What to know about car buying in 2026 - Fox 5 Atlanta

Vehicles like this redesigned Nissan Pathfinder are reasonably priced  - Photo by Brian Moody 



Updated 2/27/2026

The car-buying landscape has changed significantly. In late 2025 alone, we have tariffs, more electric car choices, the taxpayer-funded vehicle credit going away, and at the same time, some new car prices are going down. 

For example, both the Nissan Rogue (seen above) and Pathfinder have price reductions in recent months. Also, Buick is growing in popularity, there will be a new kind of Nissan Rogue hybrid, and Tesla has just cancelled two of their best-known models. 

Car Gurus says the average new car price is about $49,000. At the same time, the average listing price for a used car is about $25,000. That means you can save roughly 50 percent by just opting for a used car.

Then again, new car interest rates tend to be lower. Those looking for a lightly used car, say over $25,000, might want to look into the used car loan interest rate and see if the total price is more favorable for a used car vs an inexpensive new car. 

As an aside, used EVs are the bargain of the decade.

Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know, thanks to Fox 5 Atlanta:

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/video/1661049

-Brian Moody 

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