Retail Used-Vehicle Sales Mixed: April Down Month Over Month, Up 12% Year Over Year

According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in April¹ decreased month over month compared to March. 

A total of 1.57 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during April, down 3.6% month over month and up 11.6% year over year. Days’ supply of used vehicles in the most recent report was 43, two days higher than the upwardly revised level at the beginning of April

Monthly Used-Vehicle Retail Sales Volume

Scott Vanner, manager of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive, noted: “As the effects of the ‘spring bounce’ and initial pull ahead from tariffs diminished, sales saw a decrease in April. However, sales remain significantly higher than in recent years and are 12% higher compared to the previous year.”

The retail used-vehicle sales estimates are based on observed unit changes tracked by vAuto, a Cox Automotive brand specializing in inventory management. The vAuto Live Market View database provides guidance on sales pace and volume over time. Full-year sales volume, based on registrations and other sources, is updated annually.

CPO Sales Down in April After Robust March

Certified pre-owned (CPO) sales decreased 5.9% month over month in April, according to data reviewed by Cox Automotive. CPO sales in April were up 11% year over year. Even with the month-over-month decrease, CPO sales were strong. April’s CPO sales are estimated at 232,267, down from the robust 246,803 in March. Year-to-date, CPO sales are running nearly 4% higher than the same period last year.

¹The estimated monthly retail used-vehicle sales number is based on vAuto Live Market View data from the most recent 30-day period. This change aligns the sales data in the monthly estimated sales report with the monthly inventory report. The historical data in the downloadable file has been updated to reflect comparable 30-day sales data.