Record High New Car Prices. Again 1/29/26

Summary

---

Your Money Minute - "Record High New Car Prices. Again"

Podcast: Your Money Minute by CNBC
Host: Jessica Ettinger
Guest Expert: Phil LeBeau
Air Date: January 29, 2026
Episode Length: 60 seconds (core content: 0:00 - 1:09)

---

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the surging price of new cars in the United States, highlighting the impact of inflation on car buyers. CNBC's Jessica Ettinger and automotive reporter Phil LeBeau break down the latest figures on average car prices and monthly payments, offering listeners a quick, data-packed insight into the growing cost of vehicle ownership.

---

Key Discussion Points and Data

• New Car Prices Hit All-Time High

  • Inflation continues to drive prices up for new vehicles across the U.S.
  • Quote:

    “A fresh all time high for new car prices as inflation continues.”
    — Jessica Ettinger (00:00)

  • Statistic:

    “If you went out to a dealership, you’d be paying $50,326. That is an all time high.”
    — Phil LeBeau (00:12)

• Average Monthly Car Payments Surge

  • Most buyers now focus on their monthly payment instead of total price.
  • Monthly payment average:

    “The average monthly payment according to Edmunds right now is $781.”
    — Phil LeBeau (00:27)

• $1,000-Plus Car Payments

  • The percentage of Americans with $1,000+ monthly payments is escalating.
  • In 2019, only 5% of auto loans had monthly payments above $1,000.
  • Now, it’s one in five—20% of new auto loans.
  • Quote:

    “One out of every five auto loans, according to Edmunds, has a monthly payment of at least $1,000.”
    — Phil LeBeau (00:38)

• A Record Number Struggling with High Payments

  • Quote:

    “The number of Americans with $1,000 car payments is at yet another new record high.”
    — Jessica Ettinger (00:56)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Sticker shock. The average price paid for a new vehicle right now ... $50,326. That is an all time high.”
  — Phil LeBeau (00:09)
• “You really want to be surprised? ... one out of every five auto loans ... has a monthly payment of at least $1,000.”
  — Phil LeBeau (00:32)
• “The number of Americans with $1,000 car payments is at yet another new record high.”
  — Jessica Ettinger (00:56)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 — Jessica Ettinger introduces the topic: new car price records amid inflation.
• 00:09 — Phil LeBeau shares the latest average price for a new vehicle.
• 00:22 — Transition to focus on average monthly payments.
• 00:27 — Phil LeBeau details average and rising $1,000+ car payments.
• 00:56 — Jessica Ettinger summarizes the record number of Americans with huge car payments.
• 01:09 — [End of content; advertisements follow]

---

Additional Resources

• More insights and guidance on buying a car can be found at cnbc.com

---

This concise episode delivers a striking look at the rapidly escalating costs for car buyers—an essential 60 seconds for anyone considering a new vehicle or interested in personal finance trends.

Transcript

[Jessica Ettinger]

With a CNBC your Money minute. I'm Jessica Ettinger. A fresh all time high for new car prices as inflation continues.

[Phil LeBeau]

Sticker shock. The average price paid for a new vehicle right now. This is according to Cox Automotive. If you went out to a dealership, you'd be paying $50,326. That is an all time high.

[Jessica Ettinger]

And brace yourself for what CNBC's Phil LeBeau says is the average monthly car payment. Now.

[Phil LeBeau]

The average monthly payment. And this is how most people look at buying a vehicle. The average monthly payment according to Edmunds right now is $781. And then there's this. You really want to be surprised? Look at the percentage of auto loans that include a monthly payment of at least $1,000, if not more. It was 5% back in 2019. Now one out of every five auto loans, according to Edmunds, has a monthly payment of at least $1,000.

[Jessica Ettinger]

The number of Americans with $1,000 car payments is at yet another new record high. More on car prices and buying [e-mail] I'm Jessica Ettinger. CNBC.

[Expedia Announcer]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to occasionally take the hard route to the top of the Eiffel Tower. We were made to easily bundle your trip Expedia made to travel flight inclusive packages are atoll protected.