If you're looking to buy a new car in the new year, you might notice the prices seem to be higher than in the past.

Most notably, there are fewer budget cars on the market.

PBS News, digital producer Cecilia Lawman talks with two experts about why that is.

In 2017, there were 36 vehicle models for sale in the U.S. for less than $25,000.

This year, according to Cox and a motive, there are only five.

So, where did all the cheap new cars go?

Here are four things to know.

One, you'd think in this economy people would be snapping up cheap new automobiles.

But Sean Tucker of Kelly Blue Book says Americans' buying habits

have changed. In November, cars priced over $75,000, outsold cars priced under $30,000. And that's a

relatively new phenomenon. But the phenomenon is tied to consumer demand, says Christian Sebaugh,

features editor with motor trend. Automakers have realized that the subcompacts, the traditional entry-level cars that we always

think of, just weren't moving. And so they've pivoted in a way with the SUV, small SUVs

and stuff. And a bonus to meeting consumers where they are, bigger profit margins.

Most SUVs these days are made on the same platform as cars are.

The cost of actually building one is relatively similar,

and they're able to sell them successfully for a higher price.

Two, tariffs aren't to blame yet.

American car companies, like Giann and Stalantis,

say that so far, production cost increases from President Trump's tariffs

have largely only cut into profits. But eventually, they will raise prices.

They can't afford to absorb the hit forever. It's a question of when somebody finally makes

...