Capital One Car Buying Outlook: Dealers Gain Trust, Digital Tools Become Competitive Advantage

The 2025 Capital One Car Buying Outlook found that nearly 70% of car buyers view dealers as trustworthy, up from 44% two years ago. This growth in trust is supported by an in-person and digital shopping approach. Dealers increasingly recognize digital tools as a competitive advantage, with 86% saying they give them an edge. Buyers who trust dealers are twice as likely to return for their next purchase.