Used Market Improves as New Holds Steady
Improved inventory buoys the former while the new-vehicle market shows balance.

The overall used-vehicle inventory is still considered 'tight,' Cox Automotive says.
IMAGE: Pexels/Sarmad Mughal
U.S. used-vehicle inventory hit a high for the year in July, when new-vehicle inventory was flat as production and sales balanced each other, Cox Automotive said.
There were 2.25 million units between franchised and independent dealers at the end of the month, up 13% month-over-month, though still down 9% year-over-year.
Used-vehicle prices and days’ supply fell in the fuller inventory environment to an average listing price of $27,028 and days supply of 45, which was still down 12% year-over-year. Cox said it’s been shifting since April in the mid- to high 40s.
The average listing price was down 4% year-over-year.
“Used-vehicle inventory has seen an improvement since March, but the overall inventory volume is still considered tight,” said Cox Senior Manager of Economic and Industry Insights Chris Frey.
“Days’ supply, at 45, is on par with levels seen in 2019, but there has been a decline over the last several weeks, owing to increased used retail sales. Usually, we’d expect days’ supply to increase through year-end, but moderating prices and surprising summer demand may keep inventory numbers down.”
Meanwhile, new-vehicle inventory ended July at 1.96 million units, down just slightly month-over-month but 71% higher year-over-year. Days’ supply stood at 56, the same as June and 39% higher year-over-year. That’s nearly at the level the industry considers normal – 60 days.
The average listing price for new models was a hair over $47,000, holding steady with the level seen since April.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry

Autos More Appealing
Consumers gave new cars better scores again this year for design, performance and more as mass-market brands kept gaining on premium lineups, JD Power found in an annual poll.
Read More →
Used EVs Defy Overall Market
While the used-car market saw three months of price declines or stagnation, the used EV segment did the opposite – rising for three straight months.
Read More →
Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →