Rising Auto Loan Rates Are Hitting Washington Drivers Hard

Buying a new car seems like a stressful experience when it shouldn't have to be.

It's nothing something most do often but it can be fun to look at the different places in town to see what all is available.

Maybe you have a new baby on the way so need to upgrade or maybe you're looking at going a more eco-friendly route.

Perhaps you already have a family car but need a truck for work or soemthing. There are lots of reasons to look for a new car.

Naturally, most don't have that much cash just in their bank to spend all at once so they go through an auto loan program that most any dealer will help you with. But that always comes with interest and all that.

And, unfortunately, those interest rates never seem to fall, only rise.

Financial website Wallet Hub ranked every state and where it stands on auto loan interest rates

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Unfortunately, Washington State is pretty high on the list for states with the most increase in auto loan interest rates.

Washington State ranks 3rd place over all in states where auto loan interest rates have increased.

Still better than first place Wyoming and 2nd place Vermont.

According to Wallet Hub the average loan interest rate in the second quarter of 2025 for Washington State was 9.46%.

That is a 2.02% rise from the first quarter of 2025.

Still, though. It could be worse.

Wyoming was listed as 9.48% up 2.26%.

That little bit can make a world of difference.