BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The UAW strike is over, which is good news for both autoworkers and car buyers, who were worried about new shortages.

But while the shortages won’t happen, you could still end up paying more for a new car.

Like so many car buyers right now, Cheryl Lucas was stunned by high prices for new cars.

“It’s ridiculous, people can’t afford them anymore,” Lucas said.

Hanley Clark just signed papers for a used minivan, and found prices still on the high side.

“Prices are high, mileages are high,” he said.

The good news is that the 40 day UAW strike ended before it impacted new car supplies.

The bad news: Ford says the concessions it gave workers could add an extra $850 to the cost of a new vehicle, a cost that will eventually trickle down to new car lots.

With the average new car price now at $48,000, many buyers are turning to used cars, but those prices remain high.

A lot of the problem these days is that many people want the exact same thing: a compact SUV like a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV.

If everyone wants the same thing, the price goes up.

Car dealer Gary Heflin, of Courtesy Automotive, suggests you shop for something everyone else is not shopping for.

“But everyone wants compact SUV’s,” he said, “Because you get better gas milage. They like that, they like the size of them, they have a better reputation.”

But, there is hope for used car buyers on the horizon: The Manheim Used Vehicle Index is down 11% from Sept. 2022 to Sept. 2023, meaning buyers are starting to find used car deals for the first time in two years.

Those deals could get better, even if new car sticker prices rise as a result of the UAW strike.

“If they like the dealer, they find a nice car,” Heflin said, “I just tell people you should by the car.”

That way you Don’t Waste Your Money.

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