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We Take a Look at Car Price Trends in April 2023

The old adage “April showers bring May flowers” likely has literal origins — it’s traced back to the agricultural writings of 16th-century poet and farmer Thomas Tusser. Today, the phrase is commonly used to describe the hardships that often precede the most fruitful rewards. New-car shoppers, in particular, are familiar with such “showers”: Vehicle markups, higher average prices and supply constraints have all put a damper on the shopping experience recently. But while there are still a few clouds on the horizon (elevated prices and rising auto loan rates, for example), there are also some metaphorical flowers to look forward to (rebounding incentives and inventory).

Related: Is the Inventory Shortage Coming to an End?

J.D. Power’s latest sales report estimates that the average new-vehicle transaction price reached $45,818 in March. While that’s still up 3.5% compared to March 2022, it continues the downward trend from February’s average ($46,229) and is a notable improvement from the record high $47,362 seen in December 2022.

While buying a new car is still more expensive than a year ago, finding one should be less daunting as inventory levels improve. There were more than 1.6 million new vehicles among Cars.com dealers in March; that’s up from 1.5 million units in February and just over 1 million seen in March 2022. Another promising sign is that automaker incentives are starting to spring up again. According to J.D. Power, the average incentive in March was $1,558 — a 45% increase from the same time a year prior. The average incentive as a percentage of the average MSRP is estimated at 3.3%, which is up nearly 1 percentage point since March 2022.

Pickup trucks and SUVs continue their reign as the most popular vehicle types, accounting for nearly 78% of all new vehicle sales in March, J.D. Power reports. They also bring a slightly more generous average incentive of $1,627. Shoppers looking for the best deal on an SUV or pickup this month should consider one of the four options below, most of which come with above-average incentives.

So while inflation continues to march on seemingly unabated, Car Price Trends in April 2023 are mixed.

There is good news on the horizon in 2023, however. J.P. Morgan estimates that prices for both new and used vehicles are set to decrease as supply chain issues abate and inflation is poised to keep easing. Per the financial firm, new vehicle prices are slated to go down 2.5-5% while used cars may go down by 10-20%

The average transaction price (ATP) of a new vehicle in the United States declined in February 2023 to $48,763. So fluctuations are making meaningful predictions difficult.

As more EVs become available prices will slowly come down in price and as new gasoline vehicles dwindle, prices will likely go up.

More quickly than seemed possible a few months ago, sticker prices for electric vehicles are falling closer to the point where they could soon be on a par with gasoline cars.

Increased competition, government incentives and falling prices for lithium and other battery materials are making electric vehicles noticeably more affordable. The tipping point when electric vehicles become as cheap as or cheaper than cars with internal combustion engines could arrive this year for some mass market models and is already the case for some luxury vehicles.

Prices are likely to continue trending lower as Tesla, General Motors, Ford Motor and their battery suppliers ramp up new factories, reaping the cost savings that come from mass production. New electric vehicles from companies like Volkswagen, Nissan and Hyundai will add to competitive pressure.

The battery-powered version of G.M.’s Equinox crossover, for example, will start around $30,000 when it arrives this fall, the carmaker has said. That is $3,400 more than the least expensive gasoline-fueled Equinox. But factoring in government incentives, the electric Equinox should be cheaper. Like all electric vehicles, the car will need less maintenance, and the electricity to power it will cost less than the gasoline used by its combustion engine equivalent.

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Dodge Punishes Price Gouging Dealers

 

We’ve seen this happen many times before: A highly sought after car finally becomes available to order and soon after reddit pages are set ablaze with images of window stickers with stratospheric dealer markups. Internet rage ensues, and if the fervor grows big enough, a dealership will relent and things go quiet until it happens once more. Well, it appears the cycle has begun again with the 1,025-hp 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 at the center of it.

Despite being lowered in by helicopter at Las Vegas Motor Speedway before charging down a flaming dragstrip, the hype for the SRT Demon 170 started long before that. The Demon 170 is the final “last call” performance vehicle from Dodge before the automaker shifts to EV muscle, so it literally marks the end of an era. Considering the context, it wasn’t surprising that the Demon 170 is desirable for its performance and its historical significance. As you might imagine, a four-digit horsepower street-legal drag car isn’t cheap, but the Demon 170’s $100,361 MSRP isn’t unreasonable for what’s the fastest production car ever sold.

That is until some unscrupulous parties entered the picture. According to CarBuzz, some dealers have been seen charging as much as $250,000 over MSRP and finding folks willing to pay it. It looked like no one would ever have the chance to get a Challenger Demon SRT 170 at a fair price. We reached out to Dodge to see what plans it had in place to help curb greedy dealers capitalizing on fans who want to own a piece of history. A spokesperson reached out with a surprising response.

Screen Shot 2023 04 17 at 5.30.45 PMDodge Reacts

Dodge has a special ordering process. The process includes a document—an acknowledgement form—that has to be signed by the customer, signed by the dealer and notarized,” the spokesperson said.  “These are important steps.” With the Demon 170 being such a unique car, the document includes some disclaimers warning users not to drive the car in the rain or if it’s too cold, boilerplate stuff, but it also explains how Dodge will prioritize orders based on pricing.

“Dodge will not schedule an individual vehicle build until it is in receipt of the acknowledgement form,” the spokesperson said. “Included with the acknowledgement form is whether the customer paid the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) or over MSRP. If the buyer paid MSRP or under, the buyer’s car gets priority scheduling.”

So it doesn’t necessarily stop a dealership from selling a Demon 170 over MSRP, but it shows clear preference for those that are willing to play ball. At the same time, how effective could that strategy actually be? Apparently more than we originally thought. The spokesperson said that out of the 1,000 order documents Dodge received March 27, 630 of them—63 percent—came back notarized by the buyer and seller that the car was sold at MSRP.

It is very possible that at least some of those 630 sales were done by exploiting a loophole in which the dealer “sells” a Demon 170 to an employee for MSRP only to resell the car for much more afterward. However, the numbers seem to indicate that there have been plenty of legit sales at the right price. It’s nice to see that in the wasteland of greedy retailers, there are still some bright points of hope.

Antics like these make us wonder if we would be better without car dealerships.  What do you think? Would selling direct like Tesla make car buying a better buying experience, or would a factory monopoly make things worse.

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Movies have been a great source of entertainment for people around the world. Whether it’s drama, action, comedy, or romance, movies always have something for everyone. One of the most popular genres of movies is car movies. Car movies are exciting, adrenaline-fueled films that feature some of the most iconic cars in history. They have been around for decades and continue to be popular today. In this article, we will look at the top 10 car movies of all time.

  1. The Fast and the Furious (2001)

The Fast and the Furious is one of the most iconic car movies of all time. The movie is about an undercover cop named Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) who infiltrates a group of street racers led by Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel). The movie is filled with high-speed car chases, intense races, and thrilling stunts. It also features some of the most iconic cars in history, including a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse, a 1995 Toyota Supra, and a 1970 Dodge Charger.

The Fast and the Furious franchise has been hugely successful, with eight movies in total. The franchise has grossed over $5 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful movie franchises of all time.

  1. Gone in 60 Seconds (1974)

Gone in 60 Seconds is a classic car movie that tells the story of a group of car thieves led by Maindrian Pace (H.B. Halicki) who are tasked with stealing 48 cars in one night. The movie is famous for its epic car chase scenes and stunts, including the famous jump over a parked car that is still talked about today.

The movie features some of the most iconic cars of the 1970s, including a 1971 Ford Mustang, a 1973 Ford Mustang, and a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro. The movie was so successful that it was remade in 2000 with Nicolas Cage in the lead role.

  1. Bullitt (1968)

Bullitt is a classic car movie that stars Steve McQueen as San Francisco Police Lieutenant Frank Bullitt. The movie is famous for its iconic car chase scene through the streets of San Francisco, which has been hailed as one of the greatest car chases in movie history.

The movie features some of the most iconic cars of the 1960s, including a 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback and a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. The car chase scene in Bullitt has been recreated in many other movies and has become a cultural icon.

  1. Le Mans (1971)

Le Mans is a movie about the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The movie stars Steve McQueen as Michael Delaney, a driver who is competing in the race. The movie is famous for its realistic portrayal of the race and its intense action scenes.

The movie features some of the most iconic race cars of the time, including a Porsche 917, a Ferrari 512, and a Ford GT40. The movie has become a cult classic among car enthusiasts and racing fans.

  1. Rush (2013)

Rush is a movie about the rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) in the 1970s. The movie is famous for its realistic portrayal of the racing world and its intense action scenes.

The movie features some of the most iconic Formula One cars of the time, including a McLaren M23 and a Ferrari 312T. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards.

  1. The Italian Job (1969)

Unlike Gone in 60 Seconds, we think that the Michael Caine version of this film is far better than the Marky Mark remake of 2001. Again, they are both very fun car-forward films; it’s just the original has the edge in this case. What’s especially enjoyable about this movie is that it took an otherwise unassuming vehicle, the Mini Cooper, and injected it with a hefty dose of much-needed coolness by taking it on an impressive romp through the crowded streets of Turin, Italy. Funny enough, Michael Caine couldn’t actually drive when this movie was being filmed.

7. Duel  (1971)

Ever been driving down a highway and passed a slow truck? Sure. Did you then spend the next couple days being chased by the truck as it tried to kill you? Steven Speilberg cut his post-film-school teeth with this dystopian highway film aimed at mild-mannered traveling salesmen who make a living criss-crossing bleak secondary roads. Dennis Weaver is the salesman in question. He had the temerity to pass a beat up old oil truck, which then proceeded to road rage against him and whoever he got near. It’s the best use of a Plymouth Valiant in all of cinema.

 

8. THE CANNONBALL RUN (1981)

Starring Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Farah Fawcett, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Adrienne Barbeau, Terry Bradshaw, Jackie Chan, Peter Fonda, and Roger Moore (as himself) this is certainly the most star-studded film on our list. But the wide variety of vehicles, action, and a strange story – a cast of eccentric competitors participating in an illegal cross-country race – definitely puts this one somewhere in the top tier of car films. It’s kind of like a live-action version of the cartoon Wacky Racers.

 

9. THE TRANSPORTER (2002)

It’s a little known fact that this film was penned by Luc Besson – the same man that brought us Léon: The Professional, The Fifth Element, and Lucy. But it makes a lot of sense when you consider how masterfully this film balances martial arts, car chases, and an at least decent storyline (which cannot, unfortunately, be said about the subsequent sequels). This is also one of the films that put star Jason Statham on the map. It follows the story of a driver for hire who breaks his strict “no questions asked” policy when he realizes that the package he’s been hired to transport is actually a woman. For reference: the transporter’s primary car in the film is a 1998 BMW 750iL Euro model.

10. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973)

While most people know him for Star Wars, George Lucas first made a name for himself with this film about his hometown of Modesto, California. Starring Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard, American Graffiti follows a group of high school friends cruising the boulevard on their last night in town before they go off to college. It’s loaded with classic cars, hot rods and, strangely enough, also features Harrison Ford as a traveling drag racer.

 

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Meet the 2024 Dodge Demon 170

 

The 2024 Dodge Demon 170 has been a beloved muscle car for many years, and the 2024 model promises to be no exception. The 2024 Dodge Demon 170 is the latest version of this iconic vehicle, and it has been eagerly awaited by muscle car enthusiasts all over the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the new 2024 Dodge Demon 170, examining its features, performance, and overall value.

Exterior Design

The first thing that stands out about the 2024 Dodge Demon 170 is its stunning exterior design. The car features an aggressive, muscular look that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. The front of the car has been completely redesigned, with a new grille that features an updated version of the iconic Demon logo. The car also has a more aerodynamic design, with a lower stance and a sleeker overall profile.

One of the most notable features of the 2024 Dodge Demon 170 is its wide-body design. The car has been widened by 3.5 inches, giving it a much more aggressive look and providing more space for wider tires. The car also features a new hood design, which includes a functional air scoop that helps to cool the engine and improve performance.

Interior Design

The interior of the Demon 170 has also been updated and improved. The car features a modern, high-tech dashboard with a large touchscreen display. The seats have been redesigned to provide more comfort and support, and they feature a new heating and cooling system to keep passengers comfortable in any weather.

One of the most exciting features of the  Demon 170’s interior is its sound system. The car comes equipped with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, which delivers crisp, clear sound quality and provides an immersive listening experience.

Performance

Of course, the most important aspect of any muscle car is its performance, and the Demon 170 does not disappoint in this regard. The car is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces a whopping 808 horsepower and 717 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and precise shifts.

One of the key features of the  Demon 170 is its launch control system. This system allows drivers to achieve maximum acceleration from a standing start, providing a thrilling and exhilarating driving experience. The car also features a line lock system, which allows drivers to lock the front wheels and perform burnouts to show off the car’s impressive power.

In addition to its impressive power and acceleration, the Demon 170 also features a number of performance-enhancing features. The car comes equipped with Brembo brakes, which provide excellent stopping power, and a suspension system that has been tuned for maximum performance.

Value

It is not a cheap car by any means, with an expected price tag of around $95,000. However, when you consider the car’s impressive performance, stunning design, and high-tech features, it becomes clear that the car provides excellent value for money.

A Classic In the Making

This car is impressive in every respect and given that it will be one of the last of the gasoline-powered muscle cars, this car is destined to be a collectible for decades to come.  Its aggressive exterior design and modern, high-tech interior make it a joy to look at and to drive, while its powerful engine and performance-enhancing features provide an exhilarating driving experience. While it may be an expensive car, the 2024 Dodge Demon 170 provides excellent value for money, and it is sure to be a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts for years to come.