auto loans

Cheap credit is boosting car sales. But more buyers are taking loans of up to seven years. Monthly payments are lower; the total cost is higher.

The lending market for vehicle loans has softened, helping to drive car sales. Some lenders are even courting subprime borrowers.

Consumer borrowing is on the rise. Here's the thing: Credit card borrowing is down. Student loans and auto loans — investment debt — is up.

And this final note. For all the pronouncements that we'd become better, smarter savers out of the financial crisis, looks like the wallets are out…