used cars

Tariff chaos sends some drivers racing to buy, while others pump the brakes

1:53pm April 10, 2025

With tariffs on cars, materials and parts threatening to send auto prices up, some shoppers are racing to lock in vehicles at pre-tariff prices. Others plan to drive their current rides into the ground.

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A customer shops for meat at a Safeway store in San Rafael, Calif., on April 12, 2023. Consumer prices eased slightly in April from the previous month but are still too high for the Fed's comfort.

Economy

Inflation stayed high last month, compounding the challenges facing the U.S. economy

12:45pm May 10, 2023

by Scott Horsley

Consumer prices in April were 4.9% higher than a year ago, according to the Labor Department. Prices rose 0.4% between March and April.

Johnny Navarro sits on the hood of his recently purchased 2014 Lexus.

Economy

Monthly car payments have crossed a record $700. What that means

9:18am July 02, 2022

by Brittany Cronin

The average cost of a new car is also at the highest on record, topping $47,000 a pop. At this rate, an essential household purchase is starting to feel like a luxury in America.

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Used Challengers sit in a long line at a Dodge dealership on Jan. 24 in Littleton, Colo. Used car prices may be peaking and that could help reinforce hopes for easing inflation.

Economy

Inflation Is Still High. Used Car Prices Could Help Explain What Happens Next

9:51am July 13, 2021

by Scott Horsley

A surge in prices of used cars was a major driver of inflation again in June, but there are some signs those price hikes may be shifting into reverse.

Used cars sit on the sales lot at Frank Bent's Wholesale Motors in El Cerrito, Calif., on March 15. Supply chain snarls and pent-up demand are driving up the prices of a lot of things, including new and used cars.

Inflation Is Surging. The Price Of A Toyota Pickup Truck Helps Explain Why

5:14pm June 10, 2021

by Scott Horsley

The Labor Department says consumer prices jumped 5% for the 12 months ending in May. That's the sharpest increase in nearly 13 years, as the economy rebounds from the pandemic recession.

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Health & Safety

Used Cars Full Of Used Electronics Set Sail For Nigeria

5:33pm April 19, 2018

by Susan Brink

And that's a problem. Because a lot of the electronics are busted. And disposing of them — and their toxic innards — is a health risk.