Americans are finally slamming the brakes on car purchases as the cost of a new ride blasts past $50,000 — leading to canceled sales and mounting delinquencies while consumers face ongoing economic uncertainty.

The breaking point came in September, when the average transaction price for a new car crossed $50,080 , according to estimates from Kelley Blue Book — a record high after a multiyear run-up that left household budgets stretched to the limit.

Average monthly payments hit $756 in the second quarter , with nearly one in five buyers committed to notes topping $1,000. The typical loan term stretched to 69.8 months, with 22.4% of loan terms pushing into 84-month territory.

Bruising costs are reshaping the showroom.

“People are asking, ‘How can I afford this?’” East Texas deal

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