Ask Brianna: How can I save money on my car?

Add to that list car manufacturers' fears that we don't want cars, either, thanks to Uber, public transportation and the lingering effects of the recession.

Of customers who bought or leased new cars, the share who were ages 21 to 38 rose from 17 percent in 2010, to 28 percent in 2015, according to data from the Power Information Network at J.D. Power.

In places where public transportation and ride-hailing are available, combining the two can be enough to get you around town, along with the occasional rental car for adventures.

Buying a used car protects you from the immediate depreciation hit of a new car, which loses almost a third of its value in the first year, according to Consumer Reports .

The average age of a passenger car on the road in 2015 hit a record 11.5 years, research firm IHS Automotive reported last year, due in part to cars' increasing reliability.

In most cases, good credit will get you a lower interest rate, potentially as much as several percentage points lower, a lower monthly payment and a shorter loan term.

Keep your credit score in top shape by paying your bills on time, maintaining low credit card balances, and avoiding applying for additional lines of credit in the months before you get a car loan.

If your bank offers you an interest rate of 3.9 percent, for instance, the dealer will likely try to offer you a lower rate, Bennett says.

Compare auto insurance rates and look for discounts, including going to traffic school to remove points from your license, which lead to higher monthly premiums.

Use an app like GasBuddy to compare gas prices on your route, and consider using a credit card that gets you cash back on gas purchases.