Used Car Prices Headed Back Up

"I’ve been telling you on the show for a few weeks now that auction prices were heading north each week as I monitor the Manheim Dallas dealer auction.  This detailed study confirms it. " - Car Pro Show Host Jerry Reynolds

Used car prices are up for the first time in two and a half years. This, according to the number crunchers at iSeeCars.  Researchers also warn that new auto tariffs could increase the price of popular cars by 5%-10%.

Here are highlights from iSeeCars' new data:

• In March, 1- to 5-year-old used cars experienced their first 12-month price increase since 2 ½ years ago in October 2022
• The average 1- to 5-year-old used car cost $31,624 in March 2025, up 1% ($317) from a year ago
• Every major vehicle segment increased in price except electric vehicles and cars/minivans, which dropped $3,602 and $865, respectively
• Used car prices increased by 8.2% in just 8 months during the start of the pandemic, and with tariffs set to drive up both new and used car prices we could see a similar 5% to 10% price hike in the coming year

Used car prices saw their first year-over-year increase since October 2022, rising 1%, or $317, in March. Note, this does not factor in new tariffs, as it was before new auto tariffs went into effect April 3. iSeeCars says the new tariffs could lead to a further increase in both new and used car pricing. If things go like they did during the pandemic when new car prices spiked 8.2% in 8 months,  iSeeCars says popular used models could see a cost increase between $890 and $5,169.

iSeeCars says it analyzed the current pricing of the most popular used models to calculate what an additional 5% and 10% price increase would be. The increase in used car prices ranged from $890 for a Kia Forte going up 5%, to $5,169 for a Chevrolet Tahoe going up 10%.

You can see the entire comprehensive study by iSeeCars.com here.

Photo:  iSeeCars.com