AUTO LOANS LOOSER: It’s easier for car buyers with all kinds of credit to obtain loans. Average credit scores for new and used buyers are close to pre-recession levels after peaking in 2010.

WHY IT’S HAPPENING: Low interest rates make it easier for banks to get money. They’re willing to risk subprime buyers because they can charge higher interest rates. The average rate on a new car loan is 3.2 percent for a person with the highest credit rating and 12.9 percent for someone with the lowest.