The auto lending market is stabilizing, and Generation X buyers – those born between 1965 and 1979 – is one of the biggest vehicle-buying groups in the country. Those are the conclusions of TransUnion’s fourth quarter auto loan report.
“Auto lending is stabilizing after years of rapid growth,” said Brian Landau, senior vice president and automotive business leader at TransUnion. “Originations continue to fall at a faster rate than previous years, balance growth is slowing and delinquencies are steady.”
Of the five generations TransUnion studied, Generation X – once derided as slackers – has the highest average loan balance per consumer, at $20,868. Next are the baby boomers, who still have money but are starting to retire, with an average loan balance of $18,532. The youngest and oldest buyers have lower incomes and smaller loans, and millennials are now buying cars – remember all the hand wringing on that subject? – and have an average balance of $17,619.
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