AI is Flipping Car Shopping on Its Head

A new survey by Cars.com shows how much Artificial Intelligence is starting to shape how people buy cars. According to their data, 44% of consumers now use AI-powered tools to help them shop. And among those people, 97% say AI will influence their purchase decision.

That matters. It signals that AI is no longer a novelty for car buyers — it's becoming a trusted co-pilot.

What buyers actually use AI for

These are the main ways people lean on AI when hunting for a car:

• Matching their needs with vehicle models — size, price range, features.
• Estimating price ranges and seeing if a model fits their budget.
• Checking reliability history, comparing pros/cons, answering specific questions fast.

Three-quarters of those who use AI (73%) say it saves them time, and many see it as a starting point for their research.

For roughly 30%, the AI-generated result is already good enough — they don't feel the need to dig further.

Trust — yes, but with caution

Most respondents (about 71%) trust AI tools to give accurate, unbiased info on vehicles.

Still, there is a healthy dose of skepticism: 63% say they worry AI might push biased recommendations (favored dealers, specific brands, etc.).

So people are open to AI, but they expect transparency and good data behind the suggestions.

What it means for dealers and car marketplaces

If I were running a dealership or marketplace right now, I'd treat AI not as a threat, but as an amplifier of my reach and credibility.

• AI tools help buyers narrow down choices before they ever visit the lot. That means more serious leads, better qualified.
• Buyers still want to see a human when it comes time to talk budget or financing. AI seems more helpful in the research phase than the negotiation phase.
• That said, if AI tools are known to show bias — or if a dealer's data is incomplete — you risk losing trust.

Bottom line: dealers and marketplaces that lean into AI, keep data transparent, and integrate smoothly with human support will win.

What this trend means for car shoppers

If you're in the market for a car, this is good news for you:

• You can use AI early to compare models, features, prices and build a shortlist — without spending hours browsing.
• You can avoid wasted time, focus only on cars that match what you truly want/need.
• But you still need to double-check: AI can help you find options, but you should verify reliability, pricing, and financing yourself — just like you would with anything big.

AI doesn't replace human judgement. It helps you be smarter faster.

Your takeaway

AI is quickly becoming a foundational tool in car shopping. For buyers, it means faster, smarter research. For sellers and dealers, it signals a shift: if you don't adapt, you risk being invisible. Use AI as a tool to serve customers — not replace them.