost despite their high prices today. Just don’t go crazy with the promotions. a

• Ford Maverick Hybrid: Starts at $24,995

Per Car and Driver, the Maverick’s only competitor is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, but the latter loses points for the truck’s smaller size and higher price.

• Honda Accord: Starts at $27,895

“The king of midsize sedans,” according to Kelley Blue Book. The great balance between comfort, practicality and performance makes the Accord a favorite in the mid-size sedan segment.

• Toyota Camry Hybrid: Price starts at $28,855

The Camry has been a big seller since its introduction in the United States in 1983. The hybrid version is more spacious than other sedans in its class and Toyota has an excellent record for safety, resale values ​​and reliability.

• Kia Telluride: Price starts at $37,355

“It features a quiet, upscale cabin, impressive technology, extensive standard features, adult-friendly third-row seating, and a satisfying driving experience,” says Edmunds.

• Subaru Forester: starts at $26,895

Subaru makes good cars that last. As Forbes points out, 11.7% of original Forester owners keep them for 15 years or more, which is 1.7 times the industry average.

• Tesla Model 3: Starts at $40,240

The price of the Model 3 has dropped several times this year, and with it qualifying for the full $7,500 tax credit through December 31, 2023, the cheapest Tesla is a relative bargain for a powerful luxury sport sedan.

• Nissan LEAF: Starting at $28,140

Today’s popular electric cars have better battery technology, range and features, but thanks to its lower starting price, the Nissan Leaf is one of the most accessible entry points into electric car ownership, competing effectively with other more affordable electric cars including the Kia Niro EV and Mini Cooper. SE, and Chevrolet Equinox EV.

3 cars that are not worth their cost

The following should not be “avoided at all costs” by any means, but they won’t give you the value or unique driving experience that their competitors do.

• Ford Explorer: Starts at $38,355

As Consumer Reports says: “The original Explorer from 1991 helped pioneer an entire midsize SUV genre for decades. But the latest version’s performance can’t match that of the Kia Telluride. The Explorer’s price could move into luxury SUV territory.” In higher trim levels.

• Lincoln Corsair: starts at $40,125

A luxury vehicle based on the Ford Escape, the Corsair offers the driver a smooth, quiet ride, but pales in comparison to rivals like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Porsche Macan.

• Chevrolet Equinox: Price starts at $26,600

The main problem with the Chevy Equinox is competition. Being in one of the most crowded segments of the auto industry, it doesn’t stand out from the crowd, which includes compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. “Equinox performs well enough, but not as well as most alternatives,” says Kelley Blue Book.

https://www.kbb.com/car-news/new-cars-back-to-last-years-prices/

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/people-spending-more-on-new-cars-but-prices-not-necessarily-rising-a3134608893/

https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/11/business/cheap-cars/index.html

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-of-the-year-10-top-picks-of-2023-a8846595830/