The State of the Car Buyer in 2026 - Why Buying a Car Still Feels Risky

The State of the Car Buyer in 2026 - Why Buying a Car Still Feels Risky

From The Straight Shift with The Car Chick by LeeAnn Shattuck, The Car Chick: Your Car Buying and Repair Expert

January 7, 2026 · 31 min · Season 2 · Episode 123

About this episode

The episode discusses the state of the automotive industry as we enter 2026, focusing on challenges from 2025 and predictions for the future.

Summary In this episode, The Car Chick® discusses the current state of the automotive industry as we enter 2026, reflecting on the challenges faced in 2025, including economic uncertainty and shifts in consumer confidence. She shares predictions for the upcoming year, emphasizing a potential shift from electric vehicles (EVs) to hybrids, and highlights the importance of empowerment through mobility, illustrated by a personal story of helping a woman in need. Takeaways Car buying feels uncomfo...

People in this episode

Host: LeeAnn Shattuck

Topics covered

  • automotive industry
  • car buying
  • consumer confidence
  • economic uncertainty
  • mobility empowerment

Keywords

  • car buying
  • automotive industry
  • consumer confidence
  • electric vehicles
  • hybrids
  • economic uncertainty
  • mobility

Mentioned in this episode

Products: electric vehicles, hybrids

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