A recent consumer survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Ally Financial showed the potential for buyers arriving at the dealership with a savings account containing enough money to make a down payment high enough to satisfy finance company underwriting demands isn’t too strong.

The survey showed only half of Americans set financial goals as part of their saving strategy, and 33 percent are not saving money for the future at all.

According to the project results, only 22 percent of Americans feel they are saving the right amount for their future, and 45 percent say they would like to be saving more.

And while 83 percent of Americans have financial goals they are planning toward, only 51 percent say they have set and achieved a long-term financial goal. Notably, their greatest challenge when planning for their financial future is sticking with a plan and staying motivated to achieve their goals (29 percent).

The top goals Americans are saving for include retirement (42 percent), an emergency fund (37 percent) and leisure savings, such as a vacation or personal purchase (37 percent).

Leisure savings was the top goal for America's youngest and oldest savers — the millennial group and those age 65 and older. For generation X and the baby boomers, retirement was the top goal.

This April, in connection with Financial Literacy Month, Ally is encouraging consumers to “get wise” by sharing tips and resources based on its Wallet Wise financial literacy program, which helps teach the basics of budgeting and credit, banking and investing and financing a vehicle.

"This April, Ally is encouraging consumers to take control of their finances with tips and simple strategies designed to help them save for the future," said Gina Proia, chief communications officer and head of Ally Corporate Citizenship. "Ally’s Get Wise helps teach consumers the important financial basics that can put them on a path for success."