Economic Lessons from Used-Car Inflation

Economic Lessons from Used-Car Inflation
Various factors drive used car prices.

Provided by Rita Wilczek

Inflation is defined as the general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy. The key word is “general.” Inflation tends to be uneven and affects the price of some items more than others.

If you’ve been in the market for a used car, you’ve learned a critical economic lesson about the “uneven” side of inflation. The overall rate of inflation has been 5% for the past 12 months. Meanwhile, the average price of a used car is up 30% from a year ago.^1,2

Various factors drive used car prices, but most of the trouble links to the global microchip shortage.³

Demand for used cars may well slow later this year as automakers return to normal production levels. As the market shifts, some people who bought used cars may learn another key economics lesson: they might owe more for their car than what it’s worth as prices return to historical levels.⁴

The most important takeaway is that inflation touches our lives in different ways. Gasoline prices are up sharply from a year ago, but you might not feel the increase if you work from home or are retired. However, at the grocery store, all shoppers are paying higher prices for everything from beef to pork to milk.⁵

If all the recent inflation talk has you uneasy, please contact our offices. We'd welcome the chance to hear about your experience with higher prices.

Rita Wilczek may be reached at (952) 542-8911 or rwilczek@hirep.net

The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, subject to revision without notice, and may not materialize.

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Citations

1. CarandDriver.com, June 5, 2021

2. APNews.com, June 22, 2021

3. ConsumerReports.org, June 10, 2021

4. Forbes.com, June 14, 2021

5. CNBC.com, June 26, 2021