The information predicts that automotive costs may very well be risky by a lot of 2025, however the precise pattern in automotive costs has been good for buyers in current weeks. The value of the typical used automotive dropped in January and is more likely to fall additional quickly.
We monitor future used automotive costs partially by watching the costs that sellers pay for used automobiles at public sale. A shift in these wholesale costs tends to develop into a shift in retail costs after about six to eight weeks.
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That information comes from Kelley Blue E-book’s guardian firm, Cox Automotive, which additionally owns automotive public sale large Manheim — the place automotive sellers go to purchase used automobiles they later promote. Manheim’s Used Car Worth Index now sits 0.1% decrease than it did a 12 months in the past.
The tiny tick down is information as a result of Individuals have began receiving their 2025 tax returns, which generally kicks off a surge in used automotive procuring.
“Tax refund season drives the ‘spring bounce’ in wholesale markets, and it seems to have began off a bit slower this 12 months, earlier than ramping up on the finish of February. The retail provide of used items is tighter than it was presently final 12 months,” says Cox Automotive Senior Director of Financial and Business Insights Jeremy Robb.
Used compact automotive costs declined probably the most final month, falling 4.8% in comparison with 2024 numbers. Pre-owned midsize automobiles had been a very good worth, too, falling 3.5%. Used luxurious automotive costs elevated 1.2% throughout the month.