New Car Prices Top $50,000: What to Do

30th October 2025 Sam Gomez

The news is true: New car prices have now reached an average of $50,000 US.

There are several reasons for this. Tariffs on imported cars and car parts are one reason. Another is that new cars have so much technology that packing all that newfangled stuff into a car will naturally jack up the price.

But perhaps the biggest reason for the increase in cost is insurance – from all angles. Not only does the manufacturer pass on its cost to you, but once you buy the car, you will have to insure the car. Even if you are a good driver but live in an urban area, you could easily be looking at paying upwards of $250 per month for car insurance.

Assuming you can get a car loan for 3% for 6 years and can put down $3,000 US, you could still be looking at monthly payments in excess of $600. Even I can’t afford that.

The good news is that if you do need to get a new vehicle, there are a fair number of good used cars on the market.

When shopping for a used car, always be sure to do your homework, no exceptions. Also, be sure to do your footwork.

As Bears, we are men of size. We may not fit comfortably inside cars that are advertised as having plenty of room. Even cars they are advertised as ‘midsized’ can make us feel a little squeezed.

A few things to keep in mind: Think about what you want. Do you need something for work? Do you need something for long commutes? Something easy to park?

Also, please, test drive a car. I know that’s a pain in the arse. So many websites want to sell you a car right from your phone and have it delivered to your door, but if that ‘new’ car proves to be a mismatch (and trust me, it will be) you will be stuck with it.

Once you feel you have a car you that may be interested in researching further, get its Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, and research the car further. You can find the VIN on the driver’s side of the dashboard where it meets the windshield and then you can plug the number into a few websites to get the car’s history. Try services run by Kelley Blue Book of the National Insurance Crime Bureau to learn more about your potential purchase.

Patience is key here. Don’t get in a rush. What looks good on the small screen just may be AI generated.

Here’s another thing to consider: Before you consider getting rid of your current vehicle, look into just getting a tune up.

Sometimes just a simple Lube-Oil-Filter can make a difference if it has been more than one year. Have the wiper blades replaced. And if your tires are more than 6 years old, those should be replaced as well. Of course, no need to keep and old car that really should be put out to pasture, but if spending some money on your current car can bring it back to life, this can save you some serious coin in the short term.

Websites like Yelp and Angi have many mechanic listings, if you don’t already know a Bear who knows all about cars. Check with your local LGBT Center to see if they have listings. And also check with your local immigrant community centers; they will definitely have many people who can fix your car (if it can be fixed) at a reasonable price.

I will continue to write about new cars and will always recommend that you buy a new car if you can afford to do so.

It’s just that I am very much aware of the fact that it will be harder and harder to do that and still maintain your current fabulous Bear lifestyle.

Because as far as I am concerned, being out and happy and fabulous is not a choice. It is a right. But anymore, it is so damn expensive.