Volkswagen’s signature zero-down lease program is conspicuously absent from the factory’s list of end-of-year promotions available to U.S. dealers. +

Analysts say average negative equity on trade-ins has passed the $7,000 mark, forcing underwater buyers to pay $165 more per month than the national average. +

Edmunds reports new vehicle financing set five new records, including an average amount financed of $44,664 and a $787 monthly payment. +

AutoPayPlus’s Robert Steenbergh says pay cycle alignment has entered the mainstream as extended loan terms raise costs and lower retention rates. +

Rising hybrid and fleet sales are among the factors pushing some experts to adjust their full-year projections after a relatively strong August. +

Edmunds analysts say the average cost to buy a 3-year-old unit now stands at $32,461 as shoppers face a “fundamentally repriced” market. +

Edmunds reports nearly 69% of trade-ins come with an average of more than $13,000 in positive equity despite easing inventory constraints. +

Edmunds reports the Toyota Tundra led all trade-ins in average negative equity in a Q2 list filled with models regarded as strong residual value performers. +

Edmunds analysts say affordability pressures are pushing U.S. new-car buyers to borrow more, put less down and pay more each month. +

Average amounts financed, monthly payments and repayment terms all grew on a year-over-year basis in the first quarter, putting auto finance on shaky ground. +