Used-Vehicle Inventory Increases as Tax Season Revs Up

According to the Cox Automotive analysis of vAuto Live Market View data, used-vehicle inventory levels increased from January to the start of February. Still, used-vehicle inventory was lower than in early February 2024.

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As February opened and tax season got underway, the total supply of used vehicles on U.S. dealer lots – franchised and independent – was at 2.23 million units, up from the 2.22 million units at the start of January but down 3% from a year ago.

The retail used-vehicle sales pace increased month over month in the most recent 30-day period. Used retail sales of 1.41 million vehicles during January were up 5% compared to the 1.34 million reported in December. Used retail vehicle sales usually rise this time of year. Although this year’s sales percentage increase exceeds last year’s, it is still below previous years.

USED-VEHICLE INVENTORY VOLUME AND DAYS’ SUPPLY

The Cox Automotive days’ supply is based on the estimated daily retail sales rate for the most recent 30-day period. Used-vehicle days’ supply was 48 at the beginning of February, down two days from the beginning of January and down five days compared to last year. Used days’ supply remains tight and is down nearly two days compared to 2019 levels but is above what we saw in 2021 when there was a significant used-vehicle shortage.

The average used-vehicle listing price was $25,128, down from the revised $25,780 at the start of January and now down 2% from a year earlier. Used-vehicle listing prices typically decline in the first month of the year, with this year’s decline being slightly smaller than what we have seen in the previous two years. Retail used-vehicle listing prices were consistently lower in 2024 compared to 2023 levels, and that trend has continued in early 2025, where retail used-vehicle listing prices were below what we saw last year.

AVERAGE USED-VEHICLE LISTING PRICE

Average used-vehicle listing price in January is 2% lower year over year and declined each week in January

Affordability remains challenging for consumers, and supply is more constrained at lower price points. Used cars below $15,000 continue to show low availability, with only 35 days’ supply, nine days lower than the same time last year and 11 days below the overall industry average. The top five sellers of the month were listed at an average price of $23,516, about 6% below the average listing price for all vehicles sold. Once again, Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda and Nissan were the top-selling brands, accounting for 51% of all used vehicles sold.