US Used Car Prices Down for 3rd Month

The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, a widely followed gauge of wholesale used-vehicle prices in the US, fell 1.1% mom in September 2026, extending the decline for a third consecutive month. Non-EV prices were down 1.7% while EV prices edged up 0.6%. "We are in the weakest season for wholesale valuations, and as September closed, depreciation was steeper than we typically see this time of year. The first half of the year actually showed more appreciation than usual, even in the face of higher fuel prices. But with the conflict in the Middle East ongoing, diesel prices at record highs, and interest rates climbing rapidly - increasingly worrying both businesses and consumers - wholesale prices have felt the sting" according to Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist, Cox Automotive. Year-on-year, used-vehicle prices fell 0.6%, the first decline since March 2025. Strength among EVs and Compact Cars was more than offset by Midsize Cars, Pickups and SUVs that continue to trend down.

The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, a widely followed gauge of wholesale used-vehicle prices in the US, fell 0.9% month-on-month in August 2026, marking a second consecutive monthly decline. On a yearly basis, price growth slowed to 0.4%, the weakest pace since December 2025, as resilience in EV and compact-car prices was offset by continued declines in pickups and SUVs. Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb said depreciation was stronger in July and early August before easing toward the end of the month. While younger vehicle cohorts saw greater depreciation, older and more affordable cars held up better, with nine- and 10-year-old vehicles remaining about six percentage points above their long-term averages, underscoring steady demand for affordable used cars. Used retail sales continued to strengthen through August, while retail days’ supply fell to 44 days from 46 at the end of July. Stronger demand and tighter supply continued to support dealer purchases from Manheim.

The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, a widely followed measure of wholesale used-vehicle prices in the US market, decreased 1.4% month-over-month in July 2026, the first decline in three months, after edging up 0.1% in June. EV prices decreased 2.1% and non-EV were down 1.1%. Year-on-year, used-vehicle prices increased 1.3%, the smallest annual gain so far this year, led by rises in EVs (10.5%) and compact cars (4.1%). Prices also increased slightly for non-EVs (0.4%) and luxury (0.8%). In contrast, decreases were seen for pickups (-2.3%), SUVs (-1.7%) and midsize cars (-1.4%). “Wholesale values kept normalizing through July, continuing the pattern since the spring bounce peaked in March", according to Jonathan Gregory, Senior Director, Cox Automotive. "Gas prices reversed course and moved higher again as July went on, after briefly easing in June. That’s kept demand for used EVs firm even as the broader market cools", he added.