Consumer Purchase Intent in a Constrained Auto Market

Auto shoppers are returning to the market with clear intent, but affordability concerns, inventory fluctuations and economic uncertainty are shaping how, when and what they plan to buy. Examining the current mindset of US consumers considering vehicle purchases, this brief shows how generational differences, EV perceptions and digital research behaviors are influencing demand — and what auto lenders and retailers can do to capture opportunity in a cautious, highly selective market.

Key learnings include:

• Many consumers plan to buy within the next year, but affordability, availability and personal financial confidence are heavily influencing their timelines.
• Interest in EVs remains strong over the long term, even as near‑term buyers delay adoption due to cost and infrastructure barriers.
• Millennials are driving much of today’s replacement demand, showing greater flexibility in research channels, travel distance and willingness to engage digitally.

Read the full brief for more insights that can guide smarter auto lending, marketing and retail strategies in 2026 and beyond. 

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