economy
Fewer features, more value: Why some Americans are buying simpler cars
Cloth seats, manual controls and analog gauges are back as buyers look for cars with sticker prices closer to $30,000.
TL;DR
- Car buyers are increasingly choosing cheaper, more basic vehicles due to high new car prices.
- Shoppers are opting for simpler interiors with features like cloth seats, manual adjustments, and analog gauges.
- Sales of lower-cost models like the Ford Maverick and Nissan Versa have risen significantly.
- Demand is also shifting towards entry-level smaller SUVs such as the Chevrolet Trax and Nissan Kicks.
- Despite the trend towards affordability, higher-priced vehicles and trims still dominate the market.
- Automakers prioritize higher-profit, more expensive models like trucks and large SUVs.
- Online searches for 'how much can I afford' and payment calculators have increased among car shoppers.
- Younger buyers, concerned about financial futures, are showing a greater focus on affordability.