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But these are for just your standard vehicle.
Certain ones, like luxury models and full-size trucks, can cost much more.
Even now, the typical buyer may not be able to afford certain makes or models.
Cadillacs
Cadillacs vary widely in price.
For example, the 2024 Cadillac CT4 has a starting price of $35,990, per Car and Driver.
Compare that with the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, and youll find a starting price of $96,000.
The Blackwing, meanwhile, is marketed as a more premium sports sedan.
Still, luxury vehicles like Cadillacs are becoming more expensive.
Ive watched car prices skyrocket over the decades.
Now the average Cadillac costs over $50,000.
Back then, the average new vehicle price was around $24,000.
Today, its nearly $40,000 …
Compact cars have gone from $15,000 to $22,000 or more for models like theCivic and Corolla.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla costs an estimated $24,000, according to Car and Driver.
The previous years model had a starting price of around $23,000.
Thats an average increase of about $1,000 a year.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz have always been expensive, but theyve become increasingly so.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class costs an estimated $118,450, perCar and Driver.
The 2022 model has a starting MSRP of about $112,000.
Thats roughly $6,000 more in just two years.
Interest rates have also been low, allowing people to finance more expensive vehicles.
The industry will either have to hold the line on prices or risk significantly lower sales.
Thats an increase of about $7,500 in just six years.
Some Ford F-150s cost even more than that.
For example, Car and Driver estimated that the newest model goes for around $38,960 or more.
This price point does include certain upgrades.
Lincolns were once $35,000-$40,000, now $55,000 and up, Greiner said.
For context, the 2024 Lincoln Corsair has a starting price of $40,385, per Car and Driver.
The 2020 versions starting MSRP was $36,940.
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, meanwhile, starts at $60,275.
The model from four years ago started at closer to $52,000.
Anything in the truck category is quickly becoming unaffordable, said Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert withAutoInsurance.org.
A four-wheel drive 3/4 ton RAM can cost over $70,000.
An F-250 can cost anywhere from $60,000 to almost $100,000.
Ten years ago, a new F-250 cost between $32,000 and $52,000.
Its not just trucks that have seen increased unaffordability.
Some full-size SUVs have gone up significantly too.
Even full-size SUVsbuilt on a truck chassis are becoming unaffordable, Musson said.
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