Autumn Update: Car Oracle Breaks Down the 2023 Auto Market's Key Trends

Turbocharging is becoming increasingly common in modern engines due to its ability to balance efficiency and performance. Turbochargers allow manufacturers to use smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, while still delivering the power of a larger engine when required. This alignment with stricter global emissions standards and consumers' desires for economical vehicles makes turbocharging an attractive feature.

However, turbocharging isn't without its downsides. The additional complexity introduced by turbochargers can lead to more potential points of failure, potentially resulting in higher maintenance costs. The increased power generated by turbochargers can also place additional stress on engine components, which could lead to accelerated wear and tear.

Some turbocharged engines require premium fuel to operate optimally, which can increase the vehicle's running costs. Additionally, the phenomenon known as "turbo lag" can create a delay between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger providing the extra power. This can impact the vehicle's responsiveness and overall driving dynamics.

Importantly, turbocharged engines can also produce a significant amount of heat, especially when the turbocharger is placed within the "V" of a V-shaped engine. This trapped heat can potentially degrade plastic parts over time, further contributing to potential maintenance issues. Therefore, while turbocharging can offer significant performance and efficiency benefits, it's important to be aware of these potential downsides when considering a vehicle equipped with a turbocharged engine.

Current fuel prices can significantly impact the values of vehicles, especially those with different levels of fuel efficiency. When fuel prices rise, demand often increases for fuel-efficient cars, such as hybrids and electric vehicles, which can raise their resale values. Conversely, vehicles with poor fuel efficiency, like some SUVs and trucks, may experience a decrease in demand and a corresponding drop in value.

Interestingly, this isn't always rational behavior. The changes in fuel prices usually translate to a relatively small proportion of the total cost of vehicle ownership when you consider other factors like depreciation, maintenance, and insurance. Despite this, the psychological impact of higher prices at the pump can sway consumer behavior significantly, indicating that the effect of fuel prices on vehicle values is not always strictly rational.

A shortage of new vehicles often leads to increased demand and higher prices in the used vehicle market. This is because customers who are unable to find or afford new vehicles may turn to the used market instead.

The average listing price is the asking price set by dealerships, which is typically higher than what customers end up paying. The average transaction price, on the other hand, is the final price paid by the customer, which often includes discounts, incentives, and negotiations.

Days supply refers to the number of days it would take to sell out the current inventory without any additional supply. It is calculated by dividing the current inventory by the average daily sales rate. For instance, a 60 days' supply means it would take 60 days to sell out all the vehicles in the current inventory if no new vehicles are added.