The average underwater trade-in is now carrying $7,183 in negative equity, and that hidden debt is shaping what buyers can afford before they even reach the lot.

Today’s episode breaks down the clash between 84-month loans, tight used-car supply, hybrid demand, VW’s Scout direct-sales play, and why dealers are retreating to fixed ops as their final profit fortress.

Today's Key Headlines

~Edmunds says underwater trade-ins carry an average $7,183 in negative equity

~90.2% of negative-equity trade-ins were originally financed for 72 months or more

~Used cars sit at a 38-day supply while pure EVs sit at a 100-day supply

~Chevrolet Blazer EV inventory reaches a 272-day supply

~Scout has 170,000 pre-orders, with 87% choosing the extended-range EV version

00:07 Welcome to Auto News Talk

01:31 Au ...