Car buyers are increasingly turning to AI to get better deals
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 percent said it was helpful. AI is quickly becoming a trusted co-pilot for car buyers.
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:
One in 4 car buyers use AI, with 25 percent of car buyers in 2025 saying 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 percent 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 among car buyers.
Among those who haven’t bought a car yet this year, 40 percent say they are using or plan to use AI tools during their search or deal-making. This is nearly three times higher than the 14 percent seen among those who already bought a car earlier in the year.
Among those who used AI, 88 percent say the tools were helpful, 32 percent found them very helpful and 60 percent used them “a lot” during the process. Drivers who lease cars are the AI holdouts. None surveyed said they used AI in the leasing process.
The numbers jump significantly when looking at those who haven’t yet bought in 2025. Among this group — who represent 39 percent of total respondents — 40 percent 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 percent of those who used AI tools during their buying journey said they used them “a lot,” while 40 percent used them only occasionally.
Among buyers who used AI tools during their car purchase or lease process, here’s how they put them to work:
88 percent — Researching vehicles
64 percent — Comparing Prices and market values
44 percent — Learning negotiation
strategies
11 percent — Exploring finance and lease options
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.
The 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.