Edmunds analysts say the average negative equity balance on dealership trade-ins rose to $7,214 in the fourth quarter, reflecting pandemic-era originations and prolonging a four-year trend. +

Record numbers of new and used vehicle buyers committed to a monthly payment of $1,000 or more in the fourth quarter, but interest rates ticked down for both groups. +

A USA Today/Detroit Free Press report finds Ford, GM and Stellantis accelerated increases in destination and delivery charges in what experts call a calculated move. +

Edmunds reports the average transaction price for a U.S.-sold pre-owned vehicle increased by 5% to $31,067 in the third quarter, accompanied by a four-day uptick in lot times. +

TransUnion’s Q3 2025 Credit Industry Insights Report finds a growing disparity among U.S. car buyers seeking auto loans, who increasingly find themselves in the highest- and lowest-risk credit tiers. +

Fitch Ratings analysts say the escalating cost to purchase and maintain a vehicle has pushed defaults, repossessions and the rate of loans more than 60 days past due to historic levels. +

Kelley Blue Book reports the average transaction price for a U.S.-sold new vehicle exceeded $50,000 for the first time in September despite increased incentive spending. +

Edmunds reports the average amount owed on upside-down car loans reached a new record of $6,905 in the third quarter as more new car buyers traded in vehicles burdened by negative equity. +

Edmunds’s Q3 auto finance report shows the average down payment for a new vehicle fell to $6,020 while $1,000-plus monthly payments, loan terms and interest rates remain high. +

Edmunds reports more than one in four Americans who secured an auto loan in the second quarter were underwater on their current vehicle, with a historically high average balance of $6,754. +