<div id="readability-page-1">For years, carmakers appeared impervious to the resistance of consumers, pushing the average price of a new vehicle toward the $50,000 mark without slowing demand. But that immunity is cracking. Dealers across the country report that shoppers are downsizing, delaying purchases and hunting aggressively for discounts. “People are asking, ‘How can I afford this?” said […]</div>

<p>Car prices have surged, reaching nearly $50,000, but economic strains are causing consumers to push back. Dealers report that shoppers are downsizing, delaying purchases, and seeking discounts, questioning affordability.</p>

Surging Car Prices Meet Consumer Pushback as Economic Strains Deepen