How will pandemic auto purchases fare?: Higher used-car values turn up as a wild card for negative equity

摘要

It is a dilemma born of a pandemic: Will vehicles purchased during COVID-19 help or harm consumer finances in the long run? Automotive finance experts agree that longer-term loans at some of the highest monthly payments for new vehicles along with elevated used-vehicle values could result in an increase of underwater customers. That would likely push these consumers out of the market for longer periods and put them in worse shape when they return.