The $1,000 Car Payment Era Is Here—Now What?

In this episode, I explore the sticker shock of current new vehicles in dealer showrooms. With average new-car prices around $50,000, more buyers are surpassing the $1,000-per-month payment, often financing negative equity and stretching loans beyond 70 months. Trucks and SUVs constitute the majority of these high payments, which strain household budgets as insurance, fuel, or repair costs rise. A practical alternative still exists: family sedans from Asian brands that continue to offer high quality at much lower prices, providing a sensible way to avoid payment fatigue if buyers prioritize stability over other options.