Cox Automotive’s Auto Market Weekly Summary (Sept. 21, 2026) walks through August new-vehicle affordability from the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. The typical monthly payment rose to $770 in August (+0.5% from July; +2.6% year over year). Median income weeks needed to purchase a new vehicle moved to 35.5 from 35.4 in July (still down from 35.9 a year earlier). Average transaction price rose 0.5% month over month—the largest monthly ATP increase in several months—while incentives slipped 0.6% from July and were down 7.3% year over year.
Cox also notes financing costs are edging higher: new-vehicle loan rates up about 20 basis points over the past two months, used-vehicle rates up about 10. Those moves may not rewrite the average payment overnight, but they can weigh on buyer psychology when someone is shopping a trade-in or a cash sale.
National payment and “income weeks” averages describe the buyer side of the desk. They do not equal what your VIN appraises for after a walk-around in Texas. When retail affordability tightens, one desk’s trade pencil is still just one opinion.
How competing offers work on PriceForMyTrade: competition is handled manually, dealers contact you directly, and first responses are typically the same day—not guaranteed. Offers are confirmed after a physical appraisal. Dealers can buy outright; you do not have to purchase another vehicle. Submitting takes about 30 seconds. The service is free to the seller; participating dealerships pay for enquiries.
That is not an instant online valuation. Still owe money? Read selling a car with a loan payoff. Comparing trade credit versus cash? See trade-in vs selling outright. East Texas sellers can start at sell my car East Texas.
Takeaway: August’s $770 typical new payment and rising financing costs explain buyer pressure—not what your car is worth. Shop competing dealer conversations, then let appraisal confirm.