Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New-Vehicle Affordability Worsens Again in November

With record-high prices, low incentives, and a higher interest rate, the estimated typical monthly payment increased to a new record high at $687, which was up 20.7% year over year.

December 16, 2021
New-Vehicle Affordability Worsens Again in November

Weeks of Income Needed to Buy a New Light Vehicle

Source: Cox/Manheim Index

1 min to read



Following similar dynamics each month this fall including another new record on the average price paid and another low for incentives, new-vehicle affordability declined again in November, according to a Cox Automotive news release.

November’s affordability decline was caused by all vehicle market factors moving against affordability while median income again declined, albeit slightly. The number of median weeks of income needed to purchase the average new vehicle in November increased to 43.1 weeks from an upwardly revised 42.6 weeks in October.

Ad Loading...

Every factor moved against affordability in November. The price paid moved higher to a new record average price of $46,329. Incentives declined to at least a 20-year low. Average rates also moved higher to the highest level since June. Estimated median income in November declined 0.1%. With record-high prices, low incentives, and a higher interest rate, the estimated typical monthly payment increased to a new record high at $687, which was up 20.7% year over year.

With the decline in November, new-vehicle affordability was much worse than a year ago when prices were lower and incentives were much higher. Affordability in November was worse than at any month covered by the index data, which dates to January 2012.

Originally posted on Vehicle Remarketing

More Remarketing

Pickup trucks in a row with overlay "Hidden Vehicle Value"
Remarketingby Chris BrownMay 18, 2026

How Connected Vehicle Data Is Lifting Fleet Resale Values

A vehicle health score could improve the value of fleet vehicles at remarketing. The path to a universal standard is forming, and fleets that understand the process early will be better positioned when it arrives.

Read More →
Blue bar graphs showing wholesale used vehicle price shifts according to vehicle segment.
Remarketingby News/Media ReleaseMay 11, 2026

Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices Slightly Up In April

The Iranian conflict and rising gas prices inject much uncertainty into the future wholesale used vehicle markets, as higher gas prices soak up spendable income from vehicle buyers.

Read More →
James McKinley stands on the stage during the 2026 CAR Conference and speaks about his acceptance of the Value Champion of the Year Award.
Remarketingby Chris BrownMay 8, 2026

CAR2026: James McKinley Wins Value Champion of the Year

James McKinley of City Rent a Truck was named the inaugural Fleet Value Champion at the CAR Conference for his data-driven approach to fleet lifecycle management and vehicle remarketing.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Eric Autenrieth accepts the Fleet Remarketer of the Year award on a stage at the CAR Conference in Cleveland, OH.
Remarketingby StaffMay 8, 2026

CAR2026: Eric Autenrieth Wins Remarketer of the Year

Eric Autenrieth was recognized at this year's CAR Conference as the Remarketer of the Year.

Read More →
Lawrence Knapp stands on stage as he hives his acceptance speech for the cosigner of the year award.
Remarketingby StaffMay 7, 2026

CAR2026: Lawrence Knapp Wins Consignor of the Year

Lawrence Knapp won the Cosigner of the Year award at this year's CAR Conference.

Read More →
Image of three award winners at 2026 CAR
Remarketingby Faith HowellMay 6, 2026

2026 CAR Awards Celebrate Industry Excellence

CAR’s annual Fleet Remarketing Awards opened a reimagined 2026 conference designed to bridge the worlds of fleet management and automotive remarketing.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Chris Brown standing on stage at The Conference of Automotive Remarketing announcing this year's award winners.
Remarketingby StaffMay 5, 2026

Inside the CAR2026 Awards: Leaders, Legacy & What’s Next

Here's a look inside the awards ceremony at the CAR Conference, where industry leaders reflected on the growth, impact, and future of automotive remarketing.

Read More →
A man standing in front of transparent tech screen with a the outline of a delivery truck.
RemarketingMay 1, 2026

The Predictive Pivot: How AI and Data Are Redefining Auto Logistics in 2026

AI is no longer a luxury but the baseline for profitability in 2026. Auto haulers that adopt these tools now will quickly outpace those that use manual workflows or take a wait-and-see approach.

Read More →
collage of conference speakers
Remarketingby Chris BrownApril 30, 2026

CAR 2026 Recap Part 2: Closing the Gap Between Data & Remarketing Value

The second half of CAR 2026 examined how fleets can translate lifecycle strategy, vehicle data, and market shifts into higher real-world results.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage of CAR speakers
Remarketingby Chris BrownApril 27, 2026

CAR2026 in Two Words: Velocity, Value (Part 1)

The 2026 Conference of Automotive Remarketing convened with a mandate to involve a new constituency — fleet managers — and an updated mission to demonstrate unrealized value in de-fleeted vehicles.

Read More →