In Focus – SCCCU Blog

According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price of a new vehicle in the U.S. was $49,353 in early 2026. Even if buying used is on your agenda, the average price of a used car is now hovering at $25,287, so still not a steal. But, despite the high prices, there are always some deals that are better than others. That’s why shopping around is a smart way to ensure you get the most out of every dollar you spend.

Here’s what to focus on when you’re buying a new car:

1. Start on the Internet. Yes, you want to take a test drive. That’ll come. For now, head to a couple of the big car sites and start clicking. You should have a budget in mind and an idea of the general type of car you want. Check out the safety ratings and the reviews, and then look at prices. You’ll see the MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) on new cars, and estimated values from sites like KBB.com and Edmunds.com for used cars. And understand that cars can be discounted just like other merchandise, such as rebates (money back for buying a particular car) or an incentive (like a low-interest rate loan).
2. Shop for your financing in advance. Few people can pay for a car in cash. Even fewer understand that you should shop for financing as hard (if not harder) than you shop for the car itself. Unless you know that the car you want has an active financing offer, you’re going to want to line up independent financing based on your credit score. Start with your credit union (here are our current rates) and then go online to search comparison sites (such as bankrate.com or nerdwallet.com).
3. Visit the dealership. Now that you’ve done some homework on both cars and financing, it’s time to hit the dealership. Pulling up to a car dealership without any inclination of what you want is a recipe for getting ripped off. Todd Deeken, co-host of the Everyday Driver podcast, says car salespeople are there to guide your purchase, but they are also motivated by commission, which directly impacts their bottom line. Importantly, even though the supply of cars has been tight in recent years, do not let yourself be rushed into signing on the dotted line. “If you’re serious about a certain car, ask for a longer test drive, since some dealerships will allow you to take the car without them, or even overnight,” he says. “Cars are expensive, so getting a lot of time with it in situations you know will really tell you if it is right for you.”
4. Don't be afraid to negotiate. With cars in short supply, there hasn’t been as much room to negotiate in recent years as there has been historically. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. The best place to begin is with the “dealer invoice” or “dealer price.” This figure is one of the secrets that should inform your buying decision most, Deeken says. The dealer price is, as the name suggests, the amount the car costs the dealer. Your aim is to negotiate toward that number. “There will be taxes, title, and license fees on top of that number,” Deeken says. “But if you get close to that number, you can feel confident that you got a decent deal.”
5. Keep the next buyer in mind. Today, the average car can generally last for about 200,000 miles. For a well-maintained car, you’re looking at 300,000 miles. What that means is that it’s smart to shop not just for your dream car, but also for one that might suit others in the future. A lime green Jeep with customized rims may be ideal for your Insta, but what’s the likelihood you’ll find another person who wants the exact same color and style? Probably pretty low. Unless you’re planning to keep your car forever, you’ll want to ensure there’s a market to sell it in a few years. In other words, think practical and re-sellable. And don’t go spending thousands of dollars to revamp a vehicle with a custom sound system or tinted windows, because just because you like it doesn’t mean someone else will.

Buying used? Get a background check.

Some people are Team New Car, while others say you should stick with used vehicles to save cash. If you subscribe to the second school of thought, CarFax.com is a good first stop before buying a previously-owned vehicle. And if you get a loan with SCCCU, we'll offer that service for free!

Just type in the VIN or the license plate of the car in question, and you’ll receive information about the car’s service history and inspections. If anything feels off, don’t be afraid to ask the dealer for an explanation. If purchasing from a private seller, ask them why they’re selling their car. “Good record keeping by the previous owner is an indication that the car was treated and maintained well, and therefore a good purchase,” Deeken says.

For added peace of mind when buying a used car, get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI), which usually costs less than $100 at a mechanic shop.“No matter how nice the car might look, a PPI will tell you the condition of the tires, brakes, oil, and most other regularly maintained items. The car you are looking at may have a problem you can’t see, but a mechanic will,” Deeken says. “This isn’t a guarantee, but it can alert you to many hidden problems.”