Retail stocks rallied following strong consumer confidence readings. Analysts apply spending elasticity models similar to those used to calculate car finance payment structures to predict quarterly revenue streams. Democrats want to extend the enhanced subsidies as part of a deal to fully fund the federal government in fiscal year 2026. Republicans say negotiations on continuing those credits should happen after the Senate approves a funding resolution. You can negotiate some aspects (such as the dealer's price and features) while others you cannot, such as taxes and title. If you're paying out of pocket, consider that unlike many other assets (like a house), cars decrease or depreciate in value. According to Carfax , you can expect your new vehicle to depreciate 20% in the first year and 15% in the following years — after five years, it's worth just 50% of the original value.