Apr 2, 2025
As of January, over 6% of auto loans were delinquent by 60 days or more, according to Fitch Ratings. With the recent trend of vehicle prices rising and car payments surging, the outbreak of delinquencies might have only been a matter of time. But this uptick offers an insight into the fact that many households are struggling in the current economic climate.
In December 2022, Kelley Blue Book data shows new car buyers paid an average of $49,958 for a new vehicle. Although the market has softened slightly since then, average car buyers are still spending an average of $49,740 to purchase a new vehicle.
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Even if a driver opts for a used car, this could still put pressure on their budget. With KBB placing the average used car price at $25,565, finding an affordable used car can easily present a challenge.
Beyond the vehicle itself, the current high interest rate environment can make financing that car expensive. Once borrowers lock in a high monthly payment, keeping up with that on top of other household expenses strains the budget. In some households, vehicle costs could push budgets to the breaking point and ultimately default on their car loan.
Understanding the surge in car loan deficits
Car loan defaults are on the rise, reaching an all-time high. Under the hood of this rising issue, many factors tie into the situation.
First off, car prices are higher than they used to be. And not only are they more expensive, average monthly payments have gone up too. In the third quarter of 2024, the average monthly payment for a new car was $737 and drivers had an average loan term of 68 months. For a used car, the average monthly payment was $520 with an average term of 67 months. In either situation, that’s a significant amount of funds to dedicate to vehicle financing each month.
Of course, some borrowers pay less than the average. But many drivers pay much more than the average. For example, Alejandra Gaxiola told WTAJ she bought her EV for $60,000 two years ago and faces a payment of almost $1,000 per month.
“Almost a thousand dollars for our car is just, you know, it’s a little crazy,” Gaxiola said to WTAJ.
In addition to the purchase costs, other vehicle-related costs are putting pressure on household budgets. Notably, car insurance costs have climbed in recent years.
Beyond car-related costs, rising housing prices and grocery bills put pressure on household budgets from multiple angles. When forced to choose between housing, groceries, and a vehicle payment, drivers may opt to let their vehicle loan slide into default in order to stay afloat in other areas.
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How to manage auto loans responsibly
Typically, the best time to start responsibly managing your auto loan is before you sign on the dotted line. Instead of dealing with the budgetary fallout after you buy a vehicle, making the effort to set a realistic budget and keep your vehicle costs as low as possible upfront can save you significant trouble down the road.
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One way to stay on budget is to opt for a vehicle without all of the bells and whistles. According to Kelley Blue Book, sales of vehicles priced above $80,000 have recently soared to 5.6% of car purchases. When financing a vehicle, consider making it a point to spend no more than what you need on a vehicle to suit your needs. For example, your family might only need a sedan to get around instead of a full-sized, luxury SUV. Making trade-offs upfront can protect you from financial stress later.
Although auto loan defaults are on the rise, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are in danger of default. But if you’re struggling to make ends meet while juggling a car payment, consider refinancing.
A refinance offering a combination of lower interest rates and a longer loan term could slash your monthly payment, which allows you to keep the car with less financial stress each month. However, keep in mind that means you’ll likely end up paying more for longer. Ideally, you can find some room in your budget elsewhere to afford your payments.
And if possible, consider making extra payments when you can afford it. Paying off your loan ahead of schedule can free up space in your monthly budget and potentially save you thousands in interest charges. If possible, put extra money toward your remaining balance to eliminate your car loan as soon as possible. (Just make sure you’re not incurring a prepayment penalty. You’ll want to check the terms of your loan.)
Throughout your loan, commit to making on-time payments. If you might forget about a monthly bill, consider setting up automatic payments to simplify your life. In some cases, lenders offer a rate discount when you set up autopay.
Finally, communicate with your lender when you need to. If you run into a rough patch financially, communicate that issue to your lender as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, the lender might offer you a reprieve while you get back on your feet.
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Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping people make optimal financial decisions for their situation. She loves digging into the nitty-gritty details of financial products and money management strategies to root out the good, the bad, and the ugly. Her goal is to help readers find the best course of action for their needs.
