Car prices

Thinking about buying a used car? You might want to do it sooner rather than later. Prices are on track to rise an average of 1.8% in 2012, and used compact cars will go up even more -- nearly 3%. What's going on? And what does it mean for car shoppers?

Summer is car buying season, but this year, it's a sellers market. Between the Japanese earthquake, high gas prices and a shaky economy, you'll have to work harder than ever to score a deal on the vehicle you want. But it can be done, and we've got advice from the experts on you how can do it.

Used vehicle prices are at 16-year highs, making it as good a time as there's been in a while to sell your car. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're selling, as well as some savvy moves for landing your next vehicle in today's complicated car market.

Car prices have risen quickly and quietly in the last few weeks. According to auto industry research firm Edmunds, the average amount buyers are paying for cars or light trucks is up $350 since Japan's earthquake and tsunami in March -- and the price of Japanese vehicles is up even more.

Expect to pay more this year for many consumer goods -- from diapers to toothpaste to Big Macs. Just as the typical American family will finally have a few more dollars to spend, inflation will take a chunk of that extra cash.

AOL's Welcome Screen recently ran a story that pondered that age old question: Lease or Buy?AOL Autos contributor Eric Peters took a balanced look at the pros and cons of each approach. But the real reason that leasing a car is such a bad idea is this: Driving a brand new car means that you are...