Hello and welcome, friends, to the season of deals and discounts. If you are contemplating buying a new ride this holiday season, it’s a good idea to approach this well-informed and to set some achievable expectations. While this year’s opportunities for savings on cars, trucks, and SUVs aren’t what we’d call astounding, there are still smart ways to look for lower price tags. Here’s we’ll explore some key elements when it comes to holiday car buying.
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Inventory
Everyone remembers the car shortage of a few years ago, the scrambling to find even used vehicles. And while vehicle supplies may not have fully recovered to their robust levels, no doubt that the market is now rebounding. Potential consumers can finally enjoy broader selection of both gas-fueled and electric vehicles available in dealership showrooms and lots.
That said, unfortunately the surge in vehicle availability has not led to the type of holiday (or general) discounts that car buyers have become accustomed to. For example, last month (October 2025), the average manufacturer’s suggested retail price for new cars was over $50,000, reflecting a slightly lower price point from September. Ultimately, the average price actually paid was around $49,000, which translates to a pretty minimal discount as compared to, let’s say, December 2019, when sticker tags were slashed about $3,027 on average.
All this to say that while there are deals available, it’s probably a good idea to set your expectations to a reasonable level that is indicative of the current automotive market today. 
Financing
If you decide to finance, here’s something to consider: the average monthly loan payment for a new car has seen an increase, capping out at around $766. To mitigate this rise in cost, roughly 22% of new car buyers are now opting for loans with a term duration of seven years or longer. These extended terms mean lower, more affordable monthly payments, but at the same time can mean higher interest rates, which result in a higher total interest paid over the life of the loan.
Because the average interest rate on a five-year new-vehicle loan is now above 7%, it’s wise to shop around for the best terms. Rates fluctuate notably depending on credit scores; even a small difference can save you hundreds annually on interest. 
Buy Smart
Despite all the seemingly bleak news about car buying, there are, in fact, simple ways to mitigate the financial impact. One great road to go down when shopping for a set of wheels is to stay open to vehicles that have been on the dealer’s lot for some time, as these models are often easier to negotiate. Going one step further: look for a car that already comes with manufacturer discount and has also been hanging out on the dealer lot for a bit – this is a combo that can possibly secure an even better deal.
Another route towards savings is trading in a vehicle that’s been well-maintained and is fully paid-off. A nice trade-in can help lower up-front costs on a new car significantly. Keep in mind though, that this applies to relatively new cars in good condition.
If you’re in the market for a new car this holiday season, try keeping these strategies in mind to help you navigate the market more effectively. And whatever ride you end up with, remember that for all your title and tags needs – transfers, renewals, duplicates, specialty plates, and more – you’ve arrived in the right place. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
