MarketWatch.com:
By Kelli B. Grant
Experts say some items and expenses are bucking the trend, and may actually be cheaper in the new year. In some cases, the drop is due to evolving technology and increased competition. In others, shoppers are making choices that may result in lower bills—without leaving them feeling deprived.
In particular, the cost of these four essentials may seem less daunting in 2013:
Automobiles
Used-car values have been on an upswing in recent years, with lower supply from fewer leases and inventory cleared out by 2009’s federal Cash for Clunkers program.
But after peaking in 2011, used-car prices have begun to ebb again. “Consumers shopping for a used car will find that pricing will be more affordable in 2013 than in 2012,” says Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.
He expects prices to be 1% to 2% lower by the first quarter, and 3% to 4% lower by the end of 2013. Many of the new used-car supply will be recent off-lease returns.
Drivers in the market for a new car may also see some savings, although that opportunity is more about the ability to downsize than falling prices.
Compacts and subcompacts in the $25,000-and-under category are getting more features typically found in full-size and luxury cars, Gutierrez says.
“That’s part of what’s been driving additional sales in the smaller-car segments,” he says. The category also includes a few hybrids, such as the popular $20,000 Toyota Prius C.
Follow this link for the other three things
By Kelli B. Grant
Experts say some items and expenses are bucking the trend, and may actually be cheaper in the new year. In some cases, the drop is due to evolving technology and increased competition. In others, shoppers are making choices that may result in lower bills—without leaving them feeling deprived.
In particular, the cost of these four essentials may seem less daunting in 2013:
Automobiles
Used-car values have been on an upswing in recent years, with lower supply from fewer leases and inventory cleared out by 2009’s federal Cash for Clunkers program.
But after peaking in 2011, used-car prices have begun to ebb again. “Consumers shopping for a used car will find that pricing will be more affordable in 2013 than in 2012,” says Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.
He expects prices to be 1% to 2% lower by the first quarter, and 3% to 4% lower by the end of 2013. Many of the new used-car supply will be recent off-lease returns.
Drivers in the market for a new car may also see some savings, although that opportunity is more about the ability to downsize than falling prices.
Compacts and subcompacts in the $25,000-and-under category are getting more features typically found in full-size and luxury cars, Gutierrez says.
“That’s part of what’s been driving additional sales in the smaller-car segments,” he says. The category also includes a few hybrids, such as the popular $20,000 Toyota Prius C.
Follow this link for the other three things