The prices will continue to increase so long as buyers keep paying for them. In a car-centric country like the US, the demand isn't as elastic as it is elsewher

The prices will continue to increase so long as buyers keep paying for them. In a car-centric country like the US, the demand isn't as elastic as it is elsewhere. People could buy more cost-effective vehicles, but they don't for a variety of reasons. I foresee that car loans will contribute to the next market crash, as the abysmal LTVs trap people similar to the way vehicle loans originated during COVID did. The OP is a poignant example. I have been in the market for an AWD Maverick, but I cannot find a vehicle on sale at a reasonable price. I see Mavericks with high milage selling for 80% as much as a brand new one MSRPs for. Dealers add to the fire by adding markups or tacking on insane windows prices. The outcome of the loan doesn't matter to them, just so long as they can get the initial sale. I feel so much of this problem could be resolved be eliminating the middle man. Allow manufacturers to sell direct to consumer, and so much of the perverse incentive evaporates.