Monitoring used car price trends has become increasingly important in today’s automotive market. Staying up-to-date with market trends is mandatory for anyone looking to buy, sell, or research a used car. By the end of 2024, used car prices had fallen by approximately 20-25% from their December 2022 levels.
The demand for the purchase of used cars peaks in the spring season, so it is pretty likely that the prices will increase, too. With the flexibility and popularity of used cars, tracking the value of vehicles on demand is key in a buyer’s journey.
What are Used Car Price Trends?
The volatility of used car price trends is an ongoing debate, significantly when the demand rises due to lower new vehicle production and demand stabilization when new vehicle production is ample. Because of this instability, vehicle buyers and used car dealership owners are unsure what to expect from used car price trends 2025.
In the first quarter of 2025, a used car was priced at an average of $25,571. Used car price trends 2025 lean more toward pricing fluctuations. Stabilization is an expected outcome, but used car prices dropping are still anticipated based on factors like supply and demand, seasonal market conditions, and a country or region’s economic conditions.
The influence of the new car market also greatly impacts used car prices. A hike in the manufacturing of new cars and the incentives that come with them can lead to decreased pressure on used car prices. In March of 2025, the average listing price of a used car rests at $25,128.
Used Car Prices that Drive the Automotive Market
As seen before, car prices are affected by several factors, like supply and demand, technology, and customer preferences. The following tables denote the vehicles that have notably impacted the market due to recent price changes based on body style and make, and used car prices dropping and rising.
Recent price changes based on vehicle type
| Vehicle Type | Average Price | Weekly Change | Monthly Change | Yearly Change |
| Convertible | $35,592 | -0.44% | -4.13% | -2.52% |
| Coupe | $37,452 | -0.43% | -3.46% | -1.15% |
| Crossover | $22,920 | +0.31% | -1.42% | -2.28% |
| Hatchback | $14,328 | +0.14% | -3.09% | -4.14% |
| Minivan | $20,742 | +0.61% | -2.33% | -1.14% |
| Pickup Truck | $33,439 | +0.58% | -1.06% | -3.38% |
| SUV | $33,374 | +0.46% | 1.52% | -2.54% |
| Sedan | $19,539 | +0.23% | -1.95% | -1.50% |
| Van | $25,841 | +1.14% | -0.64% | -8.05% |
| Wagon | $19,429 | +0.17% | -3.39% | -5.92% |
Recent price changes based on make
| Makes | Average Price | Weekly Change | Monthly Change | Yearly Change |
| Acura | $25,769 | +0.12% | -2.19% | 0% |
| Alfa Romeo | $25,368 | -0.21% | -2.04% | -8.75% |
| Aston Martin | $125,979 | -0.49% | -0.84% | +4.36% |
| Audi | $28,668 | +0.34% | -1.3% | -4.02% |
| BMW | $32,939 | -0.07% | -1.88% | +1.73% |
| Bentley | $116,633 | +0.15% | -2.51% | -3.58% |
| Buick | $18,850 | +0.3% | -1.16% | -3.43% |
| Cadillac | $33,505 | +1% | +4.29% | +1.8% |
| Chevrolet | $26,477 | +0.45% | -1.45% | -2.83% |
| Chrysler | $18,675 | +1.98% | -0.64% | -0.28% |
Thinking of Shopping for a Car? Track these Used Car Top Market Trends in 2025
Based on the future of used car market, if you’re investing in a pre-owned vehicle, focus on trends concerning prices, inventory, demand for newer models, and interest rates. Consider these upcoming used car price trends 2025 to decide on your next purchase.
1. Current Price Trends
Used car prices have been fluctuating lately, but demand remains high. This is due to lingering supply chain issues, inflation, and high demand for affordable transportation. Electric automobiles and used luxury cars have seen the most significant price drops. Prices for used vehicles are still higher than they were before the pandemic.
2. The Demand for More Compact Models
According to Chesbrough, drivers are exiting the lot in smaller versions of their ideal vehicles as they stick to their budget-conscious finance plans. According to recent reports, the volume of compact cars sold has increased. Small cars and SUVs saw reasonable growth, with an average used car price trend 2024 of $33.57. In November, the average price of standard, non-electric vehicles was slightly over $48,000.
In 2025, customers browsing a lower price point should be considered. According to recent sources, the number of new cars priced under $30,000 increased by up to 42% in November compared to last year.
3. Inventory Restrictions
Due to recent disruptions in the production of new cars, there aren’t many secondhand cars available, which keeps costs high. It’s almost like they are a treasure to come by–everyone wants them, but they are difficult to get a hold of at a reasonable price. Although inventory is increasing, prices are consecutively high due to a lack of reasonably priced, in-demand models such as trucks, SUVs, and compact sedans. Buyers can be patient and consider available models or invest in older cars for a better bargain.
4. Interest Rates
A spike in interest rates directly impacts how affordable a used car is. Tracking fluctuating interest rates can aid you in making a data-centric decision, acting as a used car buying guide. Before purchasing, you should carefully track interest rate changes and consider other financing options. According to recent statistics, interest rates for auto loans have been rising consistently.
5. Other Trends Impacting 2025’s Used Car Market
Due to the economic uncertainty associated with the used car market forecast 2025, it may open avenues for more flexible financing options and promotional offers from dealers. They may lean toward enticing buyers with targeted discounts on relatively in-demand vehicles.
What Can Used Car Shoppers Expect?
When in the market for a pre-owned vehicle, here are some factors car shoppers should consider. Following used car price trends 2024, supply and demand play a vital role in the used car market crash and flourish. Shoppers should anticipate a used car marketplace where:
1. Prices Continue to be High
It might be bad news for some or many, but significant price drops are unlikely to occur in this used car shopping term. As mentioned earlier, the going rate of a pre-owned vehicle was $25,128 in March 2025, which is subject to quick change. However, some cooling in the hiked pricing may occur.
2. Restricted Inventory Still Poses a Challenge
The supply of old cars will probably continue to be limited for the years to come. Used car price trends 2021 were such that automotive manufacturers produced approximately 8 million fewer vehicles in 2021 and 2022 than they would have otherwise, due to upheaval caused by the pandemic. Because of this hindrance in the supply chain, a significant number of vehicles will not reach the used car market, resulting in a long-term supply shortage.
3. Negotiation is Tricky
Used car dealerships have less reason to offer discounts because of high demand. Dealers are in a better position when demand exceeds supply. Dealerships know that another consumer will probably purchase a car if the first one doesn’t. This lessens the need for them to provide large discounts and, in turn, entertain negotiation requests.
How Could a Tariff Threat Raise the Price of Used Cars?
The markup on used cars can no doubt be primarily impacted by tariffs on imported automobiles or parts. Tariffs that increase the price of new vehicles will heighten the demand for old cars, raising prices.
Tariffs can also disrupt the supply chain, which would cause shortages and added price increases. For example, tariffs on imported steel would impact the entire production chain, increasing the cost of each vehicle made.
That being said, it is worth mentioning that President Trump threatened to enforce a 25% tariff on all imports to the US from Canada and Mexico. Naturally, if the tariffs are approved, they will drastically affect used car prices.
Simply put, a tariff would raise the price of each finished car that crosses a border by 25%. Adding fuel to the fire, two recent studies denoted that Trump’s enacted tariffs would raise the average price of a new car by $3000. Naturally, shoppers will gravitate towards something more affordable.
Considering the already short supply of used cars, this would lead to a sure hike in prices, putting the used car price trends 2025 right back where they were during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Older Cars: What Makes Them So Hard to Find?
According to a recent survey, in just five years, sales of cars costing $25,000 or less have decreased by 78%. Thirty-six new vehicles in the same price range were available from manufacturers six years ago. By the end of 2023, that figure had dropped to only 10. According to the OEMs’ plans, most of those 10 will be discontinued. So, why are older cars so hard to come across?
1. Being Scrapped for Parts
Used car buyer demographics and statistics display a preference for affordability and convenience. However, most older cars have reached the end of their lifespan and have been scrapped for parts or recycled.
2. Decreased Trade-Ins
Used car price trends 2021 showed that many people held on to their old cars during the pandemic. This dwindled the flow of these cars into the pre-owned vehicle market.
3. Older Cars on the Road Are More Common
Older cars are being kept running longer by owners and are not being traded in or sold. This is another contributing factor to the supply cut-off of older vehicles.
Best Tips on How to Buy a Used Car Right Now
Considering the current market condition of used car price trends, a few factors need to be thought over. Buyers would want the best deal on their desired vehicle, and to make the most sound decision, consider these elements:
1. Set a Realistic Budget
Consider all costs, like the purchase price, taxes, registration fees, and others.
2. Look Around for Less Popular Models
New car prices remain high– about $11,000 higher than five years ago. Less popular models may have a better deal due to lower demand.
3. Broaden Your Search and Look for Deals
You may need to hunt outside your geographical area for the best deal. Widening your search could lead to a better opportunity or considering a more suitable vehicle. Researching the best deal may involve visiting a dealership or contacting private sellers to weigh your options.
How Can Spyne Help Car Dealerships with Used Car Price Trends?
Spyne aids dealerships in figuring out what price to source cars at, at what place to sell them, the profit the dealers will get, and the car’s market value. A detailed report such as this would help dealerships provide customers with the most accurate information.
How Can Spyne Help Boost Your Used Car Dealership Sales and Visibility?
To broaden the horizons for the future of automotive industry, Spyne provides car dealerships with tools to manage used car price trends. Whether monitoring a used car prices chart by year or tracking the used car market forecast for 2025, Spyne facilitates better data segregation to turn your efforts toward relevant market patterns.
1. Automotive Website Builder
Designed with ease of use and profitability in mind, Spyne’s customizable website-building services could help dealerships in the market of volatile used car price trends. Integrating seamlessly with DMS and inventory management tools, our website builder helps with dynamic listings.
Along with a super-fast search option that eliminates the need for search filters, our website designs also use SEO best practices to ensure your brand and vehicles on display are always at the top of the SERP results page. Our system makes use of dealership-specific keywords.
Make instantaneous price adjustments on your website based on used car prices dropping, enabling them to remain competitive and stand out in the market.
2. Inventory Management
Along with creating detailed and accurate listings, optimize your inventory functioning with real-time updates on the basis of current used car price trends. Dealerships can pinpoint slow-selling inventory and make price adjustments then and there to align with market patterns.
Prevent overstocking of redundant vehicles using our vehicle pricing tool. Spyne’s streamlined inventory organization enables dealers to segregate high-demand inventory from outdated inventory and reduce holding costs. Know what cars to stock and sell and at what price to place them.
3. Automotive CRM Software
Spyne’s CRM goes beyond the reach of just being a database. It allows your automotive dealership to analyze large volumes of customer data and tailor your marketing efforts toward their preferences. For example, Spyne will generate a vehicle inspection report for the customer’s convenience.
With our CRM, you can easily manage your sales pipeline and monitor market performance in real time. CRM software for car dealers offers comprehensive analytics that help you determine which strategies are improving the sales process and raising conversion rates.
Along with analyzing current market patterns, Spyne examines customer buying behavior and uses AI automation to send personalized recommendations and promotional offers for your used vehicles in demand.
4. Optimized Demand Generation
Spyne comprehends the need for optimized demand. With us, you have mobile-first, visually pleasing campaigns that appeal to the highest demographic of buyers. We target the relevant buyer pool for your dealership and create customized content concerning the used car market forecast 2025. Your automotive dealership will see a spike in online visibility and foot traffic with personalized advertisements.
Conclusion
Spyne looks to the future while keeping today’s dealerships in mind. Our scalable and impressively flexible features allow used car dealers to adjust to the changing market conditions and used car price trends. As a vehicle dealer, you will be able to notice a drastic shift in your market position and marvel at the alignment of your operations with today’s automotive economy.
