What to Expect for New and Used Car Inventory in 2022

If you’ve been car shopping recently, you know it’s not business as usual. Prices are up, selection is down, and buyers are scrambling to find both new and used vehicles. So what happened and what can drivers in Burien expect in the coming year?

Let’s take a closer look at the key factors behind the inventory crisis and how to navigate the car market in 2022.

Why Vehicle Inventory Is So Low

The high prices for both new and used vehicles come down to simple economics: low supply and high demand. Here’s how we got here:

• 2020 vehicle production cuts: Automakers were forced to scale down or halt production due to COVID-19 lockdowns.
• Microchip shortage: Also triggered by the pandemic, the global chip shortage continues to affect the availability of critical vehicle components.
• Shipping and logistics issues: Global supply chains are backed up, especially at U.S. ports, making it harder to move available inventory.
• Spiking demand: In 2021, people avoided public transit, moved away from city centers, and took advantage of historically low interest rates pushing car demand even higher.

It all started in the new car market, but frustrated buyers quickly turned to used cars, depleting that inventory too. Recovery won’t come quickly and the used car market won’t bounce back until the new car supply stabilizes.

Can the Chip Shortage Be Fixed?

Solving the chip shortage is the key to restoring inventory levels. There are two possible paths:

1. Increase chip production (slow and costly)
2. Reduce chip usage in each vehicle (a short-term fix)

Some automakers are cutting features like digital displays and adaptive systems to reduce chip dependency per vehicle. While that helps a bit, it's not a long-term solution.

Real recovery depends on global chip supply catching up.

What’s the U.S. Doing About It?

The U.S. government has signaled plans to boost domestic chip manufacturing, but those efforts will take time possibly years to bear fruit.

In the meantime, some auto manufacturers (including GM and Ford) are investing in developing their own chips to avoid being held back again. Interestingly, Toyota has remained ahead of the game, thanks to smart chip inventory planning. Some reports suggest that they’ll bounce back quicker than competitors.

So… What Should Burien Drivers Do?

We expect tight inventory and high prices to continue throughout 2022. While that’s not great news for car shoppers, here are some smart strategies for navigating the year ahead:

1. Take Excellent Care of the Vehicle You Already Have

It might not be new, but keeping your current car in top shape is the best investment you can make right now. Stay on top of routine maintenance like oil changes, cooling system service, transmission service, and brake maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle can last 150,000–200,000 miles or more.

If you’re in Burien, schedule your next vehicle service or inspection with ABC Auto Repair today.

2. Be Patient if You Must Buy

Inventory is tight. If you absolutely need to buy a vehicle, expect to wait and be flexible with your preferences. Your first choice may not be available—or affordable.

3. Consider Toyota

Some experts suggest that Toyota may have better inventory availability than other brands in 2022. It’s worth checking your local dealerships and browsing their selection before expanding your search.

Final Thoughts

We can’t control the global supply chain, but we can control how we care for our vehicles. Preventative maintenance is more important than ever, especially when car repairs are more affordable than replacements.

If you're in the Burien area and want to make sure your vehicle is ready for the year ahead, contact ABC Auto Repair. Our certified technicians can inspect, maintain, or repair your vehicle so you can stay on the road and avoid unexpected expenses.