Retail used-vehicle sales increased month over month in August, in line with typical seasonal gains, while inventory edged lower, according to Cox Automotive’s analysis of vAuto Live Market View data. Used-vehicle average listing prices increased to $27,239, 7% above a year ago, despite a month that typically brings flat to slightly lower prices.
2.13M
Total Inventory
44
Days’ Supply
$27,239
Average Listing Price
Inventory Edges Lower but Holds Above Year-Ago Levels
Combined franchised and independent auto dealers had 2.13 million used vehicles on their lots in August, up 1.3% year over year but down 1.1% from July. Supply remains modestly above year-ago levels but below 2023 and 2024 volumes for the month, and well short of the roughly 2.42 million on dealer lots in August 2022.
Used-Vehicle Inventory Volume
Used-Vehicle Sales Rise in Line With Seasonal Expectations
The retail used-vehicle sales pace declined 3.2% year over year in August but increased 3.9% from July. Total retail used sales volume is estimated at 1.50 million. The month-over-month gain was in line with typical seasonal patterns, as the sales pace normally steps up from July to August.
Used-Vehicle Retail Sales
The retail used-vehicle market continues to perform well under pressure, with sales running slightly below last year’s pace. Used vehicles’ relative value compared with new models is helping support demand. Credit access also improved in August, even as borrowing costs rose, according to the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index. Deal structures have grown more complicated, but so far, consumers are doing what it takes to get into their next vehicle.
Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda and Nissan remained the top-selling used-vehicle brands in August, unchanged from July and collectively accounting for roughly half of all retail used-vehicle sales.
Days’ Supply Tightens as Sales Outpace Inventory
Days’ supply, based on the estimated daily retail sales pace for the most recent month, was 44 in August, up two days year over year and down from a revised 46 in July. Inventory declined 1.1% month over month while the sales pace rose 3.9%, tightening days’ supply by two days. That decline was consistent with the typical July-to-August pattern.
Used-Vehicle Inventory Days’ Supply
Used-Vehicle Prices Reach Highest Level Since 2022
The average used-vehicle listing price was $27,239 in August, up 7% from a year earlier and up 0.9% from the revised $26,999 recorded in July. August marked the highest monthly average listing price since December 2022 and the second month of 2026 above $27,000, following June’s revised $27,010, with the revised July figure finishing just below that threshold. The increase ran counter to the usual pattern for the month, as August listing prices have typically held flat or eased from July.
Average Used-Vehicle Listing Price
Affordable Used Vehicles Remain in Short Supply
Affordable used-vehicle options remain limited. Used vehicles priced below $15,000 had only 29 days’ supply, 15 days below the industry average. Supply in that price band fell 25.9% year over year and now accounts for 15.1% of all used-vehicle inventory, down from 20.6% a year ago.
Availability of lower-priced used vehicle has been a concern for auto dealers recently, a theme that was clearly seen in the Q3 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index.
Certified Pre-Owned Sales Rise From July
Certified pre-owned (CPO) sales were down 5.4% year over year in August but increased 2.3% from July, according to data reviewed by Cox Automotive. August CPO sales are estimated at 227,432, up from 222,400 in July. CPO share of total used-vehicle retail sales was 15.2% in August, down from a revised 15.4% in July.
