‘Not in Florida:’ Car Expert Says the Market is Crashing. Then He Reveals Why

"We have not seen that since pre-COVID."

Car Expert Says the Market is Crashing. Then He Reveals Why

Photo by: @the_mr_gratitude & Ink Spaces

Chad Swiatecki

By: Chad Swiatecki

Nov 4, 2025 at 8:00pm ET

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Showrooms are packed, sales are stalling, and automakers are back to offering 0% financing just to move metal. One consultant says it’s déjà vu of the pre-COVID slump, and insists the so-called "car market crash" isn’t coming—it’s already here.

In a viral Instagram story, digital marketer and influencer Brandon (@the_mr_gratitude) spells out his signs of the coming automotive sales apocalypse, and why the dark days for car lots could mean deep deals for buyers.

"I work with dealers nationwide, virtually every dealership across the country, and here's the telltale signs that you know we are in a true car market crash…for one, the lots are overfilled. They are filled to the brim," he said in the clip that’s been viewed more than 30,000 times. "They're sitting on lots an average of over 120 days, and we have not seen that since pre-COVID."

‘The Crash is Here’

Brandon warns that multiple indicators line up to form what he calls a "true car market crash." He highlights inflated vehicle counts on side lots, a return of ultra-low financing from manufacturers offering 0–2 %, and average days on the lot exceeding 120 days.

While Motor1 could not independently verify the exact 120-day figure for every dealer, broader data support his claim of slower vehicle sales. For example, a recent overview shows that new vehicle inventory in the US reached approximately 2.83 million units, and the days’ supply climbed to 82 days. Another industry insight reveals that the days’ supply of new vehicles had climbed from 73 to 84 days in a single quarter, signaling slower turnover for dealers.

All of this suggests that dealership lots are carrying more stale inventory, and that the market may be tipping away from the seller’s advantage.

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Scrolling through the comment thread under the video reveals a cultural undercurrent: drivers who are done with high prices, subscription-laden cars, and constant financing. Many say they’ll keep their paid-off, 10- or 20-year-old cars rolling rather than take on a new payment or technology-heavy vehicle. Some representative comments: "I’ll drive my 25-year-old Toyota until the wheels fall off! Eff this market," and, "My husband is so proud to still drive his ’98 4Runner to work daily. 520,000 miles."

These views reflect a broader shift in the emotional and economic frustration of average buyers who feel locked out of new car pricing, and the freedom they find in long-term ownership of older, simpler vehicles. This sentiment aligns with the supply story: when dealers have excess inventory, buyers start to question whether buying new is worthwhile and whether they truly need to.

Gallery: GWM - dealerships

GWM dealerships (1)

Reality Check: Is the Crash Real or Hype?

While Brandon’s narrative is dramatic, the market data shows a nuanced picture. On one hand, inventory and days’ supply metrics signal slower turnover in the new‐car segment, which are classic warning signs. On the other hand, the used car market remains tight in many segments, complicating a full-blown "crash" thesis.

For example, used vehicle days’ supply was reported at 43 days in early June, which is still low by historical standards. Meanwhile, in the new-vehicle realm, a supply of over 80 days suggests an overhang.

A recent analysis reveals that some slower-selling models have market day supply values of 200 days or more. However, these are often higher priced luxury or niche models rather than mass market cars.

The takeaway is that the market is cooling, and in some cases overstocked, but whether this qualifies as a "crash" depends on how broadly you apply the term. It may be more accurate to describe the shift as a rebalancing after years of scarcity, rising prices, and pandemic-era distortions.

If dealerships are indeed carrying more inventory and cars are sitting on the lot longer, that translates into leverage for buyers. Brandon suggests consumers check how many days a car has been on a lot via tools like CarGurus or CarEdge and use that as a negotiation point.

For buyers, a few practical points:

Check local inventory for your model of interest—higher days’ supply means more bargaining power.
Focus on new car deals or near-new models that may be aging on the lot as-is.
Beware that while new car inventory is rising, used car inventory remains constrained in many segments, so "waiting it out" is not always beneficial.
Trade-in values may weaken as dealers attempt to clear their inventory, so timing and strategy remain crucial.

Whether you call it a crash or a correction, the mood has shifted. Dealers who once shrugged at slow movement are now offering incentives and clearing aged stock. Buyers who have been priced out may find this moment ripe for opportunity.

What do you think?

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At the same time, not every region or segment is equally affected. Buyers need to do homework, check actual days’ supply and model-level data, and be ready to act. As Brandon put it: "I don’t need debt … you need to sell this car."
In short, the advantage may be swinging toward the buyer, but only if they know where and when to look.

Motor1 reached out to Brandon via direct message and email. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds.