- The prices car dealers pay for used cars remained steady in August
- Wholesale prices tend to guide retail prices, but this year, the story is complicated
The prices car dealers pay for used cars at auction stayed essentially flat in August despite tumultuous economic news. What dealers pay often controls what shoppers pay, so steady prices are good news.
The numbers come from Kelley Blue Book’s parent company, Cox Automotive, which also owns used car auction giant Manheim. The company’s Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index tracks the prices dealers pay. It did not change from July to August.
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Wholesale prices tend to become retail prices after about six to eight weeks, so a lack of change could presage stability this fall.
Please note the word “could” in that sentence. Car pricing is unusually fluid this year as buyers and sellers react to economy-wide inflation and sizeable new car tariffs. When new car prices rise, used car prices tend to follow.
New car prices have stayed surprisingly stable through the first six months of the new tariff regime, but that might not remain true for much longer. Automakers and dealerships have absorbed much of the cost of the new tariffs themselves, but warn that they can’t do that forever.
While tariff policy was in flux, they tended to offset the cost. But the White House has recently announced long-term trade deals with several major car-producing countries, locking in higher tariffs indefinitely.
Behind the scenes, industry insiders say price increases are inevitable now that tariff policy looks long term. As new 2026 models arrive on dealer lots, we’re starting to see some price increases.
So, while steady auction prices are good news for buyers, they’re not a guarantee that used car prices won’t start creeping up as the weather turns cold.
