Retail Used-Vehicle Sales Flat in December, Up 12% Year Over Year

According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in December¹ were flat month over month compared to November. 

A total of 1.4 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during December, up 12% year over year. Days’ supply of used vehicles at the beginning of January was 48, up one day from the beginning of December.

Monthly Used-Vehicle Retail Sales Volume

“December usually sees a drop in used-vehicle retail sales, but this year they showed a stronger seasonal trend and were significantly higher than last year,” said Scott Vanner, senior analyst of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. “December marked the second month of double-digit year-over-year sales growth, capping off a positive year for used-vehicle sales.”

The retail used-vehicle sales estimates are based on observed unit changes tracked by vAuto, a Cox Automotive brand specializing in inventory management.

CPO Sales Increase Month Over Month in December

Sales of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles increased month over month in December, according to data reviewed by Cox Automotive. However, CPO sales in December were down 4.9% year over year. In addition to having one fewer selling day, this decrease is likely due to the lack of supply of off-lease and trade-in units. December’s CPO sales are estimated at 216,955, up from 208,708 in November, marking a 4.0% increase.

Used Market Forecast and Outlook for 2025

Cox Automotive is forecasting retail used-vehicle sales in 2025 to reach 20.1 million, an increase of approximately 1.2% compared to 2024. Sales growth is expected to remain muted, as retail and wholesale supply will continue to be constrained in the coming year due to lower production during the pandemic and fewer lease maturities returning to the market.

For 2025, Cox Automotive forecasts growth in every sales metric except certified pre-owned sales. CPO sales are anticipated to drop by 1.6% in 2025 to 2.5 million due to fewer lease maturities.

¹Beginning in Q4 2024, the 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. Previously, the estimate was based on sales reported within a calendar month.