It’s that time of the year. Like millions of other Americans, you’re doing the hard work and preparing to file your taxes. Once your taxes are submitted, the exciting part begins – possibly turning your refund into a new vehicle for the road ahead.

The average tax refund last year was sizeable – around $3,000 according to theĚýIRS. Whether your tax refund turns out to be more or less than you hoped, there are smart ways to put the money to good use when it comes to your car and auto-related expenses.

Down payment

If getting into a new vehicle is part of your plans for 2026, consider putting down a large down payment. Typically, with a larger down payment, you’ll need to finance less and could possibly end up with smaller monthly payments.

For example, think about a down payment of $3,000 on a $40,000 vehicle. Using our handyĚýmonthly payment finance calculator, if you finance for 60 months at 10% interest, your monthly payment would be about $786. But if you are able to double your down payment to $6,000, your monthly payment drops to just over $722 a month. That’s a savings of $64 a month and more than $768 a year!**

Tips for when you use your tax refund to buy a car

Additionally, if you are going to get a new car using your tax refund, keep these tips in mind:

• Knowing your budget. Even though a refund can boost your income when it arrives, it can be spent quickly in a short amount of time. Make sure to consider your current budget to use the extra cash wisely.
• Consider buying a used car. By opening up your ideas of what your next vehicle could be, a pre-owned car could wind up saving you quite a bit of money and make your refund go further regarding auto financing.
• Take your time during the process. It’s always a good idea to weigh options with a vehicle purchase and not rush into something that might be out of budget, or maybe it might not be a good deal after all.

Pay ahead on your current account

Based on your current car loan balance and tax refund amount, you could easily have several months of payments in hand after getting your refund. Keep this money saved in a secure bank account so you’ll have the funds available when the loan payment is due.

You could even make additional payments. Although you will still be paying any accrued interest, you can pay off your loan quicker with these additional payments. For convenience, Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA customers canĚýset up Auto PayĚýso deductions are automatically made by the payment due date.

Get your account back on track

If you’ve struggled to keep your account paid in full every month, your tax refund could help get youĚýback on track. PopularĚýpayment optionsĚýinclude the above-mentioned Auto Pay, online and by phone or mail. (Fees apply to debit card payments made by the automated phone system or with a live agent.)

Upgrade your insurance coverage

Auto insurance is one of the expensive, but necessary aspects to car ownership. Rates can vary depending on a number of factors including location, driving record and vehicle type. Taking a look at your insurance coverage this time of year, resources such as Insurify*** can help you decide ways to save and allocate funds from your tax refund toward insurance costs for the year.

Fix or upgrade your car

Trading in or buying a vehicle right now may not make sense for you. Instead, maybe it’s time to get any dents repaired, or install a new set of tires.

Invest in yourself

If you’re in good shape with your auto loan, insurance, vehicle maintenance, etc., then the time may be right to fill the fuel tank and head out of town for a relaxing road trip. Whether you go on a weekend jaunt or something longer, put stress in the rearview mirror and decompress.

Road trips are an excellent way to get creative on a budget. Or treat yourself and indulge in a nice hotel and fancy restaurant and return feeling refreshed with new memories to share.

*These statements are informational only and should not be construed as legal, financial, tax or other professional advice. Please consult a tax professional for any tax-related questions.

**The referenced calculator and example provided are meant for educational and illustrative purposes only. The calculator estimates monthly payments solely based on the information you provide. We do not guarantee the availability of the illustrated terms or your eligibility for any product referenced. The estimated monthly payments generated from the calculator do not constitute a finance offer.

***Insurance products and services described are offered by Insurify Insurance Agency, Inc., not Â鶹ֱ˛Ą. or its affiliates. Insurify will help you to arrange your insurance needs with selected insurance carriers. Customers of Â鶹ֱ˛Ą. are not required to purchase an insurance policy through Insurify or any specific insurance company in connection with their auto loan or lease, and your choice of agent or insurer shall not affect any credit decision or credit terms except as related to the credit worthiness of the insurer and the scope of coverage. Insurify may compensate Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Insurance Agency US LLC if you sign up for insurance through Insurify. Insurify Insurance Agency, Inc. is a licensed insurance agency in 50 states and DC.

The post How to use your tax refund* on a car appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA.

Â鶹ֱ˛Ą and Amazon Autos are partnering to give car shoppers greater access to flexible financing options.

Through this relationship, consumers can easily finance used and certified pre-owned vehicles from a trusted lender as they shop on the world’s largest online marketplace.

Amid a growing trend to shop for cars online, consumers using Amazon Autos can complete a credit application for a vehicle of interest and, if approved, may receive offers from multiple lenders, including Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA, part of Â鶹ֱ˛Ąâ€™s auto business.

Shoppers then have the opportunity to compare financing terms such as APR, loan duration, monthly payment and total interest costs, helping them make an informed decision and buy with confidence.

After selecting their preferred offer and completing the paperwork online, they’re able to complete their purchase and schedule the vehicle pickup with their local participating dealer.

Meeting customers where they are

“Used cars play an essential role in giving consumers access to reliable transportation that fits a wide range of budgets,” said Bruce Jackson, Head of the Â鶹ֱ˛Ą US Auto Business and CEO of Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA.

“At Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA, we recognize how important it is to provide flexible financing options that meet customers where they are. Partnering with Amazon Autos reflects our ongoing commitment to making car buying and financing easier, smarter and more accessible – empowering customers with choices that simplify the journey to owning their next vehicle.”

Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA is a lending partner in all cities where dealers list their used and certified pre-owned vehicles with Amazon Autos.

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Car-buying timelines are speeding up for many Americans, with greater numbers of middle-income consumers considering a purchase in the coming year, research shows.

Those thinking about buying within the next 12 months jumped to 55% in the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Paths to Prosperity study,* up from 47% in the first quarter.

Reasons to buy

The growing intent comes in the context of 52% of consumers having delayed a vehicle purchase over the past year. Additionally, nearly one in five consumers expedited a key purchase in the second quarter of 2025 amid uncertainty about future prices, with 41% of them making the move to buy a car.

Despite concerns over future price impacts, consumers remain optimistic about their finances – three quarters believe they are on the right financial track – and view vehicles as an essential part of their financial prosperity.

The flexibility vehicles provide over where to live and work lies at the heart of this sentiment.

Turning plans into action

As part of the increasing interest in making a car purchase, the study also found that 62% of consumers who are considering buying in the next 12 months have started to research vehicle options; 61% are likely to take out an auto loan to finance their purchase, and nearly half have visited a dealership.

The Q2 2025 findings build upon nine quarters of research that look at middle-income Americans’ current financial state and economic outlook.

Explore your options

If a new car is in your thoughts, take advantage of the resources offered by Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA to help with your decision-making.

Use our finance calculators to run the numbers on a potential purchase and find out what may fit your budget. Ready to shop? Then try , a Â鶹ֱ˛Ą product.

Drive enables you to browse vehicles and see if you pre-qualify for financing with no impact on your credit score. If you pre-qualify, you can customize your terms before heading to the dealership to pursue a purchase. Your pre-qualified offer reflects the information you entered, and after we’ve verified the details, we’ll confirm your eligibility and provide your final offer.

*The study, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Holdings USA, Inc., surveyed 2,200 Americans who are bank and/or financial services customers, ages 18 to 76. Survey participants are employed or looking for work, own/use at least one financial product and are the primary or shared decision-maker on household finances with household income in the “middle-income” range of ~$53,000 to $161,000.

This Q2 study was conducted from June 16 to 18, 2025. The interviews were conducted online, and the margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points for the total audience at a 95% confidence level. Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding. The data was weighted to target population proportions for a representative sample based on age, gender, ethnicity, region and education.

The post Middle-income Americans accelerate their car-buying plans, survey finds appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA.

In this article:

• How visiting an auto show can help you shop cars
• 2025 models and award winners
• Electric vehicle highlights

The benefits of attending an auto show are immediate and hard to miss. Entering a convention center full of hundreds of gleaming, new vehicles, organized by brands across thousands of square feet of space is a car shopper’s dream.

From first-time car buyers to those in search of a new car to people just interested in seeing what’s coming down the line, there’s something for everyone to be thrilled about by getting firsthand looks at vehicles as far as the eye can see.

Earlier this year we found ourselves surrounded by the latest and greatest cars when we visited the North Texas Auto Expo — an event that, after attending many times, has become one of our own personal happy places.

Benefits of attending auto shows

Held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas, this year’s auto show allowed us to explore all the vehicles and let us stop for ones we really wanted to spend extra time with. Just being able to take in all the cars you want in a single day is an amazing opportunity.

Multiple brands in one place

A big benefit of attending an auto show is seeing hundreds of automobiles, as in our case, from 10+ brands, all in one place. Nearly every manufacturer is represented, and if you have a personal favorite, it’s easy to navigate to a particular section for all that brand has on site.

Compare vehicle types, features and prices

You can also take your time with each vehicle and compare differences between trims, body styles, fuel efficiency, you name it. All the specs are right there on a display sheet on each vehicle, so it’s simple to take notes as you go along.

Ask questions directly to manufacturer reps

There are also multiple representatives from each brand ready to answer any questions you may have about a particular vehicle. They are all more than happy to talk shop about the specifics of their cars and inform on the latest updates.

How auto shows help first-time buyers

As one of the most anticipated automotive events in the Southwest United States, the North Texas Auto Expo occupied indoorĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚýoutdoor exhibit space. The outdoor area was reserved for test drives with many Stellantis vehicles (Dodge Durango, Dodge Hornet, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, JeepĚýGladiator, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica) ready to roll. This is great for first-time buyers as they are able to:

• Build a shortlist of vehicles they test drove or want to test drive later
• Learn about new features and safety tech
• Get a feel for interior space and design preferences

As atĚýlast year’s event, a highlight of the 2025 Auto Expo was the Indoor EV Test Track. Performance and the power of electric vehicles from top brands such as Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford and Mercedes-Benz were on full display, as attendees hopped into EVs with a professional driver and traversed 200,000 square feet of the convention floor.

Speaking of electric, another favorite of this year’s event was a shiny red Dodge Charger Daytona. It drew quite a crowd as the sound of the muscle car “revving” echoed across the event space. Combined with the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ (more on that later), the latest in the world of electric cars were on display in nearly every brand section.

A scavenger hunt for the top picks

To help us explore the expansive and jaw-dropping space, we brought alongĚýCar and DriverĚý2025 Editors’ Choice listĚýand were able to see many of those vehicles that made the top grades in person. This included the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of the Genesis and Chevrolet Trax and view repeat winners from Honda, the Accord and Civic. We also got up close with other winners – the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Maverick and the Ram 1500, to name a few on the list.

Another hit was the electric Volkswagen ID.BUZZ. The latest entrant into the world of EVs, the pair at the Auto Show feature orange and blue colors that begged to be explored. The combination of modern technology and design nods to the iconic VW bus made popular in the 1960s, made these a must-stop for visitors to the show.
Ěý

More award-winning vehicles
 

The Texas Auto Writers Association had signage throughout the Expo next to vehicles they voted as their top picks. Attendees were especially drawn to the award winner for the Off-Road Truck of Texas, the INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster.

As the judges wrote about the vehicle, “The INEOS reminds you that some things are just built with a purpose. We loved the pure off-road capability that the platform provided. Taking the wins of the SUV and applying it to the pickup market, smart.”

Other vehicles recognized by the Texas Auto Writers were the Genesis GV80 (Luxury SUV of Texas), Kia EV9 (Electric SUV of Texas), Lexus GX 550 (2025 SUV of Texas) and Nissan Kicks (Sub-Compact SUV of Texas).

Get the most out of your auto show visit

Whether you’re in the market for a new vehicle or not, events like the DFW Auto Expo are a great way to spend the day checking out the latest and greatest in the world of automobiles.

And to get the most out of your experience, it’s a good idea to:

• Take notes and photos
• Attend panels or demonstrations
• Watch for limited-time offers or previews
• Make a checklist of must-see vehicles
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Auto shows to attend

Outside of the event we attended in Texas, there are tons of other auto shows across the country throughout the year to check out. These include the Chicago Auto Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, New York International Auto Show and Detroit Auto Show.

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Have wheels, will travel. But where should you go for that memorable getaway?

Here are 18 of the best road trips for 2025, as recommended by AAA, to give you some momentum with your planning.

From sandy shores to wide skies and mountains, plus a range of destinations to explore when you pull in, there’s plenty to peruse and set your sights on.

1. Southern New England

Fill up on history and scenery with a trip that starts and finishes in Boston, Massachusetts, where you’ll have the chance to walk the Freedom Trial to sites key to the American Revolution. On the open road, you’ll head to coastal village Mystic, Connecticut, for seafaring traditions followed by the opulent mansions of Newport, Rhode Island.
229 miles, five hours

2. Northern Arizona canyons

Seemingly a world away from the bustle of Boston lie the rugged desert canyons of Arizona, including the main attraction, the Grand Canyon. Loop from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and experience another side of U.S. history within the pueblos of the Wupatki National Monument. Want more? This trip also ventures to the staggering Sunset Crater Volcano.
272 miles, six-plus hours

3. Natchez Trace Parkway

Unwind and relax on the Natchez Trace Parkway, a sedate two-lane traverse of the scenic American South. Setting out from Nashville, Tennessee, it follows the course of an historic Native American footpath, through Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and passes close to Native American and Civil War sites on the way to Natchez.
495 miles, 10-plus hours

4. Hershey and Dutch Country, Pennsylvania

A step and a drive back in time await as part of a 197-mile journey through Dutch Country, Pennsylvania. Leaving Harrisburg for Lancaster, York and Gettysburg, before circling back to Harrisburg, it includes the opportunity to see traditional Amish and Mennonite lifestyles. And no trip to Dutch Country would be complete without a sweet stop at Hershey, home to the long-established chocolate maker.
197 miles, five-plus hours

5. Southern Arizona

Tucson and Scottsdale, with their art galleries and refreshing resorts, are interspersed with the cacti-characterized landscape of the Sonoran Desert and Western saloons on this photo-worthy drive. Enjoy the colors and contrasts as you adventure at your own pace.
547 miles, 10-plus hours

6. Southern California

It’s SoCal all the way with Los Angeles as your beginning for a route that encompasses palm trees, beaches, wine country, a visit to San Diego and the canyons of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. AAA recommends traveling in spring or fall to avoid the heat.
307 miles, six-plus hours

7. Northern California and southern Oregon coast

Further north you can experience a different sort of coastal beauty as you set off from California’s Central Valley along the Pacific Coast Highway and on to Oregon’s U.S. Highway 101. Soak up the stunning ocean views, stop at quaint beach towns and marvel at the mighty redwoods.
380 miles, eight-plus hours

8. Vegas to national parks to Vegas

Combine the bright lights of the city with landmarks and some natural wonders on this Southwestern adventure through Nevada, Arizona and Utah. Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon are some of the highlights here.
857 miles, 16 hours

9. Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park, is the star of the show in Tennessee and North Carolina for a meander through the natural splendor. Besides enabling you to admire almost endless vistas and explore the park, the trip offers visits to Knoxville, as well as Chattanooga, Gatlinburg and Ashville among the mountains.
498 miles, 10-plus hours

10. Grand Pacific Northwest

Discover the dramatic landscapes of Oregon and Washington along the Historic Columbia River Highway through Columbia River Gorge, and visit iconic Mount Rainier and its surrounding national park. Covering a swathe of the Northwest, your route also winds through arid valleys supporting flourishing vineyards.
551 miles, 10-plus hours

11. Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina

This spectacularly elevated drive along a section of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway takes you from Cherokee to North Carolina’s state line with Virginia, accompanied by mountain views aplenty and great places for hiking as you go.
304 miles, eight-plus hours

12. Route 66 – Eastern New Mexico

Chances are you’ve heard of fabled Route 66 but have you experienced it? Here’s an opportunity to explore “pockets of well-preserved Mother Road nostalgia” with a weekend-friendly two-hour-plus road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Adrian, Texas, the midpoint of Route 66.
119 miles, two-plus hours

13. Black Hills

In a region of cooler temperatures, this South Dakota sojourn is recommended for the summer, during which you can tour a host of historic landmarks. Mount Rushmore, famed for the towering rock carvings of prominent presidents, is the focus while other sites include Jewel Cave National Monument and the goldrush town of Deadwood.
209 miles, five hours

14. Utah’s national parks

You’re set to encounter some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country when embarking on an epic 1,049-mile journey to Utah’s distinctively rugged national parks, such as those of Zion and Bryce Canyon.
1,049 miles, 19-plus hours

15. Cape Cod

Less expansive but no less appealing is a route through Cape Cod, Massachusetts; an area rich with history and coastal charm. Fans of beaches, fishing and whale watching (the season runs from mid-April to October) will be enamored with this choice.
174 miles, six-plus hours

16. Big Sky Country

Drive into unspoiled, untamed lands within Big Sky Country for 425 miles of mountainous Montana and Wyoming. Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West are not to be missed among the wealth of natural wonders and Old West history.
425 miles, eight-plus hours

17. South Florida

Go coast to coast in the Sunshine State and enjoy its beaches, big-hitting vacation destinations, including Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Naples, as well as the marshlands and watery landscapes between each sea.
421 miles, 10-plus hours

18. San Francisco to Lake Tahoe to Reno

Get ready for an enthralling mix of adventures when making tracks from San Francisco across California to the sparkling waters and outdoor experiences of Lake Tahoe, before moving on to the glitter of gaming city Reno, Nevada, and returning to the City by the Bay.
486 miles, nine-plus hours

Get road-trip ready

Once you’ve turned ideas and inspiration into some solid travel plans, you might find tips for your trip preparation useful. Take a look at these suggestions to gear up for a smooth journey.

The post Try these road trips to see some of the best of the US appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA.

In this article:

• Defining car equity
• The benefits of positive equity
• The difference between positive and negative equity

When it comes to words associated with car ownership, equity is one of the top terms it’s good to be familiar with. Equity not only gives you an idea of the worth of your vehicle, specifically, it defines the worth and value to you as the car owner.

Experian defines equity on a car as the “difference between the resale value of the car and the amount you owe.”

Vehicle equity comes into play if you want to trade in your current automobile for a new one, possibly using your current vehicle as the down payment. And what you’re looking for in this situation is known as positive equity.

Positive equity explained

Positive equity in a car is reached when the amount you owe on the car is less than the amount the car is currently worth. For example, let’s say you make a down payment of $5,000 on a car priced at $40,000, therefore getting a loan of $35,000. If that car’s current market equity is showing to be $37,000, you have $2,000 in positive equity on that car.

How positive equity differs from negative equity

Now that you know about positive equity, the flip side of that would be, yep, negative equity. That is, owing more on a vehicle than the car is worth. If you’ve heard the phrase being “upside-down” on a vehicle, negative equity is what that is referring to.

In our example above, if the car’s current worth was $33,000 instead of $37,000, that would result in negative equity of $2,000 based on a loan of $35,000.

How to calculate a car’s equity

To calculate your current car’s equity, start by checking the balance you owe on your current car with your lender. Once you have that, you need to know the current market value of the vehicle. Resources such as Kelley Blue Book can help you get an estimate of what your car is currently worth and if your equity would then be positive or negative based on that amount.

Influencing factors on equity

So, what factors can impact positive and negative equity in a car? As your time with a vehicle goes by, regular wear and tear can impact the car’s overall value. Things like:

Vehicle Age (As a vehicle ages and newer models and designs come out, this could reduce the value of the car.)

Mileage (Lengthy daily commutes and multiple long-distance road trips can put miles on a machine quickly.)

Accidents (If your vehicle has been in a fender bender and has yet to be fixed, a cracked windshield, missing hubcap(s) or other damage to the body can cause the value to be much less.)

Considering equity when buying a car

To keep on top of equity when looking into your next vehicle, make sure you are diligent with your research and understand the cost of options, financing and taxes so you aren’t already upside-down when you drive out the door. Consult resources such as Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds to estimate the true value of the car.

Loan terms

Looking at your monthly budget, choose the shortest repayment plan you can afford because shorter repayment plans typically mean lower interest rates and faster payoff. Our car budget calculators* can help you see where certain terms work with your finances.

Interest rates

Check the car manufacturer’s website for possible interest rate deals as well as online shopping sites that offer pre-qualification. Pre-qualifying lets you shop with confidence and gives you buying power with the dealer. Discover more about the difference between interest rates and APR here.

Depreciation

According to Kelley Blue Book, a car’s value depreciates 20% in the first year of ownership and can lose 60% of value by the fifth year. Making a down payment of at least 20% of the vehicle’s total cost can help offset the depreciation and set you on a route toward positive equity.

^*The referenced calculators are meant for educational and illustrative purposes only. The calculators estimate amounts solely based on the information you provide. We do not guarantee the availability of the illustrated terms or your eligibility for any product referenced. The estimated amounts generated from the calculators do not constitute a finance offer.

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