CAI Aug: 31.3% of loans >72 months; neg equity 57.4%. Competing (not exclusive) auto seller enquiries still matter.
Cox Automotive’s August 2026 Dealertrack Credit Availability Index shows credit access at a post-2015 high (105.3), driven more by structure than by cheaper rates. Loans longer than 72 months reached 31.3% of originations, and negative equity appeared on 57.4% of loans. Average contract rate was 10.99%. Approval rates rose to 73.9%, while down payments held at 13%.
For dealerships buying seller enquiries, that mix means more shoppers arrive with stretched terms or upside-down trades. Desks still need clean seller pipelines and competing conversations—not a single locked-in pencil on one VIN.
When consumers lean on long terms and negative equity to close deals, used-vehicle and trade desks still need timely seller conversations. A seller who hears one offer may leave money on the table; a desk that never sees competing demand may overpay or lose the unit. National structure stats do not replace local appraisal.
On TXLeadForge, automotive seller enquiries involve competing offers—never “exclusive to one dealer.” Roofing and real-estate leads are exclusive. Invalid-lead issues are handled case by case; this post invents no refund, credit, or replacement policy.
Learn more on automotive leads, then enquire if competing seller traffic fits your desk’s process.
Takeaway: Record long-term loan share is market context for auto ops—competing seller enquiries remain a practical pipeline tool.