The Big Story Weekend Listen: In the market for a new ride? Prepare to spend big!
Jan 24, 2026
Barish Arkurek, VP of Insights and Intelligence at Autotrader.ca, a specialist in automotive market and consumer trends. He breaks down why new and used vehicle prices surged, how tariffs and supply shortages shape sticker shock, what financing tactics mean for buyers, and why Chinese EV imports may have limited near‑term impact.
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Pandemic Supply Gap Still Distorts Prices
- Pandemic-era missing new-car sales removed 1.5 million vehicles from future used supply, tightening the market.
- That supply gap plus strong demand pushed used prices sharply higher in 2021 and kept them elevated thereafter.
Aggregate Prices Hide Big Availability Gaps
- New-car prices averaged $63,439 in December 2025 but hide big make/model differences and availability gaps.
- Domestic light trucks show plentiful inventory while some high-demand brands remain scarce and pricey.
Drivers Are Keeping Cars Longer
- Owners are holding cars longer: average vehicle age rose from ~10 to ~12 years and mileage from ~70k to ~77k km.
- That retention reduces used supply and sustains higher prices.