ADESA: Wholesale Prices Down 4.5% Year Over Year
As in March, wholesale used vehicle prices rose seasonally but fell annually in April, indicating continuation of a softening overall pricing environment.
As in March, wholesale used vehicle prices rose seasonally but fell annually in April, indicating continuation of a softening overall pricing environment. Retail sales of used vehicles in April were down on a year-over-year basis for the first time in 2013, although dealers still saw month-over-month used vehicle sales growth and year-over-year growth in CPO sales.
April Prices
According to ADESA Analytical Services’ monthly analysis of Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices by Vehicle Model Class, wholesale used vehicle prices in April averaged $10,096 – up 0.7% compared to March but down 4.5% relative to April 2012.
The largest monthly increases in prices were concentrated in the SUV classes, corresponding to strong new vehicle sales of SUVs in April. Consumer interest in these vehicles has been aided by more favorable gas prices and better fuel economy in newer SUV models. At the same time, compact cars also showed strong month-over-month increases.
Prices for used vehicles remarketed by manufacturers were up 1% month-over-month, but down 3% year-over-year. Prices for fleet/lease consignors were up 1.6% sequentially, but down 2.3% annually. Dealer consignors saw a 2.2% average price increase versus March 2013, but a 6.4% downturn versus April 2012. Thus, all three major seller groups experienced the same seasonal uptick but annual downturn seen for prices in the market as a whole.
Based on data from CNW Marketing/Research, retail used vehicle sales in April were down 1.4% year-over-year for franchised dealers and 0.2% for independent dealers, although both dealer types saw significant (more than 24%) month-over-month increases. April sales of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles came off their all-time high in March, and were down 7.2% month-over-month but were up 23.2% year-over-year based on figures from Autodata.
Wholesale Used Vehicle Price Trends
Average Prices ($/Unit) | Latest Month Versus: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apr-13 | Mar-13 | Apr-12 | Prior Month | Prior Year | |
Total All Vehicles | $10,096 | $10,028 | $10,577 | 0.7% | -4.5% |
Total Cars | $9,195 | $9,189 | $9,844 | 0.1% | -6.6% |
Compact Car | $7,265 | $7,065 | $7,870 | 2.8% | -7.7% |
Midsize Car | $8,512 | $8,520 | $8,964 | -0.1% | -5.0% |
Fullsize Car | $7,642 | $7,883 | $8,007 | -3.0% | -4.6% |
Luxury Car | $12,249 | $12,057 | $13,236 | 1.6% | -7.5% |
Sporty Car | $13,048 | $13,053 | $14,011 | 0.0% | -6.9% |
Total Trucks | $9,935 | $9,753 | $10,219 | 1.9% | -2.8% |
Mini Van | $6,959 | $6,929 | $7,746 | 0.4% | -10.2% |
Fullsize Van | $10,089 | $9,982 | $9,330 | 1.1% | 8.1% |
Mini SUV | $11,415 | $11,227 | $11,178 | 1.7% | 2.1% |
Midsize SUV | $7,377 | $6,911 | $7,691 | 6.7% | -4.1% |
Fullsize SUV | $10,973 | $10,647 | $12,033 | 3.1% | -8.8% |
Luxury SUV | $18,379 | $18,144 | $19,734 | 1.3% | -6.9% |
Compact Pickup | $7,579 | $7,550 | $8,100 | 0.4% | -6.4% |
Fullsize Pickup | $11,889 | $11,790 | $11,513 | 0.8% | 3.3% |
Total Crossovers | $13,498 | $13,572 | $14,127 | -0.5% | -4.5% |
Compact CUV | $11,999 | $12,098 | $11,907 | -0.8% | 0.8% |
Mid/Fullsize CUV | $15,003 | $15,084 | $16,760 | -0.5% | -10.5% |
Source: ADESA Analytical Services
The analysis is based on nearly six million annual sales transactions from over 150 of the largest U.S. wholesale auto auctions, including those of ADESA as well as other auction companies. ADESA Analytical Services segregates these transactions to study trends by vehicle model class.
More Rental Operations
Advantage, Sixt Place Among Top Five in Annual Satisfaction Study
While Enterprise and National retain the top spots in JD Power’s 2026 rankings, the latest customer satisfaction results suggest renters can find competitive service beyond the biggest car rental names.
Read More →
The $100,000 Insurance Trap in Exotic Car Rentals
Exotic rental agencies often rely on customers’ personal auto policies to protect six-figure vehicles. But policy language can dramatically change the coverage for vehicles over $100,000 MSRP.
Read More →
The Booking Is Confirmed, But Is Your Customer Ready to Drive?
For international renters, a confirmed reservation doesn’t always mean they’re eligible to drive. Earlier checks can help operators catch documentation and payment issues before the customer reaches the counter.
Read More →
ICRS 2027 Opens Call for Papers
The International Car Rental Show seeks session proposals on the business, operational, and technology issues facing car rental operators. Submissions are due Jan. 15.
Read More →
Turo to Launch Vehicle Delivery Service
Turo Delivered will let travelers search for vehicles that hosts can deliver directly to hotels, homes, airports, train stations, and other locations.
Read More →
Palm Beach Airport Code Change Creates Car Rental Distribution Gap
A test of rental searches under the old PBI and new DJT airport codes returned largely different sets of brands and vehicles, highlighting a potential distribution problem for rental operators.
Read More →
U-Save Continues Dominican Republic Expansion with Launch in Punta Cana
The new franchise location builds on U-Save’s existing Santo Domingo operation and will begin taking reservations for October 2026.
Read More →
When AI Books the Rental Car, Who Controls the Sale?
As AI moves from comparing rental rates to completing transactions, operators need to understand how travelers find, interpret, rank, and ultimately see their offers. (Part 2 of 2.)
Read More →
European Booked Car Rental Rates Fell 5%, Results Varied by Country
Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom saw steep declines, while booked rates rose in Poland and Hungary.
Read More →
Is It Time to Rethink Rental Categories?
As traditional economy and compact cars disappear from the market, longtime rental operator Mike DeLorenzo asks whether the industry’s familiar vehicle categories still make sense — and what operators need to rethink along with them.
Read More →