The experience of acquiring a vehicle in June proved to be a challenging endeavor for many consumers, as highlighted by recent industry data. A notable decline in buyer satisfaction was recorded, reaching its lowest point in three years. This downturn is attributed to a confluence of factors including convoluted financing procedures, difficulties in navigating vehicle inventories, and the protracted nature of the overall transaction. These challenges collectively underscore a growing disillusionment with conventional vehicle purchasing methods among consumers.

For many, the process of acquiring a new vehicle has become less of an exciting milestone and more of a protracted task. Despite widespread marketing campaigns that portray car buying as an enjoyable experience, reality often diverges sharply. Consumers frequently encounter aggressive sales tactics, prolonged negotiations over pricing, and confusing financial terms, all contributing to a stressful and time-consuming ordeal. Escalating costs and stricter credit conditions further intensify these pressures, prompting individuals to seek more straightforward avenues for their automotive needs.

A recent analysis by CDK Global, a leading provider of dealership software solutions, revealed a sharp drop in car buyer satisfaction last month. Only 77% of buyers surveyed described the process as easy, a significant decrease from 90% just the previous month. This marks the steepest decline in satisfaction observed by CDK in three years. The most pronounced area of frustration was the Finance & Insurance (F&I) segment, where only 53% of buyers found the credit application process straightforward, the lowest recorded score since CDK began tracking this metric.

Beyond financing, consumers expressed considerable difficulty in understanding and confidently selecting additional products such as extended warranties or gap insurance, with only 57% feeling assured in their choices. Furthermore, the administrative aspects of the purchase, particularly the signing of documents, were often described as anything but smooth, with only 68% of buyers reporting a seamless experience. These findings point to systemic issues within the F&I department that significantly detract from buyer satisfaction.

Another major point of contention for potential car owners in June was the availability of desired models. Despite an overall improvement in new car supply in 2025, 67% of buyers reported difficulty in finding the exact vehicle they wanted. This suggests that many purchasers are compelled to compromise, settling for models with undesirable colors, different trim levels, or missing preferred features, rather than enduring lengthy waits for factory orders or in-transit vehicles. Such compromises often entail additional, unplanned expenses for consumers.

Moreover, the duration of the car-buying process itself emerged as a significant source of frustration. Approximately 36% of buyers in June indicated that the entire process took longer than anticipated, an increase from 31% in the preceding month and one of the highest figures ever recorded by CDK. The negotiation phase, particularly regarding the final price between sales representatives and dealership management, also proved highly challenging. Only 56% of buyers found these discussions to be smooth, with complications further compounded when trade-ins were involved. A mere 48% reported a positive experience when dealing with trade-in valuations.

The current state of the automotive market indicates that the act of acquiring a vehicle has largely lost its appeal, transforming into a cumbersome obligation rather than an exciting acquisition. Elevated interest rates, credit challenges, and persistent dealership delays continue to erode the enjoyment once associated with purchasing a new car. Anecdotal evidence from numerous individuals who recently bought cars corroborates this trend, detailing multiple visits to various dealerships not only to locate a suitable vehicle but also to navigate vastly different financing and leasing offers. For dealerships to regain consumer trust, it is imperative that they streamline operations, enhance transparency regarding inventory, and simplify every step of the purchasing journey.