Forty percent of American car owners have delayed purchasing a new vehicle, based on the latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. The leading reason for putting off buying is that their current car is still in good shape (72 percent).
 
The cars may be running well, but just like you, they aren’t getting any younger. The survey found that the typical vehicle in the United States is roughly eight years old, achieving a median of 23.1 miles per gallon. (Those not in the market reported the highest fuel efficiency, likely due to owning more recent models, at 23.7 mpg.)
 
Other leading reasons for the delayed purchases, include concern about the economy (61 percent), new vehicles being too expensive (49 percent), and waiting for better incentives (31 percent).
 
Real and perceived economic hardship and desire for cost-savings are important influences on buying behavior. Concern for losing a job (29 percent), expectation car prices will lower (28 percent), and financing being difficult to obtain (26 percent) are factors for many consumers.
 
Have you delayed replacing your current vehicle? Tell us why in the comments below.
 
For more insights into car-buying today and American consumer behavior, read the full Auto Pulse report.
 
—Jeff Bartlett with the Consumer Reports National Research Center