October Used Vehicle Prices Rise After Five-Month Decline
Wholesale used vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage- and seasonally adjusted basis) ticked up in October, after declining in each of the previous five months, according to Manheim Consulting. Auction volumes of rental risk units were up significantly in October due to recall-delayed selling.
Wholesale used vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage- and seasonally adjusted basis) ticked up in October, after declining in each of the previous five months, according to Manheim Consulting. The October Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index reading was 121.8, a decline of 0.4% from a year ago.
Manheim Used Vehicle Changes for Selective Market Classes (October 2014 vs. October 2013)
After eliminating some inventory-heavy positions in the third quarter, dealers were once again in acquisition mode during October, says Manheim. Other factors included higher new vehicle transaction prices, stable incentive activity and renewed consumer interest in used vehicles.
As a result of recall-delayed selling, auction volumes of rental risk units were up significantly in October, according to Manheim. Average mileage was a record 44,800 miles.
For the major market classes, pickups and vans remain the strongest segments year-over-year, while midsize and compact car pricing continues to suffer from competitive new vehicle pricing and greater consumer interest in the small crossover segment, says Manheim.
ADESA’s Monthly Used Vehicle Prices Analysis
ADESA also saw an increase in wholesale used vehicle prices month-over-month — but also saw an increase year-over-year, according to the latest Kontos Kommentary from ADESA Chief Economist Tom Kontos.
According to ADESA Analytical Services’ monthly analysis, October wholesale used vehicle prices averaged $9,678 — up 1.3% compared to September and up 0.9% compared to October 2013.
Dealer consignors were the only seller group that saw average price increases in October, a 1.4% increase versus September, according to ADESA. Prices for fleet/lease consignors were down 3.7% sequentially and 2.2% annually, and prices for off-rental “risk” units were also down significantly.
Wholesale Used Vehicle Price Trends
Average Prices ($/Unit) | Latest Month Versus: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oct-14 | Sep-14 | Oct-13 | Prior Month | Prior Year | |
Total All Vehicles | $9,678 | $9,554 | $9,590 | 1.3% | 0.9% |
Total Cars | $8,466 | $8,322 | $8,455 | 1.7% | 0.1% |
Compact Car | $6,890 | $6,681 | $6,695 | 3.1% | 2.9% |
Midsize Car | $7,529 | $7,634 | $7,735 | -1.4% | -2.7% |
Fullsize Car | $7,762 | $6,514 | $7,049 | 19.1% | 10.1% |
Luxury Car | $11,610 | $11,648 | $11,597 | -0.3% | 0.1% |
Sporty Car | $12,322 | $11,990 | $12,102 | 2.8% | 1.8% |
Total Trucks | $10,554 | $10,403 | $9,963 | 1.4% | 5.9% |
Mini Van | $7,882 | $7,079 | $6,920 | 11.3% | 13.9% |
Fullsize Van | $10,704 | $11,477 | $9,969 | -6.7% | 7.4% |
Mini SUV | $12,462 | $12,265 | $11,380 | 1.6% | 9.5% |
Midsize SUV | $7,628 | $7,427 | $7,013 | 2.7% | 8.8% |
Fullsize SUV | $11,094 | $10,506 | $11,217 | 5.6% | -1.1% |
Luxury SUV | $17,917 | $18,485 | $18,781 | -3.1% | -4.6% |
Compact Pickup | $7,308 | $7,255 | $7,105 | 0.7% | 2.9% |
Fullsize Pickup | $12,826 | $12,916 | $11,927 | -0.7% | 7.5% |
Total Crossovers | $11,918 | $11,936 | $12,573 | -0.2% | -5.2% |
Compact CUV | $10,644 | $10,499 | $11,161 | 1.4% | -4.6% |
Mid/Fullsize CUV | $13,166 | $13,284 | $14,031 | -0.9% | -6.2% |
This Kontos Kommentary analysis is based on nearly six million annual sales transactions from more than 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 Remarketing
Rental Fleet Sales Skating Just Above 2025 Levels
The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.
Read More →
Cross-Pressures, Evolving Trends Drive 2026 Rental Car Industry
A combination of cautious economic behavior, shifts in the rental vehicle market, and technological influences are shaping car rental operator decisions.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices Slightly Up In April
The Iranian conflict and rising gas prices inject much uncertainty into the future wholesale used vehicle markets, as higher gas prices soak up spendable income from vehicle buyers.
Read More →
Surprice Opens Two Rental Branches In Japan
The launch highlights the global car rental operation’s growing presence in Asia.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices Up In February
Solid demand at Manheim auctions with higher sales conversion rates indicate an appetite from dealers to buy.
Read More →
Rental Fleet Sales Slow In February Ending A Strong Streak
Commercial fleets posted the most gains, sustaining increases in monthly and year-to-date fleet sales
Read More →
Avis Budget Group Reports Near $1 Billion Loss Tied To 2025 EV Fleet Write-Down
Following Hertz, the company is the second global car rental conglomerate to sustain sizable losses due to lower customer demand and usage of electric rental cars.
Read More →
2025 Rental Vehicle Remarketing Summary And Outlook
The year brought modest and flatter results across wholesale values, total off-rental supply, and rental risk units.
Read More →
Auctions Record Highest Vehicle Sales Since 2019
2025 figures show a steady recovery in wholesale vehicle activity this decade.
Read More →
DriveItAway Holdings, Free2move Launch Operations In Nine Cities
The co-branded program with Stellantis’ mobility division scales up leasing and financing options nationwide with more cities to come online in 2026.
Read More →