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. +

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. +