Consumers Shifting Back to Used Vehicles as Inventory Shortages Continue

Rhea-AI Summary

Experian reports significant changes in the automotive financing market, with used vehicle origination increasing to 61.78% of total financing in Q2 2022, up from 58.48% in Q2 2021. Credit unions saw a rise in market share to 25.81%, driven by increased demand for used vehicles due to inventory shortages and rising vehicle costs. Average used vehicle loan amounts climbed 18.66% year-over-year to $28,534. The shift reflects a consumer trend towards cost-effective financing options amidst escalating vehicle prices.

Positive

• Credit unions reached 25.81% market share in vehicle financing, a significant increase from 18.32% in Q1 2021.
• Consumer shift to used vehicles indicates a strategic advantage for credit unions as they offer lower interest rates and longer terms.

Negative

• Average new vehicle loan amount increased 13.21% year-over-year to $40,290, indicating rising debt levels for consumers.
• Leasing for new vehicles decreased significantly to 19.65%, down from 27.82%, suggesting less flexibility in financing options.

As used originations increase, credit unions reach nearly 26% total vehicle financing market share, the highest volume in five years

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As the automotive market continues to face inventory shortages, consumers are shifting back to the used vehicle market. According to Experian’s State of the Automotive Finance Market Report: Q2 2022, 61.78% of all vehicle financing was for used vehicles, up from 58.48% in Q2 2021.

The shift back to used vehicles was present across all credit tiers, though near prime saw the largest increase, going from 72.3% in Q2 2021 to 77.69% in Q2 2022. Subprime consumers saw the percentage of used vehicle loans grow from 86.28% in Q2 2021 to 89.29% in Q2 2022, while prime consumers saw growth from 61.02% to 63.59% in the same time frame.

“Between the inventory shortage and rising vehicle costs, consumers are looking to make the most cost-effective decision, which is often a used vehicle,” said Melinda Zabritski, Experian’s senior director of automotive financial solutions. “The benefit of higher vehicle values is that consumers are able to get more for their trade-ins, which can help offset the increased cost of their next vehicle.”

The shift to used comes amid rising average vehicle loan amounts and monthly payments for both new and used vehicles. The average new vehicle loan amount increased 13.21% year-over-year to reach $40,290 in Q2 2022, with a monthly payment of $667 compared to $582 in Q2 2021. Average used vehicle loan amounts saw a sharper increase of 18.66% year-over-year, clocking in at $28,534, with an average monthly payment of $515, an increase from $440 in Q2 2021.

Credit unions see jump in market share

As consumers financed more used vehicles, credit unions experienced significant growth. Credit unions saw a jump in overall market share, reaching 25.81% in Q1 2022, up from 18.32% in Q1 2021, coming in second only to banks (27.94%) and surpassing captive lenders (22.64%).

Credit unions achieved growth in both new and used vehicle financing, though the growth was more pronounced in the used vehicle space. Though captives still led new vehicle financing at 46.14% in Q2 2021, credit unions increased to 21.35%, up from 11.15% last year. For used vehicle financing, credit unions comprised 28.62% in Q1 2022, up from 23.49% in Q1 2021. The growth places credit unions just behind banks, which held 29.19% of used vehicle financing in Q1 2022.

“With the market dynamics we’re seeing right now, the shift in lender market share makes sense, as credit unions often offer two things that consumers are seeking: lower interest rates and longer terms,” Zabritski continued. “This helps to manage their monthly payment, which is often what consumers prioritize when looking at financing options. Understanding these trends will ensure lenders and dealers can help consumers make the most informed decisions when purchasing a vehicle.”

Additional findings for Q2 2022:

• Leasing decreased to 19.65% of new vehicles in Q2 2022, down from 27.82% in Q2 2021.
• The market continues to move more prime with prime (45.74%) and super prime (19.57%) comprising more than 63% of all originations in Q2 2022.
• SUVs surpassed 60% of total financing in Q2 2022 at 60.43%, up from 58.57% in Q2 2021.
• The average difference between a new vehicle loan and lease payment was $127 in Q2 2022.
• The average loan term for new vehicle loans remained flat going from 69.45 to 69.46 months from Q2 2021 to Q2 2022; average used vehicle loan terms grew from 66.14 months to 68.01 months, year-over-year.

To learn more, watch the entire State of the Automotive Finance Market: Q2 2022 webinar.

About Experian

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 20,600 people operating across 43 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

Experian and the Experian marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Experian and its affiliates. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220825005068/en/

Jordan Takeyama

Experian Public Relations

1 714 830 7561

jordan.takeyama@experian.com

Source: Experian

FAQ

What percentage of vehicle financing is for used vehicles in Q2 2022?

In Q2 2022, 61.78% of total vehicle financing was for used vehicles, up from 58.48% in Q2 2021.

How much did the average used vehicle loan amount increase in Q2 2022?

The average used vehicle loan amount increased by 18.66% year-over-year, reaching $28,534 in Q2 2022.

What is the current market share of credit unions in vehicle financing?

Credit unions achieved a market share of 25.81% in vehicle financing as of Q1 2022.

What are the average monthly payments for used and new vehicles in Q2 2022?

The average monthly payment for used vehicles was $515, while for new vehicles it was $667 in Q2 2022.

How did the percentage of subprime consumers financing used vehicles change in Q2 2022?

Subprime consumers financing used vehicles increased from 86.28% in Q2 2021 to 89.29% in Q2 2022.