The Indicator from Planet Money · Wednesday, September 23, 2026
A significant reason for the scarcity of affordable used cars is a business decision by automakers to stop producing entry-level sedans. Instead, manufacturers are focusing on larger, more expensive SUVs, leaving a gap in the market for budget-conscious car buyers.
“Many automakers just stop making affordable new cars. The sedans that just got you around town.”
“That something which they said, well, sedans, nobody wants them. Big SUVs, let's make more of those.”
“Entry level sedans, $20, $30k, completely removed from the market.”