According to Cox Automotive’s analysis of vAuto Live Market View data, used-vehicle inventory levels at the start of January were unchanged from December but were higher than in early January 2025.
2.20M
Total Inventory
as of Jan. 1, 2026
49
Days’ Supply
$26,043
Average Listing Price
Nationwide, dealers – both franchised and independent – had a total supply of 2.20 million used vehicles on their lots at the beginning of January. That figure is 5% higher than the same time last year but flat compared to the revised 2.20 million in early December.
USED-VEHICLE INVENTORY VOLUME
The retail used-vehicle sales pace remains strong, up 2.9% compared to the previous year and up 2.0% month over month in the most recent 30-day period. Used retail sales reached 1.34 million vehicles in December, up from the 1.32 million reported in November. The 2025 used-vehicle market’s stronger-than-expected performance continued through December, with unusual growth in a month typically seeing declining sales. This performance was most likely driven by consumers viewing it as a favorable purchasing window, with improving credit conditions and the used market’s affordability advantage over new vehicles.
The Cox Automotive days’ supply is based on the estimated daily retail sales rate for the most recent 30-day period. Used vehicles had 49 days’ supply at the start of January, down one day from the upwardly revised level at the beginning of December but up one day compared to the same time last year. Supply remains constrained compared to recent years and is down more than 10 days compared to the same time in 2019.
USED-VEHICLE INVENTORY DAYS’ SUPPLY
Used-vehicle retail prices increased in the most recent measure. The average used-vehicle listing price was $26,043, up about 1% compared to the levels observed a year earlier and up 1% from the revised $25,792 at the beginning of December.
AVERAGE USED-VEHICLE LISTING PRICE
Price-conscious buyers have limited options for affordable used vehicles. Used cars priced below $15,000 continue to have low availability, with only 38 days’ supply, which is 11 days below the overall industry average. The top five sellers of the month were listed at an average price of $24,049, nearly 8% below the average listing price for all used vehicles sold. Once again, Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda and Nissan were the top-selling brands, accounting for 50% of all used vehicles sold.
