Auto Price Trends - Average transaction price for new cars in October was just under $50,000, roughly $11,000 more than in 2018, a 295% increase [2] - Average monthly new vehicle auto loan payment is more than $750 [2][3] - Used vehicle monthly payments are about $150 to $170 less than new vehicles, placing them in the $570-$580 range [6][7] - Auto prices have plateaued but show no indication of decreasing [7] Factors Driving Price Increases - Automakers are focusing on higher trim levels with more technology and features, as consumers prefer these [3][4][9] - Automakers are facing higher costs for raw materials, labor contracts, and tariffs, impacting profit margins [5] Congressional Scrutiny - Senator Ted Cruz plans to examine auto affordability in a hearing next month (January) [6] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are often convinced they want the latest features in new vehicles, leading them to choose higher trim levels [9] - Very few people order base model vehicles [4][10]

All right, welcome back. On Friday, we talked about how expensive SUVs like the Jeep Grand Wagon Ear and others have gotten. I posted some of the prices on X.I I put yes or no. Would you buy one of these cars. As of right now, 1.1% million of you have looked at that tweet.Got a a lot of feedback. A lot of you were also upset by how expensive some cars have gotten. Not just that, but really all of them.But guess what. It doesn't seem to really matter. Phil Labau rejoining us now uh with some new data that yo ...