CarEdge Insights
CarEdge saved me over 4,500 dollars on a brand new Honda Pilot. I can't say thank you enough.
Price intelligence
Find a wide range of vehicle listings with market insights on new and used listings near you.
Car Buyer Survey Reveals How Drivers Are Navigating Tariffs in 2025
CarEdge, the best place to buy, sell, and own a car with confidence, recently surveyed 408 U.S. drivers to better understand how consumers are navigating the car market in 2025. The survey, conducted from May 16 to May 19, comes at a pivotal time. Following the implementation of U.S. auto tariffs on April 3, car prices, interest rates, and inventory levels have all been in flux. With uncertainty growing, CarEdge sought to answer a critical question: how are real drivers adapting their car buying behavior?
Survey participants represent a broad cross-section of car shoppers and owners, from those who’ve recently purchased to those holding off for the foreseeable future. The full survey is available at CarEdge.com. Below, we break down the most important findings from this May 2025 snapshot.
How Americans Are Approaching the Car Market in 2025
The survey responses paint a picture of a divided car market, shaped by mixed economic signals and widespread caution. Among all respondents, 16% reported purchasing a car after the April 3 tariff announcement, while another 12% said they had bought a vehicle shortly before the tariffs went into effect. A much larger share (52%) said they are still actively shopping for a car, while 20% said they have not purchased a vehicle in the past six months and do not plan to buy one in 2025.
Tariffs have clearly impacted perceptions. Interestingly, among those who bought their car before April 3, 38% acknowledged they made the purchase early specifically to avoid the risk of higher prices. Among those who purchased after April 3, 16% said they believe they paid more due to the tariffs, with the vast majority of post-tariff buyers (84%) saying they believe they did not pay more.
Looking ahead, half of respondents are still planning to buy a car before the end of 2025. Of those future buyers, about a third plan to purchase new, another third are shopping used, and the remaining 30% are still undecided.
When it comes to what’s keeping people on the sidelines, affordability challenges and a lack of compelling deals top the list.
These are the barriers to buying (as a percent of all respondents who have not purchased):
With these top-line insights in mind, we next explore specific groups within the survey to uncover how recent and future car buyers are thinking about today’s market.
Pre-Tariff Buyers – Beating the Clock
Survey respondents who purchased a car in the six months leading up to April 3 offer another layer of insight. Among these buyers, 61% purchased new and 39% purchased used.
What stands out most in this group is that more than a third (38%) said they intentionally bought their car early to avoid potential price hikes from tariffs. For the remaining 62%, tariffs didn’t factor into the timing of their purchase.
Income again played a role in how buyers approached the market. Among households earning $200K or more, just 22% said they made their purchase early in response to the looming tariffs. Nearly half (48%) of buyers earning between $100K and $199K did the same. In contrast, 39% of buyers earning under $100K said they bought early to avoid tariff-related price hikes.
This suggests that low- to middle-income consumers were more likely to act on policy changes and proactively adjust their buying timeline. Higher-income households, on the other hand, may not have been as concerned about the possible impact of tariffs on car prices this spring.
Post-Tariff Buyers – Adjusting Expectations
For respondents who bought a car after the April 3 tariff rollout, the data reveals a blend of resilience and skepticism. Among this group, 81% purchased a new vehicle, while 19% opted for a used one.
Despite the added costs associated with the new tariffs on imported vehicles, most post-April 3 buyers didn’t feel the sting. A strong majority—84%—said they don’t believe they paid more as a result of the tariffs. Still, 16% acknowledged they believe they did.
Among buyers who purchased after the April 3 tariff implementation, a different pattern emerged. Higher-income households were more likely to believe tariffs increased the price they paid. Specifically, 27% of households earning over $200,000 said they believed they paid more because of tariffs. In contrast, only 11% of households earning between $100,000 and $199,999 felt the same. Meanwhile, 17% of buyers with incomes under $100,000 said they believed tariffs had raised their purchase price.
These results suggest that while tariffs haven’t universally discouraged buyers, those with tighter budgets and those with a keen eye on policy changes are the most attuned to their potential impact.
Active Shoppers – Cautious and Calculated
Among those still planning to buy a car in 2025, the data reveals a thoughtful and strategic group of shoppers. Less than half (44%) of active shoppers expect to make their purchase within the next three months, while a majority (56%) plan to buy later this year.
When it comes to what they’re looking for, 54% say they’re in the market for a new car. About 19% are shopping for used vehicles, while just over a quarter are still unsure.
As for why these shoppers haven’t yet moved forward, deal quality remains the leading barrier. Respondents were asked to select all reasons why they have yet to purchase in 2025. 50% say they haven’t seen an offer worth acting on, while 30% are waiting for prices to come down. Another 21% say they haven’t found a car or truck they like. A smaller group is holding out for lower loan rates (18%), while tariffs were cited by just 11% of active shoppers.
One-fifth of active shoppers said that their decision to keep their current vehicle for longer was a factor in delaying their purchase.
Looking at the income distribution of active shoppers, the data continues to reflect a largely middle-income profile. The majority fall between $50K and $149K in household income, suggesting that many of these buyers are financially capable, but remain cautious in an uncertain economy.
Opting Out – Those Sitting on the Sidelines
Among drivers who have neither purchased a car in the past six months nor plan to buy one in 2025, a few clear themes emerge. This group is not driven by fear of rising costs or policy uncertainty, but rather by satisfaction with their current vehicle, and a lack of appealing options in today’s market.
The majority of these respondents (71%) say they’re sticking with their current vehicle longer, a sign that many Americans are adopting a “wait and see” approach to the market. Beyond that, 23% haven’t seen a deal worth moving on, while 9% say they haven’t found a car or truck they like. Price sensitivity remains a factor, with 20% waiting for prices to drop and 14% holding out for lower loan rates.
Concerns about tariffs are present, but not widespread. Among those on the sidelines right now, the reasons cited are roughly the same for all income segments. About one quarter say that they’re keeping their current vehicle for longer, while roughly 20% say they haven’t seen any deals worth acting on yet. The third most common reason for sitting out today’s car market is waiting for prices to come down. Only 7% cited tariffs as one of their reasons for not planning to buy a car in 2025.
A Market Shaped by Uncertainty
The 2025 CarEdge Consumer Survey shows that the American car market remains fractured and cautious in the wake of economic headwinds and new policy shifts like auto tariffs. While some shoppers are moving forward with confidence, many are hesitant, skeptical, or simply waiting for conditions to improve.
The overarching takeaway? The car market in 2025 is no longer defined by pent-up pandemic demand or rapid inflation. Instead, it is being shaped by deal quality, interest rates, and policy awareness. For automakers, dealers, and car buyers alike, understanding these shifting motivations is key to navigating what’s shaping up to be one of the most complex car buying environments in recent history.
About CarEdge
Founded in 2019 by father-and-son team Ray and Zach Shefska, CarEdge is a leading platform dedicated to empowering car shoppers with free expert advice, in-depth market insights, and tools to navigate every step of the car-buying journey. From researching vehicles to negotiating deals, CarEdge helps consumers save money, time, and hassle. Join the hundreds of thousands of happy consumers who have used CarEdge to buy their car with confidence. With trusted resources like the CarEdge Research Center, Vehicle Rankings and Reviews, and hundreds of guides on YouTube, CarEdge is redefining transparency and fairness in the automotive industry. Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, X, Facebook, and Instagram for actionable car-buying tips and market insights.
Subaru Just Raised Prices – But These Summer Deals Are Still Worth a Look
Subaru just became the latest automaker to raise vehicle prices, and it likely won’t be the last. As new tariffs and 2026 model-year pricing updates collide, car shoppers across the U.S. are noticing a troubling new trend: mid-year price hikes. But there’s still a window of opportunity: Subaru’s latest offers include low-APR financing and compelling lease deals.
If you’re planning to buy a new Subaru this summer, now may be your best chance to lock in a deal before the next round of price hikes hits.
Subaru Price Increases Hit Forester, Outback, WRX and More
Subaru of America is the latest automaker to hike vehicle prices as the cost of doing business rises. While many suspected tariffs were the cause, Subaru instead cited “current market conditions” and a need to “offset increased costs while maintaining a solid value proposition.”
According to a now-deleted dealer bulletin shared by Car and Driver, price increases range from $750 to $2,055, depending on the model and trim. As best as we can tell, these price hikes apply to all new Subaru models, meaning both 2025 and 2026 models. Here’s a breakdown of the new pricing changes:
- Crosstrek and Impreza: +$750
- Ascent: +$1,085 to $2,055
- Outback: +$1,715 to $1,820
- Forester: +$1,075 to $1,600
- Legacy (soon to be discontinued): +$1,600
- WRX and BRZ: +$2,000
- Solterra EV: No change
These new sticker prices are already beginning to show up on dealer lots, and Subaru has confirmed that MSRP updates are rolling out immediately. However, it remains unclear how quickly they’ll affect prices for older inventory.
Subaru’s 2025 price hikes follow a familiar strategy. The best-selling Subaru models see the greatest price hikes, and those with sluggish sales are barely budging. For fans of the Ascent, Outback, and Forester, nearly $2,000 in price hikes will be an unwelcome sight.
Why Subaru Won’t Be the Last
Subaru’s latest price hike is part of a broader trend. Across the industry, automakers are dealing with a one-two punch: steep new tariffs on imported vehicles and parts, and 2026 model-year pricing creeping in. Add slow but steady inflationary pressures to the mix, and what you get is automakers like Subaru announcing mid-year price adjustments.
While Subaru avoided directly blaming tariffs, the timing aligns with similar hikes from other automakers. And with roughly 45% of Subaru’s U.S. sales coming from imported models, the brand is especially vulnerable.
Expect more automakers to quietly follow suit in the coming months. Volkswagen Group, Mazda, and Honda all import a large portion of their U.S. sales volume, and are likely to respond to the challenges. If you’re car shopping this summer, locking in pricing sooner could help you avoid the next wave of increases.
What Should Subaru Shoppers Do?
If you’re in the market for a new Subaru, now is the time to act. The brand is raising prices by up to $2,055, and the most popular models are already impacted. While older inventory may still reflect lower pricing, that window is closing fast.
The good news? Subaru is still offering 0% APR on select models, including some of its most in-demand vehicles.
Here’s a rundown of Subaru’s latest offers in late May 2025:
- 0% APR for 72 months on the 2025 Solterra and 2024 WRX stand out as some of the longest no-interest terms available in today’s market.
- 1.9% APR for 72 months on most trims of the 2024 Subaru Forester.
- 3.9% APR for 72 months on most trims of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek.
- 3.9% APR for 63 months on most trims of the 2025 Subaru Outback.
Final Thoughts
Subaru’s price increases are just the start of what’s shaping up to be a more expensive summer for car shoppers. With tariffs, MSRP hikes, and thinning incentives, it pays to act fast.
Whether you’re considering a Subaru or cross-shopping with competitors, the best deals won’t last long. Before you head to the dealership, make sure you’re prepared:
🔍 Check Dealer Invoice Pricing – Know what others are really paying before you negotiate.
🚗 Search Local Inventory – Compare prices near you and spot pre-hike listings.
Buy with confidence and save more with CarEdge on your side.
9 Tips to Get the Most Miles Out of Your Tires (and Your Car)
Tires aren’t cheap, but the right care and habits can help you squeeze more miles out of them safely. Whether you’re commuting daily or taking the occasional road trip, your tires are the foundation of your car’s performance and safety. Yet, far too many drivers replace tires sooner than they need to. And if you haven’t noticed, a set of 4 tires can cost well over $1,000 these days.
Here’s the good news: with just a little regular maintenance and a few smart habits, you can extend the life of your tires and your car. Let’s break it down.
1. Check Tire Pressure Monthly
- Why it matters: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and wear out faster on the shoulders; overinflated tires wear down the center. Temperature fluctuations
- Tip: Follow your vehicle’s recommended PSI found in the driver’s door jamb, and add or release air as needed. The PSI number on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure the tire can handle, so don’t go by this number.
2. Rotate Tires Regularly
- Why it matters: Tire wear is rarely even across all four tires. Front tires tend to wear faster, especially on front-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Tip: Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or with every oil change for even tread wear. This is especially important for vehicles with all-wheel drive, and cars with a lot of torque (like EVs).
3. Get a Wheel Alignment Annually
- Why it matters: Misalignment causes uneven wear and poor handling. Even a slight misalignment can dramatically shorten tire life.
- Tip: If your car pulls to one side, or your steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight, get it checked ASAP. Dealership service centers and independent auto shops often offer coupons for discounted pricing on wheel alignments.
4. Balance Tires When Needed
- Why it matters: Unbalanced tires can cause vibrations, uneven tread wear, and strain on your suspension.
- Tip: Rebalance your tires whenever you notice vibration at highway speeds or after installing new tires.
5. Drive Smoothly
- Why it matters: Aggressive starts, hard braking, and sharp turns all accelerate tread wear.
- Tip: Ease into acceleration, brake gradually, and avoid cornering at high speeds when possible.
6. Inspect Tread Depth and Look for Uneven Wear
- Why it matters: Uneven wear can signal suspension issues or improper inflation, and worn tread reduces traction.
- Tip: Use a penny or tread gauge. If Lincoln’s head is fully visible, it’s time for new tires. If you live in a region with plenty of precipitation, you may want to replace your tires a bit sooner.
7. Avoid Overloading Your Car
- Why it matters: Extra weight increases heat and stress on your tires, causing premature wear or blowouts.
- Tip: Check your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and don’t exceed it. Truck owners are most likely to get anywhere close to weight limits.
8. Store Seasonally If You Use Winter or Summer Tires
- Why it matters: Off-season conditions can degrade rubber. Summer tires crack in cold; winter tires wear quickly in heat.
- Tip: Store tires in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Use tire bags or covers if possible.
9. Replace Aging Tires, Even If Tread Looks Fine
- Why it matters: Tire rubber breaks down over time. Even if unused, most manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 6–10 years.
- Tip: Check the DOT code on the tire for the manufacture date (e.g., “1520” = 15th week of 2020).
Final Thoughts: A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Getting more life out of your tires means more money in your pocket, and a safer ride. It’s about consistency, not complexity. A few extra minutes each month checking pressure or rotating tires with your oil change can make a real difference.
Want to go the extra mile? Use the CarEdge Garage to stay on top of tire maintenance, track your car’s value daily, and never miss a service again. It’s free, and it’s the easiest way to make smarter decisions about your car.
How to Know If You’re Getting a Good Car Deal: Use This Free Tool First
In 2025, car buyers are tempted by employee pricing incentives, 0% APR offers, and huge cash discounts. But are you actually getting a good deal? While the ads shout “limited-time savings,” not every offer is as great as it looks. The truth is, some deals are just inflated MSRPs dressed up with a cash rebate.
So how can you tell what’s a smart buy, and what’s just dealership smoke and mirrors?
Start with this: the dealer invoice price. Here’s how to tell if you’re getting a good deal on a car this Memorial Day.
Why 2025 Car Deals Deserve a Closer Look
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of car sales. Dealerships know this, and that’s exactly why they flood the airwaves with “must-act-now” offers. But behind the scenes, there’s often a big gap between what they’re showing you and what they actually paid for the car.
That’s where many car buyers fall into the trap of overpaying.
It doesn’t help that Ford and Stellantis (Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler, among others) are touting employee pricing specials, which are not as good as they seem.
The truth is, knowing what’s a good deal and what’s merely a mirage of a good deal is tougher than it should be in 2025.
What Is the Dealer Invoice Price, and Why Does It Matter?
The dealer invoice price is the amount a dealership pays the manufacturer for a vehicle. It’s lower than the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) you see on the window sticker. But here’s the key: manufacturers often provide hidden incentives, kickbacks, or volume bonuses that drop the dealer’s real cost even further.
Knowing the invoice price puts you in control:
- You’ll see through inflated pricing tricks
- You’ll know what’s a fair starting point for negotiations
- You’ll have a clear path to avoid overpaying for a car
Even better? With the right leverage, you can often negotiate below the invoice price.
How Our Free Dealer Invoice Pricing Tool Works
Instead of guessing what’s a good deal, we built a tool that shows you what dealers don’t want you to see. Just select the vehicle you’re considering, and we’ll give you:
✅ Dealer Invoice Price – Know what the dealer paid
✅ Target Discount Guidance – Understand what you should be paying
✅ Cost-to-Own Data – Factor in depreciation, fuel costs, and more
✅ Negotiation Tips – Learn what to say (and when to walk away)
✅ Inventory Pro – See which cars are likely negotiable
And the best part? It’s 100% free. No hidden fees, no catch. See for yourself →
Pro Tips for Memorial Day Car Shopping
To make the most of your car buying adventure (and your precious time), keep these tips in mind:
- Compare invoice price vs. sale price – If a “deal” is only $500 below MSRP, it’s likely not a great one.
- Look for cars with high inventory or long time-on-lot – These are your best shots at negotiating down to the invoice price, or even lower. CarEdge Pro is your DIY toolkit to find the most negotiable cars.
- Don’t rush into a sale – Sales pressure ramps up during holidays, but the best buyers know to take their time.
- Leverage the end-of-month timing – The last days of each month are when dealerships are trying to hit their monthly sales targets. Make it clear that you’re aware it’s a buyer’s market.
Don’t Shop Blind
With car prices still hovering near record highs and inventory tightening in many areas, you can’t afford to go to the dealership unprepared. But with the right tools, you can make smart decisions, skip the stress, and walk away with a truly great deal. Your car deal starts with the facts, and CarEdge is here to give them to you.
Get Your Free Dealer Invoice Price and Buying Toolkit →
Say Goodbye to These Iconic Cars — They’ll Be Gone By Summer’s End
It’s the end of the road for these familiar faces. As automakers shift priorities toward SUVs and electric vehicles, several long-running nameplates are quietly exiting stage left. Some have already ended production. Others are nearly sold out. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a bargain hunter, this summer is your last chance to drive home these cars before they’re gone for good.
Audi A4
Remaining inventory nationwide: 54
Production has ended for the Audi A4, as Audi shifts focus toward larger sedans and EVs. The A4 is effectively being replaced by the larger and sportier Audi A5 and S5 models. With Volkswagen Group’s uncertain EV strategy and financial struggles, streamlining the lineup played a role in the decision.
See the last A4 listings before they’re gone.
Cadillac XT4
Remaining inventory nationwide: 3,600
As Cadillac pivots to electric vehicles like the Lyriq, Optiq, and Vistiq, models like the XT4 and XT6 are being discontinued. Production ceased in January 2025, so today’s inventory is all that’s left. At current selling rates (81 days of market supply), the last XT4 will be sold in August or September of this year.
See the last XT4 listings before they’re gone.
Chevrolet Malibu
Remaining inventory nationwide: 2,061
Following 61 years as a classic American-made car, the last Malibu rolled off the assembly line in November 2024. In May, there were just 2,061 copies of the Malibu left for sale. With just 49 days of market supply, it’s likely that the last brand-new Malibu will find a home sometime in July. Perhaps a lucky museum will see the value and add one to their collection.
See the last Malibu listings before they’re gone.
Mini Clubman
Remaining inventory nationwide: 17
After 55 years and 1.1 million cars sold, the MINI Clubman ended production back in February 2024. In May 2025, 17 Clubmans remained unsold. Even as a critically endangered species, they’re slow to sell. If you want to claim one of the last Clubmans ever, you could probably get your hands on one over the next few months.
See the last Clubman listings before they’re gone.
Nissan Titan
Remaining inventory nationwide: 287
You’d be hard pressed to find many truck fans who will miss the Titan, but if you’re among this rare breed of Nissan aficionados, act fast as only 287 Nissan Titans remain unsold. At current selling rates, they’re on track to be extinct sometime in July.
See the last Legacy listings before they’re gone.
Subaru Legacy
Remaining inventory nationwide: 4,615
Subaru has sold 1.3 million copies of the Subaru Legacy since launching the all-wheel drive sedan back in 1989. As the first Subaru model made in America, the Legacy has a special place in the hearts and minds of Subaru fans. Subaru previously announced that production of the Legacy would end sometime this spring. Although over 4,000 remain on dealership lots, it’s a relatively quick seller. At current selling rates, this Subaru sedan will be gone by late summer.
See the last Legacy listings before they’re gone.
Volvo S60
Remaining inventory nationwide: 550
Volvo sales have been slowing over the past few years, and the S60 sedan has become a casualty of this trend. The S60 was built in South Carolina, which is now home to the 2025 Volvo EX90 SUV. Volvo will continue to build the S90 in China for other markets, but there are no plans to import them to the U.S. market.
See the last S60 listings before they’re gone.
Other Cars Vanishing This Year
A handful of other nameplates will also vanish after 2025, but remain widely available for now. The Nissan Versa is one such example. Want to see what else is going away by 2026? Check out our full list of cars being discontinued this year.
As always, be sure to shop smart with CarEdge’s free tools and local market insights. Looking to have an expert negotiate car prices on your behalf? We’ve got the perfect solution.
Happy summer car shopping!
