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The Journal.

What Happened to the Affordable Car?

Sep 10, 2026 · 19m 9s
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About this episode

New cars have gotten really expensive, with average prices hovering around $50,000. It's put potential buyers in a tough spot and instead, many drivers are keeping their cars for longer . WSJ’s Sharon Terlep explains the market and economic forces that squeezed out buyers on a budget and how the auto industry is adapting. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Confused About Automated Driving Features? You’re Not Alone. - Can the U.S. Keep Chinese Cars Out? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices