New Trucks are Getting more expensive… but this way is super sneaky

No AI was used in the writing of this article.

We are seeing a surge in the prices of new cars and trucks in early 2026.  Part of that is due to the fact that we are now in a war, oil prices are up, and world supply chains are challenged. For someone who is needing a new truck this causes lots of problems and raises the expectation for a higher price. Getting right to the point.  GM has raised prices to new heights. 

While deals are still out there in the new car world what we tend to see is this steady price creep.  But it’s not in ways that you would expect.

Destination Fees are Increasing

It is no secret that when buying a new car things like, interior and exterior protection plans, extra service packages, and various other techniques are used by dealers to maximize profits.  But what we are seeing is that OEM manufactures are increasing destination charges. 

The Drive is reporting that Ford and GM are increasing their destination Fees to $2,795.00 on full size trucks. 

Their article goes into greater depth on the cost differences across the brands, but at the end of the day, Toyota is sever hundred dollars less, but it is still over $2,000.00.

How to beat the fees:

1. Buy Used

One advantage of buying a used car is that, typically, the associated fees are much less of a hassle and much less expensive than a new car.  But, if you find a used truck (or car) that was only owned for a short period of time (maybe the former owner got buyers remorse or they just bought the wrong vehicle).  You can find great used deals on newer vehicles with under 10,000 miles.  This let’s you get most of the factory warranty, while you let the first owner eat a lot of depreciation.

What does that smell like?  Savings, that smells like savings to me!

2. Buy Used From an Owner

Buying from an owner let’s you get to know the person that owned the car. You may be able to have some conversations, talk about the cars history, find out things that will never shown up on a CarFax report.

3. Repair the car you have and make it your own.

Chances are that you already own a great car.  Most people want to upgrade their life to the next thing. And that is totally fine! But, if you are wanting to maximize the savings, it may be best to keep driving what you got.

Remember, there is someone aspiring to be where you are in life right now.

We are going through this with out 2019 Cadillac Escalade. It’s a fantastic vehicle, but its got 121,000 miles. We just had $14,000.00 in repairs done to it (Thank God the powertrain warranty came through!)… but, do we trust it?

Fixing this car, getting it detailed, doing some paint correction, is the way to go financially… we are way ahead on Money that way.  A new one is about $100,000.00.  We can do a TON of repairs and upgrades with the $75k we are saving.

Thank you for reading this article. Let me know down in the comments section if you plan to purchase new.   How much was your destination charge was.silverado Example