Retail Used-Vehicle Sales Increase in March, Up 9% Month Over Month

According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in March¹ increased month over month compared to February. 

A total of 1.66 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during March, up 9.4% month over month and 12.2% year over year. Days’ supply of used vehicles in the most recent report was 39, four days lower than the upwardly revised level at the beginning of March.

Monthly Used-Vehicle Retail Sales Volume

Scott Vanner, manager of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive, noted: “March is historically the strongest month of the year for used-vehicle retail sales. This year, the combination of tax refunds and tariff talks pushed March sales to the highest level since 2021, with a significant double-digit increase over last 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 Increase in March

Certified pre-owned (CPO) sales jumped 21.2% month over month in March, according to data reviewed by Cox Automotive. CPO sales in March were up 6.4% year over year. The increase is likely due to stronger new-vehicle sales in March, which helps lift trade-in supply. March’s CPO sales are estimated at 246,803, up from 231,927 in February.

Revised Used Market Forecast and Outlook for 2025

At the end of the first quarter, Cox Automotive revised its full-year forecasts due to the potential impacts of auto tariffs. Cox Automotive is forecasting retail used-vehicle sales in 2025 to be between 19.9 million and 20.2 million, which includes the original forecast of 20.1 million. Used-vehicle sales are expected to be more stable than new as consumers opt for used vehicles.

For 2025, Cox Automotive forecasts growth in every sales metric except certified pre-owned sales. Cox Automotive revised the CPO sales forecast from the original 2.5 million to a range between 2.4 million and 2.5 million due to fewer lease maturities, less trade-in activity and higher prices.

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.