Melissa Dickerson didn’t go shopping for an expensive SUV. She went looking for a replacement. After her teenage son walked away from a serious crash, the Washington state paralegal needed another vehicle quickly — one that felt safe, familiar and reliable. What she wasn’t prepared for was how much the math had changed since her last car purchase. Must Read The $400 monthly payment she’d been used to was no longer an option. To get into a comparably used Acura, Dickerson found herself staring down a mu ...

Core Insights - Shoppers are becoming more selective about the prices they are willing to pay for new cars, leading to a shift towards used vehicles and longer car loans [1] - Consumers are increasingly holding out for better deals, indicating a change in purchasing behavior in the automotive market [1] Summary by Category - **Consumer Behavior** - Shoppers are drawing the line on new car prices, opting for used vehicles instead [1] - There is a trend of consumers taking on longer car loans to manage affordability [1] - Many consumers are waiting for deals before making a purchase, reflecting a cautious approach to spending [1]