Gen Z Drives Car Purchases While Challenging Traditional Banking Habits

A Capital One Auto survey shows that U.S. consumers aged 18‑28 accounted for the largest share of first‑time car buyers, spending more time researching, visiting an average of 3.4 dealerships, and prioritising total ownership costs. Auto expert Philip Reed said the cohort’s fact‑based approach reflects confidence in achieving the “American dream” of car ownership.

At the same time, a generational contrast in banking persists. Gen X, now in their late 40s to early 60s, continues to write paper checks, balance checkbooks by hand and rely on physical proof of transactions, habits that many Gen Z individuals find archaic. While roughly 46% of Gen Z never write a check, older adults still use them for rent, gifts and routine payments, highlighting a divide between paper‑based and app‑driven financial practices.