Wholesale Used Car Prices Hit Plateau in August

Wholesale used-vehicle prices soared back this summer after dropping in April following the start of the pandemic.

However, signs of this price increase slowing down are starting to appear.

Pre-COVID levels (Benchmark)

  • Retail used-vehicle prices up 7%
  • Wholesale auction prices up 15%

April 1st through August 1st (Partial Recovery)

  • Retail used-vehicle prices up 8%
  • Wholesale auction prices up 35%

Prices August 1st through Sept 1st (Plateau) 

  • Retail used-vehicle prices up 0.4%
  • Wholesale auction prices down 0.7%

August 2020 Vehicle Day-Supply:

August retail day-supply was at 38 days, <6> below the 44-day norm.

August wholesale day-supply was “normal” at 24 days.