Data Point
Retail Used-Vehicle Sales Jump in February, Up 16% Month Over Month
Friday March 14, 2025
According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in February1 increased month over month compared to January.
A total of 1.57 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during February, up 6% year over year. Days’ supply of used vehicles at the beginning of March was 42, down eight days from the beginning of February and down three days compared to last year.
Scott Vanner, senior analyst of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive, noted: “While the used-vehicle sales pace typically increases from January to February with the influx of tax refunds, this year’s 16% increase is the largest jump seen in recent years.”
Monthly Used-Vehicle Retail Sales Volume
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 Increased Month Over Month in February
Both retail used-vehicle sales and certified pre-owned (CPO) sales increased month over month in February, according to data reviewed by Cox Automotive. February’s CPO sales are estimated at 203,663, up from 203,071 in January, marking a 0.3% increase. Volume rose just below 600 units last month but fell over 7,000 units from last year. CPO sales in February were down 3.4% year over year.
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.