Capital One Financial Corporation has released its fifth annual Car Buying Outlook, highlighting a significant increase in consumer trust in car dealers. According to the 2025 report, nearly 70% of buyers now view dealers as trustworthy, up from 44% in 2023. The study attributes this rise in trust to a blend of digital and in-person car buying experiences, with buyers appreciating the convenience of online research combined with the control and excitement of in-person interactions. The report also finds that buyers familiar with digital tools are even more likely to trust dealers, and those who trust dealers are almost twice as likely to return for future purchases. The findings are based on surveys conducted with recent car buyers and dealers across the U.S., underscoring the evolving nature of the car buying process and the importance of integrating technology with personal relationships in the automotive retail industry.