While dealers and automakers may offer modest discounts on 2025 models as 2026 inventory arrives, industry experts caution the effect of tariffs could offset much of those savings.

Brian Moody, Autotrader's executive editor, told FOX Business that consumers will likely see only small discounts or favorable interest rates for those with excellent credit.

Meanwhile, new car prices are expected to keep climbing, according to Moody. He said in August, average transaction prices (ATPs) rose 2.6% from a year earlier, the largest annual increase since April 2023.

"Except on a few models, big discounts will be increasingly hard to find," Moody said. He did note one possible exception: electric cars. However, buyers have to act fast because a key taxpayer-funded incentive is set to expire at the

See Full Page