After years of tumult, with supply chain shortages and high demand meeting up in a collision, the new-car market is finally doing something unexpected: holding steady. But this stability comes with a catch, as prices remain close to record highs.

New-car buyers سيارات جديدة بأسعار تنافسية can still find some deals, especially if they focus on subcompact sedans and popular Japanese brands like Toyota and Subaru. With fewer days of inventory than most, these brands can keep their costs down by selling vehicles quickly. But the broader trend is that most cars and SUVs are now more expensive than ever, with the national average transaction price topping $47,000.

The Best Car Offers Available Right Now

Amid the uncertainty of this changing auto landscape, it’s important to arm yourself with knowledge of local inventory dynamics, car pricing trends and dealer incentives. Then, you’ll be ready to make a smarter decision about your next new-car purchase.

With a little knowledge, you can get the best deal possible on a new vehicle. And that starts with understanding how to negotiate a car price. While some dealers may try to lump the entire negotiation process together, by discussing your trade-in and financing (if applicable) at once, you should insist on focusing on one thing at a time: The lowest price you can get for the vehicle you want. This will give you a strong starting point for your negotiations. Here are some tips to help you do just that.