How Much You’d Have To Pay Monthly for the Average Car in 2025

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A car is often one of the most expensive purchases adults make. In the United States, it’s been even more expensive in the past few years. Per CarEdge, prices for new cars have remained near record highs since 2022.

Here’s a closer look at car prices in 2025 and how much the average driver may pay each month.

New Car Prices

Based on recent data from Cox Automotive, the average price for a new car is $48,641. That’s down a little bit from the peak of $49,929 at the end of 2022.

According to LendingTree, average car payments for new vehicles is up slightly year over year. In the third quarter of 2024, the average monthly car payment was $737. In that same period, average new monthly car payments for leased vehicles decreased almost 5% to $581.

Here’s a look at how some of the math would break down for monthly payments, given the price of $48,641 plus $2,150 estimated tax, title and registration:

• 72-month loan term, 12.38% APR and average credit, along with a $1,000 down payment: $940 per month
• 72-month loan term, 6.85% APR and excellent credit, along with a $2,000 down payment: $791 per month
• 48-month loan term, 6.85% APR and excellent credit, along with a $500 down payment: $1,149 per month

Used Car Prices

For those in the market for a used car, there was some encouraging news at the beginning of 2025. Used car prices were down in January. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average used car was listed for $25,128.

Based on Experian data for the third quarter of 2024, average car payments for used vehicles dropped by 3.3% to $520.

Here’s a look at how some of the math would break down for monthly payments, given the price of $25,128 plus $1,350 estimated tax, title and registration:

• 72-month loan term, 12.38% APR and average credit, along with a $1,000 down payment: $476 per month
• 72-month loan term, 6.85% APR and excellent credit, along with a $2,000 down payment: $392 per month
• 48-month loan term, 6.85% APR and excellent credit, along with a $500 down payment: $588 per month

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