No big savings: Supply chain issues impact Memorial Day automobile sales

The average price of a new car is more than $45,000, according to Edmunds. Consumer Reports warns that holiday sales aren’t worth waiting for right now.

"I wouldn’t expect to see too many killer deals this year," says Consumer Reports auto expert Benjamin Preston.

The deep discounts you’d normally see around a major holiday like Memorial Day will be few and far between.

"If you’re really looking for a car and you need a car right now, start looking now -- don’t wait for Memorial Day," Preston says. "Because it might take you a while to find a place that has what you’re looking for."

If you can’t find your dream ride, Preston says you might need to be flexible.

"Go through and search online and see if you can find other models that are similar, but maybe are less sought after," he says.

Automakers have struggled with supply issues since the start of the pandemic, but the latest blow has come from the war in Ukraine. That has limited the supply of important electrical wiring and could continue to cause more issues headed into 2023.

"Car prices are a little higher. There aren’t as many incentives, if at all. You know, there are there just aren’t many cars," Preston says.

Before the pandemic, with a little negotiating, you could pay less than the sticker price. However, our expert told us on some of the more popular cars, be prepared to pay above the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price.