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. +

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 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. +

The latest quarterly report from Edmunds finds car buyers set new records for $1,000-plus monthly payments, 84-month terms and average amount financed, all on smaller down payments. +

Edmunds analysts fear a growing number of 84-month auto loans could indicate that new-vehicle buyers are stretching beyond their financial means. +