Car-buying timelines are speeding up for many Americans, with greater numbers of middle-income consumers considering a purchase in the coming year, research shows.

Those thinking about buying within the next 12 months jumped to 55% in the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Paths to Prosperity study,* up from 47% in the first quarter.

Reasons to buy

The growing intent comes in the context of 52% of consumers having delayed a vehicle purchase over the past year. Additionally, nearly one in five consumers expedited a key purchase in the second quarter of 2025 amid uncertainty about future prices, with 41% of them making the move to buy a car.

Despite concerns over future price impacts, consumers remain optimistic about their finances – three quarters believe they are on the right financial track – and view vehicles as an essential part of their financial prosperity.

The flexibility vehicles provide over where to live and work lies at the heart of this sentiment.

Turning plans into action

As part of the increasing interest in making a car purchase, the study also found that 62% of consumers who are considering buying in the next 12 months have started to research vehicle options; 61% are likely to take out an auto loan to finance their purchase, and nearly half have visited a dealership.

The Q2 2025 findings build upon nine quarters of research that look at middle-income Americans’ current financial state and economic outlook.

Explore your options

If a new car is in your thoughts, take advantage of the resources offered by Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA to help with your decision-making.

Use our finance calculators to run the numbers on a potential purchase and find out what may fit your budget. Ready to shop? Then try , a Â鶹ֱ˛Ą product.

Drive enables you to browse vehicles and see if you pre-qualify for financing with no impact on your credit score. If you pre-qualify, you can customize your terms before heading to the dealership to pursue a purchase. Your pre-qualified offer reflects the information you entered, and after we’ve verified the details, we’ll confirm your eligibility and provide your final offer.

*The study, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Holdings USA, Inc., surveyed 2,200 Americans who are bank and/or financial services customers, ages 18 to 76. Survey participants are employed or looking for work, own/use at least one financial product and are the primary or shared decision-maker on household finances with household income in the “middle-income” range of ~$53,000 to $161,000.

This Q2 study was conducted from June 16 to 18, 2025. The interviews were conducted online, and the margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points for the total audience at a 95% confidence level. Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding. The data was weighted to target population proportions for a representative sample based on age, gender, ethnicity, region and education.

The post Middle-income Americans accelerate their car-buying plans, survey finds appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA.

In this article:

• How visiting an auto show can help you shop cars
• 2025 models and award winners
• Electric vehicle highlights

The benefits of attending an auto show are immediate and hard to miss. Entering a convention center full of hundreds of gleaming, new vehicles, organized by brands across thousands of square feet of space is a car shopper’s dream.

From first-time car buyers to those in search of a new car to people just interested in seeing what’s coming down the line, there’s something for everyone to be thrilled about by getting firsthand looks at vehicles as far as the eye can see.

Earlier this year we found ourselves surrounded by the latest and greatest cars when we visited the North Texas Auto Expo — an event that, after attending many times, has become one of our own personal happy places.

Benefits of attending auto shows

Held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas, this year’s auto show allowed us to explore all the vehicles and let us stop for ones we really wanted to spend extra time with. Just being able to take in all the cars you want in a single day is an amazing opportunity.

Multiple brands in one place

A big benefit of attending an auto show is seeing hundreds of automobiles, as in our case, from 10+ brands, all in one place. Nearly every manufacturer is represented, and if you have a personal favorite, it’s easy to navigate to a particular section for all that brand has on site.

Compare vehicle types, features and prices

You can also take your time with each vehicle and compare differences between trims, body styles, fuel efficiency, you name it. All the specs are right there on a display sheet on each vehicle, so it’s simple to take notes as you go along.

Ask questions directly to manufacturer reps

There are also multiple representatives from each brand ready to answer any questions you may have about a particular vehicle. They are all more than happy to talk shop about the specifics of their cars and inform on the latest updates.

How auto shows help first-time buyers

As one of the most anticipated automotive events in the Southwest United States, the North Texas Auto Expo occupied indoorĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚýoutdoor exhibit space. The outdoor area was reserved for test drives with many Stellantis vehicles (Dodge Durango, Dodge Hornet, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, JeepĚýGladiator, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica) ready to roll. This is great for first-time buyers as they are able to:

• Build a shortlist of vehicles they test drove or want to test drive later
• Learn about new features and safety tech
• Get a feel for interior space and design preferences

As atĚýlast year’s event, a highlight of the 2025 Auto Expo was the Indoor EV Test Track. Performance and the power of electric vehicles from top brands such as Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford and Mercedes-Benz were on full display, as attendees hopped into EVs with a professional driver and traversed 200,000 square feet of the convention floor.

Speaking of electric, another favorite of this year’s event was a shiny red Dodge Charger Daytona. It drew quite a crowd as the sound of the muscle car “revving” echoed across the event space. Combined with the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ (more on that later), the latest in the world of electric cars were on display in nearly every brand section.

A scavenger hunt for the top picks

To help us explore the expansive and jaw-dropping space, we brought alongĚýCar and DriverĚý2025 Editors’ Choice listĚýand were able to see many of those vehicles that made the top grades in person. This included the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of the Genesis and Chevrolet Trax and view repeat winners from Honda, the Accord and Civic. We also got up close with other winners – the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Maverick and the Ram 1500, to name a few on the list.

Another hit was the electric Volkswagen ID.BUZZ. The latest entrant into the world of EVs, the pair at the Auto Show feature orange and blue colors that begged to be explored. The combination of modern technology and design nods to the iconic VW bus made popular in the 1960s, made these a must-stop for visitors to the show.
Ěý

More award-winning vehicles
 

The Texas Auto Writers Association had signage throughout the Expo next to vehicles they voted as their top picks. Attendees were especially drawn to the award winner for the Off-Road Truck of Texas, the INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster.

As the judges wrote about the vehicle, “The INEOS reminds you that some things are just built with a purpose. We loved the pure off-road capability that the platform provided. Taking the wins of the SUV and applying it to the pickup market, smart.”

Other vehicles recognized by the Texas Auto Writers were the Genesis GV80 (Luxury SUV of Texas), Kia EV9 (Electric SUV of Texas), Lexus GX 550 (2025 SUV of Texas) and Nissan Kicks (Sub-Compact SUV of Texas).

Get the most out of your auto show visit

Whether you’re in the market for a new vehicle or not, events like the DFW Auto Expo are a great way to spend the day checking out the latest and greatest in the world of automobiles.

And to get the most out of your experience, it’s a good idea to:

• Take notes and photos
• Attend panels or demonstrations
• Watch for limited-time offers or previews
• Make a checklist of must-see vehicles
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Auto shows to attend

Outside of the event we attended in Texas, there are tons of other auto shows across the country throughout the year to check out. These include the Chicago Auto Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, New York International Auto Show and Detroit Auto Show.

The post Why attend auto shows before buying your car appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA.

Have wheels, will travel. But where should you go for that memorable getaway?

Here are 18 of the best road trips for 2025, as recommended by AAA, to give you some momentum with your planning.

From sandy shores to wide skies and mountains, plus a range of destinations to explore when you pull in, there’s plenty to peruse and set your sights on.

1. Southern New England

Fill up on history and scenery with a trip that starts and finishes in Boston, Massachusetts, where you’ll have the chance to walk the Freedom Trial to sites key to the American Revolution. On the open road, you’ll head to coastal village Mystic, Connecticut, for seafaring traditions followed by the opulent mansions of Newport, Rhode Island.
229 miles, five hours

2. Northern Arizona canyons

Seemingly a world away from the bustle of Boston lie the rugged desert canyons of Arizona, including the main attraction, the Grand Canyon. Loop from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and experience another side of U.S. history within the pueblos of the Wupatki National Monument. Want more? This trip also ventures to the staggering Sunset Crater Volcano.
272 miles, six-plus hours

3. Natchez Trace Parkway

Unwind and relax on the Natchez Trace Parkway, a sedate two-lane traverse of the scenic American South. Setting out from Nashville, Tennessee, it follows the course of an historic Native American footpath, through Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and passes close to Native American and Civil War sites on the way to Natchez.
495 miles, 10-plus hours

4. Hershey and Dutch Country, Pennsylvania

A step and a drive back in time await as part of a 197-mile journey through Dutch Country, Pennsylvania. Leaving Harrisburg for Lancaster, York and Gettysburg, before circling back to Harrisburg, it includes the opportunity to see traditional Amish and Mennonite lifestyles. And no trip to Dutch Country would be complete without a sweet stop at Hershey, home to the long-established chocolate maker.
197 miles, five-plus hours

5. Southern Arizona

Tucson and Scottsdale, with their art galleries and refreshing resorts, are interspersed with the cacti-characterized landscape of the Sonoran Desert and Western saloons on this photo-worthy drive. Enjoy the colors and contrasts as you adventure at your own pace.
547 miles, 10-plus hours

6. Southern California

It’s SoCal all the way with Los Angeles as your beginning for a route that encompasses palm trees, beaches, wine country, a visit to San Diego and the canyons of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. AAA recommends traveling in spring or fall to avoid the heat.
307 miles, six-plus hours

7. Northern California and southern Oregon coast

Further north you can experience a different sort of coastal beauty as you set off from California’s Central Valley along the Pacific Coast Highway and on to Oregon’s U.S. Highway 101. Soak up the stunning ocean views, stop at quaint beach towns and marvel at the mighty redwoods.
380 miles, eight-plus hours

8. Vegas to national parks to Vegas

Combine the bright lights of the city with landmarks and some natural wonders on this Southwestern adventure through Nevada, Arizona and Utah. Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon are some of the highlights here.
857 miles, 16 hours

9. Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park, is the star of the show in Tennessee and North Carolina for a meander through the natural splendor. Besides enabling you to admire almost endless vistas and explore the park, the trip offers visits to Knoxville, as well as Chattanooga, Gatlinburg and Ashville among the mountains.
498 miles, 10-plus hours

10. Grand Pacific Northwest

Discover the dramatic landscapes of Oregon and Washington along the Historic Columbia River Highway through Columbia River Gorge, and visit iconic Mount Rainier and its surrounding national park. Covering a swathe of the Northwest, your route also winds through arid valleys supporting flourishing vineyards.
551 miles, 10-plus hours

11. Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina

This spectacularly elevated drive along a section of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway takes you from Cherokee to North Carolina’s state line with Virginia, accompanied by mountain views aplenty and great places for hiking as you go.
304 miles, eight-plus hours

12. Route 66 – Eastern New Mexico

Chances are you’ve heard of fabled Route 66 but have you experienced it? Here’s an opportunity to explore “pockets of well-preserved Mother Road nostalgia” with a weekend-friendly two-hour-plus road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Adrian, Texas, the midpoint of Route 66.
119 miles, two-plus hours

13. Black Hills

In a region of cooler temperatures, this South Dakota sojourn is recommended for the summer, during which you can tour a host of historic landmarks. Mount Rushmore, famed for the towering rock carvings of prominent presidents, is the focus while other sites include Jewel Cave National Monument and the goldrush town of Deadwood.
209 miles, five hours

14. Utah’s national parks

You’re set to encounter some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country when embarking on an epic 1,049-mile journey to Utah’s distinctively rugged national parks, such as those of Zion and Bryce Canyon.
1,049 miles, 19-plus hours

15. Cape Cod

Less expansive but no less appealing is a route through Cape Cod, Massachusetts; an area rich with history and coastal charm. Fans of beaches, fishing and whale watching (the season runs from mid-April to October) will be enamored with this choice.
174 miles, six-plus hours

16. Big Sky Country

Drive into unspoiled, untamed lands within Big Sky Country for 425 miles of mountainous Montana and Wyoming. Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West are not to be missed among the wealth of natural wonders and Old West history.
425 miles, eight-plus hours

17. South Florida

Go coast to coast in the Sunshine State and enjoy its beaches, big-hitting vacation destinations, including Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Naples, as well as the marshlands and watery landscapes between each sea.
421 miles, 10-plus hours

18. San Francisco to Lake Tahoe to Reno

Get ready for an enthralling mix of adventures when making tracks from San Francisco across California to the sparkling waters and outdoor experiences of Lake Tahoe, before moving on to the glitter of gaming city Reno, Nevada, and returning to the City by the Bay.
486 miles, nine-plus hours

Get road-trip ready

Once you’ve turned ideas and inspiration into some solid travel plans, you might find tips for your trip preparation useful. Take a look at these suggestions to gear up for a smooth journey.

The post Try these road trips to see some of the best of the US appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA.

In this article:

• Defining car equity
• The benefits of positive equity
• The difference between positive and negative equity

When it comes to words associated with car ownership, equity is one of the top terms it’s good to be familiar with. Equity not only gives you an idea of the worth of your vehicle, specifically, it defines the worth and value to you as the car owner.

Experian defines equity on a car as the “difference between the resale value of the car and the amount you owe.”

Vehicle equity comes into play if you want to trade in your current automobile for a new one, possibly using your current vehicle as the down payment. And what you’re looking for in this situation is known as positive equity.

Positive equity explained

Positive equity in a car is reached when the amount you owe on the car is less than the amount the car is currently worth. For example, let’s say you make a down payment of $5,000 on a car priced at $40,000, therefore getting a loan of $35,000. If that car’s current market equity is showing to be $37,000, you have $2,000 in positive equity on that car.

How positive equity differs from negative equity

Now that you know about positive equity, the flip side of that would be, yep, negative equity. That is, owing more on a vehicle than the car is worth. If you’ve heard the phrase being “upside-down” on a vehicle, negative equity is what that is referring to.

In our example above, if the car’s current worth was $33,000 instead of $37,000, that would result in negative equity of $2,000 based on a loan of $35,000.

How to calculate a car’s equity

To calculate your current car’s equity, start by checking the balance you owe on your current car with your lender. Once you have that, you need to know the current market value of the vehicle. Resources such as Kelley Blue Book can help you get an estimate of what your car is currently worth and if your equity would then be positive or negative based on that amount.

Influencing factors on equity

So, what factors can impact positive and negative equity in a car? As your time with a vehicle goes by, regular wear and tear can impact the car’s overall value. Things like:

Vehicle Age (As a vehicle ages and newer models and designs come out, this could reduce the value of the car.)

Mileage (Lengthy daily commutes and multiple long-distance road trips can put miles on a machine quickly.)

Accidents (If your vehicle has been in a fender bender and has yet to be fixed, a cracked windshield, missing hubcap(s) or other damage to the body can cause the value to be much less.)

Considering equity when buying a car

To keep on top of equity when looking into your next vehicle, make sure you are diligent with your research and understand the cost of options, financing and taxes so you aren’t already upside-down when you drive out the door. Consult resources such as Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds to estimate the true value of the car.

Loan terms

Looking at your monthly budget, choose the shortest repayment plan you can afford because shorter repayment plans typically mean lower interest rates and faster payoff. Our car budget calculators* can help you see where certain terms work with your finances.

Interest rates

Check the car manufacturer’s website for possible interest rate deals as well as online shopping sites that offer pre-qualification. Pre-qualifying lets you shop with confidence and gives you buying power with the dealer. Discover more about the difference between interest rates and APR here.

Depreciation

According to Kelley Blue Book, a car’s value depreciates 20% in the first year of ownership and can lose 60% of value by the fifth year. Making a down payment of at least 20% of the vehicle’s total cost can help offset the depreciation and set you on a route toward positive equity.

^*The referenced calculators are meant for educational and illustrative purposes only. The calculators estimate amounts solely based on the information you provide. We do not guarantee the availability of the illustrated terms or your eligibility for any product referenced. The estimated amounts generated from the calculators do not constitute a finance offer.

The post What is equity on a car? appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA.

1. Loan amount

The effect of higher prices for new vehicles means that the average loan amount is greater for a new ride, too. Numbers from Experian show that the average loan was $41,572 for new and $26,468 for used vehicles toward the end of 2024, while monthly payments for new vehicles were also higher at $742 compared to $525. Keep in mind, however, that other factors such as a trade-in, down payment, the loan duration and your credit scores will also influence how a loan takes shape, including both the loan amount and monthly payment.

2. Interest rate

Although new cars generally come with higher prices, interest rates tend to be lower. Overall, this reflects the reduced risk involved in lending for new vehicles. Two important reasons are that lenders are better able to gauge the value of a new car over a used model and that buyers of new cars generally have higher credit scores based on better credit histories.

3. Chances of negative equity

New cars lose value more quickly than used vehicles which, coupled with higher transaction prices, creates a higher chance of negative equity – when you owe more on your loan than the vehicle is worth. The rate of depreciation varies according to the type of vehicle purchased but the possibility of being “upside down” can be reduced by taking steps such as making a good down payment to lower your loan amount.

4. Access to financing

Is it easier to finance a new or used car? Your own financial situation will have a strong bearing here but some lenders operate lending restrictions according to a vehicle’s age and mileage, so you may encounter fewer used car financing options across the market.

Find what’s right for you

Understanding the differences between new and used vehicle financing can form a valuable part of your car-buying decision. Like any major purchase, it’s worth beginning the process by budgeting what you can afford so that, in this case, your vehicle priorities and the role of financing can play into your decision more closely.

Take a look at our finance calculators for help as you go, and see if you with ¶Ů°ůľ±±ą±đ®, by Â鶹ֱ˛ĄÂ®. Pre-qualification gives you a better idea of whether you’ll be approved for a loan and, if you pre-qualify, you can even customize your potential loan terms and shop vehicles that match.

The post 4 differences between new and used car financing appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA.

In this article:

• Five helpful tips for Financial Literacy Month
• The importance of checking your credit report
• How simple interest works

April is National Financial Literacy Month. What better time to take a moment to step back and look at your financial goals?

There’s more to financial health than making your car payment on time. Spending habits, savings, insurance, taxes and retirement all are part of the bigger picture of financial wellness – along with staying current on your payments.

And while it may not always be easy to keep up, Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA can help.
OurĚýLearning CenterĚýis designed to help guide you through some of the basics, with short videos, articles and more. It’s a one-stop shop to jump-starting financial literacy and getting you on the road to achieving your goals.

Following are five tips (lessons) to help you with financial education that are good ideas, not just for National Financial Literacy Month, but any time of the year.

1. Set a monthly budget

Not knowing your spending limits can lead to overspending and financial trouble. Late or missed payments can be avoided by creating a budget and sticking to it. Knowing how much you can afford before you start spending is key to staying on track. Our finance calculators^† can help you get organized.

2. Avoid added interest and fees

Paying your bills on time can sometimes be tough to do. But making timely payments is important for a variety of reasons. If you’re not able to make your payments on time, there can be consequences, both now and in the future, including late fees, extra interest charges and possible impacts to your credit score.

3. Check your credit report

Making it a point to regularly check your credit report (at least one each year) is an important step in maintaining your financial wellness. By keeping up with items showing up on your report, you’re more likely to catch errors and keep them to a minimum. It’s easier than you might think.

4. Take steps to prevent identity theft

Identity theft and fraud are frequent occurrences and it’s more important than ever to protect your personal information. A few small things can go a long way in protecting yourself againstĚýfraudsters. This includes using strong computer usernames and passwords and changing them often. And using multi-factor authentication wherever available provides a second layer of security protection.

5. How simple interest contracts work

If you’re in the market for an auto loan, it’s important that you know how your simple interest contract works. This makes it easier to understand how your payments are applied and more. To find out more about simple interest, visit ourĚýHelp and Support pageĚýand type “simple interest” in the “Ask me anything…” field at the top of the page.

Learning about money, budgets and how to manage both can lead to overall financial wellness and achieving goals like purchasing a vehicle or a home. Even small steps can make a big difference, no matter your income or age.

At Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA, we care about your financial wellness. It’s important to us that our customers pave their way to a brighter financial future.

^†The referenced calculators are meant for educational and illustrative purposes only. The calculators estimate amounts solely based on the information you provide. We do not guarantee the availability of the illustrated terms or your eligibility for any product referenced. The estimated amounts generated from the calculators do not constitute a finance offer.

The post Five lessons for Financial Literacy Month appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA.