Seema Shah · November 2022
Car-Buying Apps Hit Some Potholes
US car-buying apps are experiencing falling monthly downloads and monthly active users (MAUs), according to Sensor Tower estimates. The decline is attributed to a more cautious consumer base, weakened by rising rates, inflation, and falling used car prices, leaving buyers underwater on their loans. Cohort MoM downloads and MAUs slid 5.4% and 1.5%, respectively, while average session count and average time spent decreased by 31% and 37% per month YTD 2022 through September from the prior year.
Key Takeaways:
Per Sensor Tower estimates, sequential US monthly downloads and MAUs are falling for most car-buying apps, likely driven by a more cautious consumer base weakened by a combination of rising rates, inflation and falling used prices leaving buyers underwater on their loans
October 2022 estimates highlight weakness on a MoM and YoY basis
Cohort MoM downloads and MAUs slid 5.4% and 1.5%, respectively
September US retail sales for autos down -0.4% from August
US consumers are visiting less frequently and spending fewer minutes on car-buying apps, according to Sensor Tower Consumer Intelligence; weakened engagement increases the risk of fewer transactions
Average session count and average time spent decreased an average of 31% and 37% per month YTD 2022 through September from the prior year
For more information, request the full report from reports@sensortower.com.
