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Summer is here, and for used car shoppers, we’re finally seeing a shift. According to the latest data from Black Book, wholesale used car prices have now dropped for three consecutive weeks. And last week, the rate of decline was double the seasonal average. That’s a strong indicator that retail prices could start falling by July or August.
But what comes next depends largely on the new car market. Let’s take a closer look at what buyers and sellers should expect from the used car market this summer.
Wholesale Prices Are Dropping – Retail Could Be Next
Used car values typically trail wholesale trends by a few weeks. When auction prices fall, retail prices tend to follow 6–8 weeks later. That puts us on track for softer pricing in the second half of summer 2025. Here’s a look at wholesale used car price trends in 2025, showing that prices are dropping more quickly in June:
What’s behind the shift?
Auction values are falling faster than expected – This summer’s decline is happening at twice the normal rate, a clear sign that dealers are feeling pressure.
The spring rush is over – With automakers facing cooling demand and new tariffs, price hikes have slowed. If new car sales stall, that could pull used car prices down even further.
Inventory is rebounding – Both new and used car lots are better stocked than this time last year, giving buyers more options and dealers less leverage.
According to CarEdge co-founder Ray Shefska, there’s still a wildcard in play: what happens with new car pricing.
“The only caveat,” Ray explains, “is what happens with new car prices. Do new car prices continue to go up, which would pull used car prices up as well, or does the new car market grow cold, which should lower used car prices?”
Right now, all signs point toward a cooling new car market. If that continues, used car shoppers could soon have more negotiating power. But is the possibility of slightly lower prices worth delaying your purchase? Let’s get into what Ray has to say about that.
Should You Buy a Used Car Now?
If you’re shopping this summer, here’s advice from CarEdge’s Ray Shefska:
“When you find a car that checks your boxes at a fair price, this summer is a good time to go ahead and buy. The key is to do your homework and ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Don’t rush into a purchase, especially as prices are on the downtrend.”
Trying to time every market shift is tough. What’s more important is that you do your research and use car buying tools to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Shop around for financing rates, and never agree to pay for forced add-ons.
🔍 Don’t skip the inspection. The average used car in America now has over 70,000 miles on the odometer. A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is essential to avoid buying a problem car.
For private sellers and those trading in a vehicle, this summer may be your last chance to get a top-dollar offer before prices slide further.
Trade-in values are declining – As auction values fall, dealers are revising their offers downward.
More supply = more competition – With more vehicles hitting the market, your car may not stand out like it did six months ago.
If you’re on the fence about selling, now’s the time to make your decision.
The Bottom Line: The Market Is Turning
If you’re buying, it’s a good time to monitor used car market trends. Used car prices could continue trending downward as summer progresses. For sellers, acting sooner rather than later can help lock in the best value before the market softens further. It’s due time to see how much your car is worth. And if you’re just keeping an eye on the market, pay close attention to both new and used car pricing, as the direction of the new car market will heavily influence what happens next.
Each week, CarEdge rounds up the latest mainstream vehicle recalls so you don’t have to dig through the fine print. All recall data is sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
If you’re not sure whether your car has an open recall, check right now using the NHTSA recall lookup tool — all you need is your VIN.
Nissan Recall – 79,755 Vehicles
Component: Back Over Prevention
Vehicles Affected: 2025 Nissan Frontier, Kicks
Issue: The center information display may go blank when shifting into reverse, violating FMVSS 111 on rear visibility.
Remedy: Nissan dealers will update the display software free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by July 1, 2025.
Issue: A software issue may impact the dashboard infotainment system and rear camera function.
Remedy: Dealers will push out an over-the-air software update. Ford will begin mailing safety notifications by June 16, 2025, with a second letter to follow when the fix is ready.
Vehicles Affected: 2022–2025 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid
Issue: Moisture can enter the reverse light assembly and cause light failure.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both reverse light assemblies and repair wiring as needed, free of charge. Notification letters will be mailed starting June 30, 2025. For more help, contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Vehicles Affected: 2024–2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport
Issue: A software bug may distort the rearview camera image when reversing, failing FMVSS 111 standards.
Remedy: Dealers will update the camera software at no cost. Letters to owners will begin mailing July 18, 2025. VW customer service can be reached at 1-800-893-5298.
Even a minor recall can impact your safety. Always check your vehicle’s recall status by entering your VIN at the NHTSA Recall Lookup. If you’re car shopping, don’t forget that CarEdge Car Search shows you open recalls before you buy, so you can make an informed decision.
Thinking about holding onto your car for the long haul? You’re not alone. In today’s car market of rising prices and rapid depreciation, many drivers are wondering whether it’s smarter to stick with the car they already own.
At CarEdge, we believe informed decisions save you thousands. Here’s what you need to know before deciding whether to keep your vehicle for longer, or start fresh with something new.
The Pros of Keeping a Car for Longer
1. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
New cars lose 20–30% of their value in the first year alone. By keeping your car longer, you avoid taking that financial hit repeatedly. Plus, you won’t be shelling out for sales tax, registration fees, or dealership add-ons every few years. Insurance costs also tend to drop with older cars. This is especially if you drop comprehensive or collision coverage once the car’s value declines significantly as the miles add up.
Most auto loans are paid off in 3–6 years. If you hold onto the car after that, you’ll enjoy years of driving without a monthly payment. Having a paid-off car means freeing up cash for other priorities, like savings or paying down debt.
3. Familiarity and Trust
You know your car. Its quirks, service history, how it drives in snow or rain—there’s no learning curve. That trust and comfort can go a long way in peace of mind, especially when you’ve maintained the car well.
4. It’s Greener Than You Think
Even the greenest EV has a carbon footprint from manufacturing. Holding onto your current car—even if it’s not electric—can be more environmentally friendly than replacing it with a new one every few years.
5. No Time Wasted Car Shopping
Buying a car can be a hassle. Keeping your current car means no time spent researching new models, test driving, negotiating prices, or dealing with trade-ins. It’s one less thing to worry about.
The Cons of Keeping a Car for Longer
1. Repairs Add Up Over Time
Even well-built cars eventually wear down. Between years 8 and 12, expect bigger-ticket repairs like suspension work, HVAC issues, or transmission problems. Costs can vary dramatically depending on the make and model, but reliability becomes less predictable.
Newer vehicles often come with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and more. Your old ride might not have these, which can make a big difference in both safety and comfort.
3. Aging Comfort and Style
Seats wear out. Touchscreens lag. The cabin might feel outdated or less comfortable over time. Even if the engine runs strong, the driving experience may start to feel more like a chore.
4. Depreciation Eventually Catches Up
After 10 years, most vehicles have very little resale value. This is especially true for cars with well over 100,000 miles on the odometer. In contrast, if you sell after 5 years, you might still recover 40–60% of the original price. If you plan to trade in later, timing matters.
If you own an EV, charger standards and technology may evolve. For instance, early Nissan LEAF owners are encountering challenges finding compatible charging these days. Even gasoline vehicles might also face limitations as fuel blends change or emissions standards tighten. An older car could eventually feel outdated or even unsupported.
A Real-World Financial Example
Let’s say you buy a $35,000 car.
Sell after 5 years: You recover ~$15,000 to $20,000, then buy another car.
Keep for 10 years: You avoid another purchase and stretch out your depreciation and financing costs.
Over 10 years, buying two newer vehicles could cost $8,000 to $15,000 more than keeping one car the whole time, depending on the model, insurance, taxes, and maintenance needs.
Final Thoughts
If your car is still safe, reliable, and not draining your wallet in repairs, holding onto it a few more years is often the smartest financial choice. On the other hand, if maintenance costs or safety concerns are piling up, it may be time to move on.
Car shoppers expecting blowout Memorial Day deals in 2025 may have noticed something different this year: the discounts just aren’t what they used to be. From lackluster financing specials to higher-than-usual lease payments, automakers appear to be holding back. The reason? A sudden drop in new car inventory has automakers tightening the reins.
Here’s a look at the latest new car inventory numbers, and how automakers are responding to this temporary ‘buyer’s market’.
New Car Inventory Is Much Lower In May 2025
From April to May 2025, new-vehicle inventory in the U.S. fell from 3.08 million to 2.8 million vehicles — a 10% decline. The latest numbers are courtesy of inventory management firm Lotlinx, which shared their market update with Automotive News. That’s the steepest drop we’ve seen since early 2023, and it’s no coincidence.
As buyers rushed to beat potential tariff-related price hikes, dealer lots thinned out fast. With fewer cars available, many automakers have pulled back on Memorial Day incentives, especially for popular models.
The latest inventory tally found that the estimated days’ supply of new cars shrank to 58 days, down from 71 days a month prior.
Compare that to a year ago, when inventory stood at 2.86 million with a 75-day supply — and you can see why 2025 isn’t delivering the same sales splash. Although inventory levels are similar to May of 2024, cars are selling much faster right now.
Ford and Toyota Pull Back the Most
Among the seven automakers that report monthly inventory and sales data, Ford and Toyota saw the sharpest declines in supply. Toyota continues to operate with the tightest inventory in the U.S., holding less than 30 days’ supply.
Lotlinx data shows hybrids are in the shortest supply at just 48 days nationwide. Traditional gas-powered vehicles follow at 59 days, with electric vehicles sitting at 90 days of supply — a month-over-month increase for the EV segment.
Here’s a quick snapshot of May inventory by new car segment:
Sedans: 50 days’ supply
SUVs: 56 days
Pickups: 69 days
Crossovers: 74 days
Even the highest-supply category — crossovers — saw declines from April levels.
Fewer Deals, But Not No Deals
Although overall Memorial Day incentives are milder in 2025, there are still some solid offers out there — especially if you’re flexible on model, trim, or location. We rounded up the Best Memorial Day Car Deals of 2025, including great lease specials, 0% financing, and up to $10,000 in cash offers. The deals are out there this May, if you know where to look.
But if you’re shopping for a high-demand model like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or any hybrid under $35K, expect dealers to play hardball. With dwindling inventory, there’s just no reason to discount deeply — and they know it.
In May 2025, the used car market is heating up — and fast. Between rising prices, a shortage of low-mileage vehicles, and renewed demand driven by economic uncertainty, it’s officially a seller’s market. But that doesn’t mean buyers are out of luck. Here’s what’s driving the shift, how used car prices are trending, and what shoppers can do to stay ahead of the game this summer.
Why Used Car Prices Are Rising Again
CarEdge’s own Ray Shefska recently checked how much his 2020 MINI Clubman was worth on the used market. Just six weeks after receiving a $16,600 offer, that same car was valued at $19,000 — a 15% increase in value. While Ray’s experience may sound extreme, it perfectly illustrates the broader trends driving up used car prices this spring.
So what’s going on? Several forces are converging this spring to push prices higher:
Used car demand is rising. Auto tariffs and fears of continued inflation have consumers acting fast. Many shoppers are buying now to avoid potentially higher prices later.
Seasonality is back. Warmer weather has always brought car buyers out in droves — and this year is no different. Think of it as the “spring rush” for cars, a trend that skipped only one year in recent memory: 2020.
The chip shortage echo. The pandemic-era production slump from 2021–2022 wiped out about 15 million new vehicles. Four years later, that shortfall is hitting the used market hard. With fewer gently-used cars in circulation, buyers are competing for a smaller pool of desirable inventory.
One result? The average age of a used car for sale is now 6.7 years — a 26% increase from 2020, when the average was just 5.3 years according to Manheim. However, many buyers still prefer a more gently-used vehicle, so younger pre-owned cars are selling for a steep premium in 2025.
After peaking above $28,000 in 2022, average used car prices dipped to just under $25,000. But now, prices are bouncing back.
Cox Automotive reports that the supply of used cars under $15,000 — often the most in-demand by budget-conscious buyers — is at its lowest level since 2021. These affordable vehicles are also selling the fastest.
Wholesale price data from Black Book shows that used car values are up 2.75% over the past two months — but that’s just the average. Zoom in on the most desirable vehicles, and the price increases are even sharper.
Younger Used Cars Are Gaining Value Fastest
Vehicles that are 0 to 2 years old are appreciating much faster than older cars. Buyers have caught on to the sharp depreciation that hits new cars as soon as they leave the lot — and they’re now prioritizing lightly-used vehicles instead.
That’s creating a perfect storm: low supply, high demand, and rapidly climbing prices for newer used cars. Meanwhile, older vehicles — especially those over 6 years old — are either holding steady or even losing value.
The takeaway? The younger the used car, the stronger its market value right now.
If you’re thinking about selling a car that’s less than five years old — especially one with low mileage — now is the time. Dealers and private buyers are paying top dollar for clean, late-model vehicles.
The average used car sells with about 70,000 miles on the odometer. If yours has under 30,000 miles, it’s a standout — and worth a serious premium.
The hottest vehicles on the market are 2021–2024 models with clean histories and relatively low mileage.
It’s Officially a Seller’s Market — But Smart Buyers Can Still Win
Yes, prices are rising. But used car shoppers still have a chance to land a great deal — especially if new car incentives dry up due to tariff pressures or reduced inventory. Here’s how to stay ahead:
✅ Find Aging Inventory
Use CarEdge Car Search to locate used cars that have sat on dealer lots the longest. These units are often the most negotiable.
✅ Know How to Negotiate
Arm yourself with free negotiation cheatsheets and walk into the dealership with confidence. A well-informed buyer is a powerful buyer.
✅ Don’t Skip the Inspection
A pre-purchase inspection can save you thousands down the road. It’s your best defense against buying a lemon.
✅ Be Flexible
Keep your options open. If one deal falls through or a dealer won’t budge on price, move on. Also, don’t get talked into paying for overpriced add-ons or junk fees. Here’s what’s legit, and what’s a ripoff.
✅ Use a Car Buying Expert
Feeling overwhelmed? Let a professional handle the hard part. CarEdge’s Car Buying Service offers expert help — and now features our most affordable option ever.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 used car market is undergoing rapid changes heading into May. Values are rising, inventory is tightening, and shoppers are rushing to lock in deals before prices rise further. Whether you’re selling a low-mileage car for top dollar or hunting for a well-priced used vehicle, the key is to do your homework, whether you’re buying or selling.
Wondering which SUVs will hold their value best in today’s unpredictable car market? The latest CarEdge Research update reveals the 2025 SUVs with the best resale value, based on total cost of ownership, projected depreciation, and real-world market data. Whether you’re buying new or used, these models are the smart picks for long-term value.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
Predicted Depreciation: 25% over 5 years
5-Year Resale Value: $46,648
The Toyota 4Runner continues its reign as one of the top SUVs for resale value. When buying new, the 4Runner is expected to retain 75% of its original value after five years of ownership, assuming typical driving habits. With a market day supply of 71 days, it’s moderately negotiable if you’re buying new.
If you buy a 4Runner that is two years old, you could save $11,361 compared to buying new. When buying a two-year old 4Runner, expect only $4,105 in depreciation over the first three years of ownership. That’s not bad at all.
In 2025, the average price for a three-year-old 4Runner is $41,978.
The Toyota RAV4 is still one of the most dependable crossovers on the road, something Toyota fans have bragged about for years. In addition to excellent reliability, the RAV4 holds its value surprisingly well. With typical driving habits, the RAV4 is expected to retain 69% of its original value after five years.
What if you buy used? Buying a two-year-old RAV4 could save you $6,000 versus new. This assumes a selling price of $37,774 when new.
Used three-year-old RAV4s sell for $28,876 on average in 2025. But if you’re eyeing a new one, good luck negotiating—market supply sits at just 31 days.
The Hyundai Venue might be a budget-friendly SUV, but it still holds value well. When buying a new Venue, you can expect it to retain 69% of its value after five years. With a 98-day supply, there’s room to negotiate if buying new.
If you go used, a two-year-old Venue can save you about $5,000 over buying new, and your depreciation over the next three years is just $2,253—hard to beat. Three-year-old Venues sell for around $17,826 in 2025.
With Honda’s reputation for reliability, the HR-V is a solid choice for long-term ownership. On average, buying a gently used HR-V saves you $5,655, and depreciation over three years lands just above $4,000.
Used three-year-old HR-Vs sell for about $21,519. New models are not very negotiable, with a 59-day market supply. For comparison, the overall auto market averages 83 days of market supply right now.
The Corolla Cross is a newer addition to Toyota’s SUV lineup, and it’s already proving to be a leader in SUV resale value. It’s popular for many reasons, including affordability, safety, and high fuel economy to name a few. With a tight 33-day supply, you won’t find many bargains on new inventory. The Corolla Cross is manufactured in Alabama, so it’s likely to avoid direct impacts for auto tariffs.
Three-year-old models sell for an average price of $24,024 in 2025. For some, it may be worth it to buy new with such low depreciation.
A newcomer to the Toyota SUV lineup, the Crown Signia shows early signs of holding its value well. The Crown Signia is the larger sibling to the Toyota Crown, which replaced the Avalon a few years back. Used pricing isn’t widely available yet, but new models are in high demand with a 31-day supply.
One of Toyota’s most family-friendly options, the Grand Highlander blends space, reliability, and excellent resale value. New supply is limited with just 34 days of market supply. It will be tough to negotiate Grand Highlander prices in 2025, but markups are uncommon.
Buying a gently used Grand Highlander (about two years old) should save you nearly $12,000. Over the next three years, depreciation would be about $5,613 when buying used.
Back after a short hiatus, the new Toyota Land Cruiser is already holding value like a champ. The Land Cruiser is forecast to retain 68% of its original value after five years. With a 45-day supply, there’s modest room for negotiation if buying new. It’s not cheap, however. The 2025 Land Cruiser starts at $58,150 with mandatory destination fees. That makes it one of the most expensive Toyota models on sale today.
The Toyota Sequoia is the most expensive SUV on this list—but it still manages to retain value impressively well. Looking to spend less? Buy it two years old and save about $11,000 on average. If you go this route, expect $15,746 in depreciation if you own it for three years.
New models are moderately negotiable with a 49-day supply. That’s far below the industry average of 83 days of supply, but is decently high for a Toyota.
The Honda CR-V remains one of the best-selling SUVs in America, and for good reason. Its strong resale value reflects consistent reliability, broad appeal, and efficient performance. With just 33% depreciation forecasted over the first five years of ownership, it holds its own in today’s market.
However, don’t expect huge discounts on a new CR-V. With 41 days of market supply in 2025, it’s tough to negotiate this popular crossover—unless you find highly negotiable inventory that’s been sitting on the dealership lot for many months.
If you’re shopping for an SUV in 2025, don’t just consider price—resale value matters more than ever. Every SUV on this list ranks among the top in CarEdge’s total cost of ownership data, helping you to avoid unexpected depreciation. Buying a car is never an investment, but it’s smart to know what to expect.
States eligibile for below invoice pricing and 100% free delivery:
Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Delaware, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
What if I don’t live in these states?
If you're outside these areas, don't worry! We're committed to making sure everyone can enjoy our deals. Although the delivery fee will not be waived, you can still purchase from CarEdge and either pay for shipping or coordinate pickup at a participating dealer.
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