The FTC Must Work to Make the Auto Lending Marketplace Safe from Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices
Cars are essential for most households in the United States, but access to a safe, affordable vehicle is increasingly limited for many consumers by sharply rising prices, burdensome accompanying debt obligations, and problematic dealer practices. The cost of a vehicle represents such a significant proportion of many American households’ total annual income that over 88% of new car purchases and 45% of used car purchases are financed. Enforcement actions by federal and state consumer protection agencies, as well as private litigation, have highlighted auto dealer practices that exploit the...