Artificial intelligence is changing the way Americans buy cars, and it’s a transition that is happening quickly. In the first-ever survey of its kind, CarEdge asked 500 car shoppers if they’re using AI tools like ChatGPT to research, compare, and negotiate during the car buying process.

The results confirm a major shift is underway. One in four car buyers in 2025 is already using AI tools to gain an edge, and future buyers are even more likely to embrace these technologies.

Car buyers are finding AI to be a valuable tool. Among those who used tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google Gemini, and others, 88% said it was helpful. AI is quickly becoming a trusted co-pilot for car buyers.

This report offers the first data-backed look at how AI tools are reshaping the car buying experience. For the automotive industry, the message is clear: buyers are more empowered than ever — and they’re bringing AI to the dealership.

Key Findings: Car Buying Is Changing Quickly

The 2025 CarEdge AI & Car Buying Survey reveals a clear and growing trend: AI tools are quickly becoming part of the car buying process for a significant portion of consumers. Here are the standout findings:

1 in 4 Car Buyers Use AI 

25% of car buyers in 2025 say they used or plan to use AI tools like ChatGPT during the shopping or buying process. This contrasts with a recent survey by Elon University that found 52% of Americans now use AI large language models. While signs point towards increased adoption of AI tools, the CarEdge survey found that most car buyers are still in the early stages of integrating these tools into high-stakes decisions like vehicle purchases. This suggests there’s still significant room for growth in AI adoption amongst car buyers.

AI Use Is Accelerating

Among those who haven’t bought a car yet this year, 40% say they are using or plan to use AI tools during their search or deal-making. This is nearly 3x higher than the 14% seen among those who already bought a car earlier in the year.

AI Tools Deliver Results

Among those who used AI:

• 88% say the tools were helpful
  
• 32% found them very helpful
  
• 60% used them “a lot” during the process

The AI Holdouts: Drivers Who Lease

Of the respondents who had already leased a car in 2025, none reported using any AI tools.

The AI-Adopting Buyer: Who’s Using It, and How?

AI adoption among car buyers is still in its early stages, but clear trends are beginning to emerge.

Among Buyers Who Already Purchased in 2025:

Just 14% of those who already bought a vehicle this year used AI tools during the process. Adoption rates were nearly identical across new and used buyers, with 14% in each group saying they used AI tools.

Among Future Car Buyers:

The numbers jump significantly when looking at those who haven’t yet bought in 2025. Among this group — who represent 39% of total respondents — 40% say they either already use or plan to use AI tools during their car search and buying process.

That’s more than triple the current usage rate among recent buyers, suggesting AI adoption is accelerating as awareness grows and tools become easier to use.

This group also appears to be more proactive: 60% of those who used AI tools during their buying journey said they used them “a lot,” while 40% used them only occasionally.

What Car Buyers Are Using AI Tools For

AI tools are quickly becoming essential research companions for car shoppers looking to make more informed, confident decisions. After all, why go it alone when a wealth of automotive knowledge powered by large language models (LLMs) is right in your pocket?

Among buyers who used AI tools during their car purchase or lease process, here’s how they put them to work:

88% — Researching Vehicles

The most common use by far, AI tools helped buyers learn about different models, trims, features, and reliability. For many, it was like having an always-available expert to explain the pros and cons of their options.

64% — Comparing Prices and Market Values

Buyers used AI to better understand fair pricing, from invoice pricing to out-the-door. 

44% — Learning Negotiation Strategies

Nearly half of AI users leaned on these tools to prepare for conversations with salespeople. Whether role-playing negotiation scenarios or asking how to spot add-on fees, this group used AI to level the playing field at the dealership.

11% — Exploring Finance and Lease Options

A much smaller portion of buyers used these tools to become familiar with leasing vs. financing, how to calculate payments, and similar queries.

Why It Matters

Car buying has always been tilted in favor of the dealership. Information asymmetry — what the dealer knows versus what the customer knows — has long been the source of consumer frustration, confusion, and overpayment.

That dynamic is beginning to shift.

This survey confirms what many in the industry are only starting to realize: AI is giving car buyers the upper hand. Tools like ChatGPT are helping consumers cut through the noise, ask smarter questions, and avoid common dealership traps. Instead of relying on guesswork or scattered advice, buyers are turning to AI for fast, personalized guidance at every step.

But one auto industry veteran has words of caution for buyers relying heavily on AI tools.

“It’s both surprising and a little scary to see how quickly people are turning to AI to guide such a major financial decision,” said Ray Shefska, Co-Founder of CarEdge. “While tools like ChatGPT can be powerful, they’re only as good as the data behind them. AI should complement your research, not replace your own critical thinking.”

That perspective underscores the real takeaway of this report: AI works best when it’s used thoughtfully as a tool, not as a crutch. In an age where automation raises fears of job loss or decision-making without human oversight, this survey offers a more optimistic view — one where technology helps everyday consumers make smarter choices. Used wisely, AI can help level the playing field and bring more transparency and fairness to the car buying experience.

Methodology

This survey was conducted by CarEdge between June 19 and June 24, 2025. A total of 500 U.S. respondents participated, recruited through the CarEdge email newsletter and social media channels. Questions were tailored based on buying status to better understand how and when AI tools were used in the car shopping process.

About CarEdge

Founded in 2019 by father-and-son team Ray and Zach Shefska, CarEdge is a leading platform dedicated to empowering car shoppers with free expert advice, in-depth market insights, and tools to navigate every step of the car-buying journey. From researching vehicles to negotiating deals, CarEdge helps consumers save money, time, and hassle. Join the hundreds of thousands of happy consumers who have used CarEdge to buy their car with confidence.

With trusted resources like the CarEdge Research Center, fair pricing tools, and hundreds of guides on YouTube, CarEdge is redefining transparency and fairness in the automotive industry.

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