Americas love affair with pickup trucks continues

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The Ford F-150 remains Americas best-selling used vehicle, but its dominance is slowly shrinking as SUVs and midsize trucks gain ground.

• Full-size pickups still rule the used market nationally, yet the Chevrolet Equinox has emerged as the most popular non-truck used vehicle.

• Electric vehicles are becoming a bigger part of the used market, led by the Tesla Model 3 as the top-selling used EV.

If youre shopping for a used car at the start of 2026, chances are youre looking at the same models millions of other buyers prefer. According to a new iSeeCars study analyzing more than 9 million used vehicle sales from the 20202025 model years, Americas used-car tastes remain remarkably stable though subtle cracks are beginning to show in long-standing trends.

At the top of the list is a familiar name. The Ford F-150 continues its decades-long run as the best-selling used vehicle in the U.S., followed closely by the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500. Together, these three full-size pickups once again dominate the used market.

But while trucks still reign, their grip is loosening.

If you like stability in your rankings, 2025s list of most popular used cars will make you happy, said Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars. The rankings show minimal variations from 2024, though the dominance of full-size trucks is shrinking.

Trucks still lead, but SUVs are catching up

The big three pickups hold the top spots nationally, but the Chevrolet Equinox has solidified its position as the best-selling used vehicle that isnt a truck, ranking fourth overall. Compact SUVs like the Equinox and Nissan Rogue are benefiting from a sweet spot of practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability qualities that matter more as vehicle prices remain high.

In fact, SUVs now challenge trucks in many regions, especially urban areas where maneuverability and parking matter more than towing capacity.

One of the biggest surprises in the 2025 rankings is the Chevrolet Malibu, which jumped 21 spots to become the eighth most popular used vehicle in America. The surge likely reflects thousands of Malibus entering the used market after Chevrolet cancelled the model and rental fleets sold off their inventory.

Sedans may no longer dominate new-car showrooms, but models like the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Malibu still attract loyal used-car buyers looking for lower prices and better fuel economy.

Used EVs are gaining momentum

Electric vehicles are also carving out a bigger share of the used market, even as automakers report big losses from the sector. The Tesla Model 3 is the clear leader, accounting for nearly one in five used EV sales, even though it doesnt crack the overall top 20 list of used vehicles.

Other EVs are gaining traction as well, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4, as more vehicles come off lease and enter the used market.

What this means for used car shoppers

For consumers, the takeaway is encouraging. A steady used-car market means predictable pricing and plenty of inventory, especially for popular trucks and SUVs.

At the same time, growing competition from SUVs, midsize trucks, and EVs gives buyers more choices than ever.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, iSeeCars said it expects used-car demand to remain strong as new-vehicle prices stay high.

The president wants the government to buy more mortgage-backed securities

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• President Trump is proposing a federal initiative to purchase mortgage-backed securities as a way to push down long-term mortgage rates.

• The plan would expand the governments role in housing finance, reviving a strategy used during past economic downturns.

• Supporters say lower rates could jump-start the housing market, while critics warn of financial and political risks.

President Trump has offered a proposal aimed at easing the strain of high mortgage rates by having the federal government purchase large quantities of mortgage-backed securities, a move designed to drive borrowing costs lower for homebuyers.

Under the plan, federal agencies would step into financial markets as major buyers of securities backed by residential mortgages. By increasing demand for those securities, the administration believes yields would fall, translating into lower interest rates on 30-year and 15-year home loans offered to consumers.

Homeownership has become too expensive for too many Americans, Trump said in remarks to reporters. If we can bring mortgage rates down, we can unlock the housing market and get families back into homes.

Mortgage-backed security purchases are not without precedent. During the 2008 financial crisis and again in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve used similar tools to stabilize housing markets and encourage lending. Trumps proposal, however, would place renewed emphasis on the policy as a direct response to persistently high borrowing costs.

Low rates led to higher home prices

Unusually low mortgage rates during the early stages of the pandemic led to escalating home prices, which in most cases have not retreated. Meanwhile, mortgage rates have returned to normal.

Freddie Mac reports its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.16% this week, about the same as the week before.

In the first full week of the new year, mortgage rates remained within a narrow range, hovering close to the 6% mark, said Sam Khater, Freddie Macs chief economist. The combination of solid economic growth and lower rates has led to improving momentum in for-sale residential demand, with purchase applications up over 20% from a year ago.

Ripple effect

But Trump says rates are still high at todays home prices and administration officials argue that lower mortgage rates could have a ripple effect across the economy, boosting home sales, construction activity, and consumer confidence. Housing affordability has deteriorated in recent years as elevated interest rates combined with limited inventory to push monthly payments higher.

Still, the idea is already drawing criticism. Some economists warn that large-scale government purchases of mortgage-backed securities could distort markets, increase federal exposure to housing risk, or complicate the Federal Reserves efforts to control inflation. Others question whether the plan would meaningfully lower rates without reigniting price pressures in an already tight housing market.

Congressional reaction has been mixed. Lawmakers from high-cost housing states expressed interest in the proposal, while fiscal conservatives raised concerns about expanding the governments footprint in financial markets.

Baby equipment, kids' toys, bed rails, dressers in this week's recall roundup

Joyful Journeys baby lounger recall for infant safety risks

Parents should stop using these baby loungers and request a refund due to serious safety violations.

• Baby loungers pose entrapment and fall hazards violating infant sleep product standards

• About 9,300 units sold in multiple styles from December 2023 to October 2025

• Consumers should immediately stop use and request a refund

Joyful Journeys baby loungers are being recalled due to serious risks of entrapment and falls, which violate federal infant sleep product safety standards. The recall affects about 9,300 units sold online in various colors and styles, including green avocado, blue dinosaur and more.

The hazard

The loungers' sides are too low to contain infants and openings at the foot exceed allowed width, posing a risk of entrapment or falls. The loungers also lack a required stand, increasing the risk of falls if used on elevated surfaces. These deficiencies create an unsafe sleeping environment that could lead to serious injury or death.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled baby loungers and contact Joyful Journeys for a refund.

Company contact

Joyful Journeys at email: joyfuljourneysrecalls@myjoyfuljourneys.com or online at https://myjoyfuljourneys.com and click Recall at the bottom of the page for more information.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

PNW Components recalls 1,200 bike pedals for crash hazard

Cyclists should stop using Loam Pedal Gen 2 due to axle cracking and get free replacements.

• Pedal axles can crack and detach, creating a fall risk

• 1,200 Loam Pedal Gen 2 units affected, sold JuneNovember 2025

• Riders should stop using pedals and request free replacements

PNW Components is recalling 1,200 Loam Pedal Gen 2 aluminum alloy bicycle pedals after reports of axle cracking and pedal detachment. The affected pedals have the Tectonic logo and were sold in several colors at bike dealers and online retailers.

The hazard

The pedal axle can crack, causing the pedal to detach from the crank and increasing the risk of a fall and possible injury. Four incidents of axle failure have been reported, but no injuries.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled pedals immediately and contact PNW Components for a free replacement.

Company contact

PNW Components, Inc. at 833-902-3381 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at info@pnwcomponents.com or online at https://www.pnwcomponents.com/pages/voluntary-recall-loam-pedal-gen-2 or www.pnwcomponents.com and click the Recall link in the footer.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Isla Rae charger recall for thousands over fire risk

Shoppers at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls should stop using these wireless chargers and get a refund.

• Chargers can explode and cause fire or burn hazards

• About 13,200 units affected, sold nationwide June 2024November 2025

• Consumers should stop use immediately and request a refund

Isla Rae brand magnetic wireless chargers, sold at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, are being recalled due to a risk of explosion leading to fire and burn hazards. About 13,200 units in the U.S. and an additional 7,000 in Canada are included in the recall.

The hazard

The chargers can explode while in use, posing significant fire and burn dangers. No injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using these wireless chargers and contact the retailer for a refund.

Company contact

TJX toll-free at 888-256-1564 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, by email to powerbank@realtimeresults.net, or online at https://www.recallrtr.com/powerbank for more information. Marshalls: https://m.marshalls.com/us/m/jump/topic/Product-Recalls/2400019 or Marshalls.com ("Product Recalls" link). T.J. Maxx: https://m.tjmaxx.tjx.com/m/jump/topic/product-recalls/2400019 or TJmaxx.com ("Product Recalls" link).

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Kori Gey water toy kit recall for deadly battery hazard

Parents should stop using these toy kits due to button cell battery ingestion risk and request a refund.

• Battery compartment allows child access, risking serious injury or death

• 2,240 toy kits sold on Amazon from March to July 2025

• Stop use and contact Qaniy for a refund

Qaniy is recalling Kori Gey-branded water elf toy kits due to a deadly risk of battery ingestion. The toys LED light uses a button cell battery that can be easily accessed by children.

The hazard

The battery compartment in the toy violates mandatory standards, allowing children to access and swallow button cell batteries. Ingested batteries can cause severe internal injuries, chemical burns or be fatal.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toy kits and contact Qaniy for a refund.

Company contact

Qaniy by email at changshaaoyuan@outlook.com

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Findriver and Weeksome recall pounding toys for magnet hazard

Parents should stop use and request a refund due to dangerous magnets that can detach and be swallowed.

• Magnets can detach and pose life-threatening ingestion hazard to children

• About 3,500 Lterfear Multifunction Pounding Game units sold JuneSeptember 2025

• Immediate stop-use and refund recommended

Shenzhen Haichuan International Travel Service Co., Ltd., dba Findriver and Weeksome, is recalling the Lterfear Multifunction Pounding Game sold on Amazon. Small, high-powered magnets in the toy can detach and be swallowed by children.

The hazard

Detached magnets can cause serious injuries, intestinal blockages, blood poisoning or even death if swallowed, especially if multiple magnets attract inside the digestive tract.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pounding toys and email for a refund.

Company contact

Email at Findriverpoundingtoysrecall@outlook.com.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

YOLAAH bed rail recall for adult entrapment risk

Consumers should stop using these bed rails and contact YOLAAH for a refund due to asphyxiation hazard.

• Bed rails can trap users, risking serious injury or death by asphyxiation

• About 14,250 YOLAAH BR-01 bed rails sold SeptemberOctober 2025

• Stop use immediately and request a refund

Guangzhou Aowei Technology Co., Ltd. is recalling YOLAAH BR-01 bed rails for violating safety standards. Improper design can lead to deadly entrapment and the rails lack required warning labels.

The hazard

When attached to a bed, users can become trapped within the bed rail or between the rail and mattress, risking suffocation. No injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the bed rails immediately and contact the company for a refund.

Company contact

Email YOLAAH at yolaahproductrecall@outlook.com.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Vasicar dresser recall due to tip-over danger

Owners of Vasicar 18-drawer dressers should stop use and request a refund due to tip-over risks.

• Dressers can tip over if not anchored, posing serious injury or death risk to children

• About 4,155 units sold on Amazon from September to November 2025

• Consumers should stop use and contact Vasicar for a refund

Shanghai Jingtin Technology Co., Ltd., dba Vasicar, is recalling 18-drawer dressers that fail to meet safety standards and may tip over if not secured. The recall covers about 4,155 dressers sold online.

The hazard

The dressers are unstable and pose a risk of tip-over and entrapment, which can cause serious injury or death to children. The product does not comply with the STURDY Act requirements.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the dresser and contact Vasicar for a refund.

Company contact

Vasicar via email at vasicarus2025@outlook.com.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Sangohe bed rail recall for adult entrapment and asphyxiation risk

Owners should stop using Sangohe bed rails and request a refund due to deadly entrapment danger.

• Bed rails can entrap users, posing risk of asphyxiation or death

• About 26,200 units sold online from August 2023 to October 2025

• Stop use immediately and contact Sangohe for refund instructions

Zhongshan Biankang Medical Equipment Co., Ltd., dba Sangohe, is recalling its adult portable bed rails due to violations of federal safety standards. The rails may entrap users, risking suffocation or death, and lack required warning labels.

The hazard

The recalled bed rails can trap users between the rail and mattress, creating a deadly asphyxiation hazard. No injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the Sangohe bed rails immediately and contact the company for a refund.

Company contact

Sangohe by email at SGHproductrecall@163.com, or online at https://commodechair.com/ and click Recall at the top of the page for more information.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Rattan dresser recall for tipping and entrapment risk

Stop using Rattan 6-drawer dressers and request a refund due to child safety hazards.

• Dressers can tip over if not anchored, risking serious injury or death

• About 870 model YD001 dressers sold on Amazon SeptemberNovember 2025

• Consumers should stop use and contact Rattan for a refund

Fuzhou Sunrise Creation Corporation Co., Ltd. is recalling Rattan 6-drawer dressers due to a tip-over and entrapment hazard. The products fail to meet the STURDY Acts safety requirements.

The hazard

The recalled dressers are unstable and can tip over if not anchored, posing a serious risk of injury or death to children.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the dresser and contact Rattan for a refund.

Company contact

Email Rattan at FUQARHYrecall@outlook.com.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Good Bernie bed rails warning for deadly entrapment risk

Consumers must immediately stop using Good Bernie bed rails due to asphyxiation dangers and dispose of the product.

• Bed rails violate safety standards and pose life-threatening entrapment hazard

• About 5,115 products sold online from November 2023 to November 2025

• Stop use immediately, dispose of rails, and do not resell

CPSC is warning consumers about the serious dangers posed by Good Bernie Bed Rails. The portable rails do not meet federal safety standards and can cause deadly entrapment and asphyxiation.

The hazard

If attached to a bed, users can become trapped within the bed rail or between the rail and the mattress. This poses a risk of suffocation or death.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the bed rails immediately, dispose of them, and avoid selling or giving them away.

Company contact

Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

The easy savings hiding behind your .edu email

• Verify once, save everywhere. A quick signup with a student verification service unlocks discounts across retail, tech, food, travel, and streaming.

• Focus on everyday spending. Subscriptions, software, transit, and dining discounts add up faster than one-off purchases.

• Never skip the ask. Re-verify yearly, use your .edu email, stack with sales, and always askmany discounts arent advertised.

With most college and high school students returning this week after their Christmas break, it had me thinking about ways to help them save money this semester.

With unending tuition hikes, textbookcosts, and rising food bills, every dollar definitely counts for students. Luckily, hundreds of companies offer student discounts on everything from tech and streaming to fashion, food, travel, and softwareyou just have to know where to look.

Student discount verification services: how they work

Before we dig into the saving thats available, youre going to need to prove youre a student.

Here are the key student verification services that the majority of retailers and companies use that you need to familiarize yourself with:

1. UNiDAYS

• UNiDAYS is free service that verifies students online with a university email or student ID. Sometimes theyll ask for a transcript or letter from the school with official letterhead.
• They work with hundreds of brands including fashion, tech, and entertainment.
• You just open an account first, then shop with specific discount codes or app-based offers for students only.

2. Student Beans

• Similar to UNiDAYS, Student Beans focuses on aggregating student deals.
• Available both online and as an app.
• Requires .edu or other valid student info.

3. ID.me

• ID.me is a broader identity verification platform used by Amazon, Lenovo, Verizon, and more.
• You typically sign in, verify via school email, then unlock the deals.

4. SheerID

• Another verification provider is SheerID and it has student deals for select brands like Spotify, Amazon, and Groupon.
• Like all the other, it requires proof of enrollment.

5. Your .edu Email & School ID

• Many retailers accept a valid .edu email address or on-campus ID as proof of student status.
• Even places that dont advertise discounts may apply savings if you politely ask in person. So, get in the frugal habit of ALWAYS asking about a possible student discount.

Its also worth noting that there are international options available such as the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which unlocks global travel and cultural discounts for students abroad.

Pro tip: Be sure to always verify before checkout. Many websites will give discounted pricing only after student status is confirmed.

Top student discounts to use this semester

Here are the best deals for students in 2026, organized by category:

Fashion & retail discounts

• Adidas 30% off full-priced items via UNiDAYS
• American Eagle 20% off online only (UNiDAYS)
• ASOS 10% off for students until graduation
• Levis 10% discount for students via SheerID
• Lululemon Initial 15% discount when you validate via Student Beans
• J.Crew 15% student discount that can be used 4x per month
• H&M 10% student discount via Student Beans
• Nike 10% discount for those 16 or older (SheerID)
• Skechers 10% student discount via ID.me
• Sams Club College students can get a new Club membership for 60% off -OR- $50 off a Plus membership.
• Target Every year in July, Target offers a 20% discount to students that lasts a couple months. The discount can only be used once during that time period and you have to re-verify every year.
• Urban Outfitters 15% discount via Student Beans

Tech & Software Savings

• Amazon Prime Student If youre 18-24 years old OR a student, youll get a 6-month Prime free trial then youll only $7.49/month for Prime after that.
• Apple Education Store Reduced pricing on Macs, iPads & accessories for college students.
• Microsoft 365 Education Free or deeply discounted MS Office.
• Adobe Creative Cloud Students save 64% on Creative Cloud Pro.
• Best Buy They have a Student Hub site that offers good deals on electronics and computers for students.
• Lenovo Save 5% sitewide on Lenovo products.

Streaming & Digital Subscriptions

• Spotify Premium Student + Hulu bundle Get it for just $5.99/month
• Hulu (Student) Pay just $1.99/month
• Apple Music + Apple TV+ Get 1 free month then just $5.99/month
• Paramount+ Student Plan 50% off via SheerID
• HBO Max (Max with Ads) Pay only $5.49/month via UNiDAYS
• Peacock Student Pay just $5.99/month and get Peacock Premium via SheerID
• New York Times Student Rate Via Student Beans you can NYT digital news for only $1 per week.
• WSJ Student Subscription Students pay only $4/month as long as youre a student.
• YouTube Premium Student Get the service for just $7.99/month after a 1-month free trial. Cancel anytime.

Food & Dining

• Chipotle Via Chipotle U, students can earn rewards for free food and free add-ons.
• McDonalds Some locations have a student discount, be sure to ask.
• Buffalo Wild Wings Student often get a 10% discount, varies by location.
• Dunkin Occasionally student deals near campuses.
• Subway Many local franchises offer students a 1015% discount. Always ask.

Travel & Transportation

• Amtrak Student Fare Students between the ages of 17-24 score a 15% discount on all train fares.
• Zipcar Student Membership Lower monthly fees and reduced rates.
• Local Transit Discounts Must bus and subway services offers savings if you present your college ID.

Movies

• AMC Theaters They offer everyday special student pricing. Just bring your student ID to the box office and save.
• Cinemark They also offer student discounts, check this page and enter your zip code to find discounts in your area.
• Regal Theaters Check their student discounts page to find offers at theaters in your area.

Tips to maximize your student discounts

• Verify annually. Most student discount platforms require yearly re-verification.
• Use your school email. If you have a valid .edu address youll unlock more deals.
• Stack deals where possible. Combine student discounts with sales and cashback offers to double dip your savings.
• Ask locally. Many small businesses near campuses offer unadvertised savings if you show your ID. Again, be sure to politely ask.

Keep in mind that this is just a partial list of all the student discounts that are currently available. I wanted to give you a taste of each category that offered discounts and show you how toverify your eligibility.

If youre a student, I urge you to do a Google search of STORE NAME student discount before you make any significant purchases. Youll be surprised how often youll find a 10-20% discount to help offset your costs.

A sweeping new California privacy law is giving residents unprecedented power to erase their personal data from hundreds of data brokers

• A centralized deletion system took effect January 1 under one of the nations strictest privacy laws

• Californians can now submit a single request forcing more than 500 brokers to delete and stop collecting their data

• Privacy advocates say the law could become a model for other states

Californians gained a powerful new tool this month to curb the collection and sale of their personal data, as one of the strictest privacy laws in the country officially took effect.

The law allows residents to submit a single request requiring hundreds of data brokers to delete personal information they have collected and to stop collecting it in the future, significantly lowering the barrier that previously kept most people from exercising their privacy rights.

Data brokers quietly amass vast personal profiles

According to the California Privacy Protection Agency, more than 500 data brokers actively collect personal information from a wide range of sources and package it for sale to marketers, private investigators, and other customers.

The nonprofit Consumer Watchdog has warned that these companies scrape data from automakers, technology firms, restaurants, device manufacturers, and other businesses to build detailed profiles that can include financial information, purchases, family situations, diet and exercise habits, travel patterns, and entertainment preferences.

Earlier law saw limited use due to high burden

Californias Delete Act first took effect two years ago, requiring data brokers to provide residents with access to their data and the ability to request its deletion.

But Consumer Watchdog found that only about 1 percent of Californians used those rights during the laws first year. The main obstacle was scale: residents had to submit separate deletion requests to each broker, an impractical task given the hundreds of companies involved.

New platform centralizes deletion requests

That problem is now addressed by a new law known as DROP short for Delete Request and Opt-out Platform which took effect January 1.

DROP allows California residents to submit a single deletion and opt-out request. The California Privacy Protection Agency then distributes the request to all registered data brokers on the individuals behalf.

Beginning in August, brokers will have 45 days after receiving a request to report whether they found matching records and whether the data has been deleted. If a match is found, brokers must delete all associated data, including inferred information, unless a specific legal exemption applies.

Residents must verify identity and residency

To use the system, individuals must first prove they are California residents. The platform then asks for identifying details such as names, email addresses, vehicle identification numbers, and advertising IDs tied to phones, televisions, and other devices.

While the process can take time largely due to gathering information stored across multiple devices and accounts the privacy agency says the information is used solely to locate and delete existing data held by brokers.

Privacy advocates see national implications

Supporters say the law reflects the growing risks posed by large-scale data collection, particularly as broker databases are frequently hacked or sold.

Although the law applies only to California, privacy advocates say it could influence legislation elsewhere as concerns grow over the scope and security of personal data collected by brokers.

As data breaches and data sales continue to expose sensitive personal information, Californias new system may offer a blueprint for how other states could rein in the largely opaque data-broker industry.