Here We Go Again on Inflation: Used Vehicle Prices Jump in January, Expected to Jump More in Record Tax-Refund Season

US Used Vehicle Prices Rise 2.4 Percent in January as Inventory Tightens

Increased buyer demand and shrinking inventory continue to push used car prices higher, with wholesale prices up by 2.4 percent year over year in January, the largest since July 2025 and far exceeding the 0.4 percent increase in December 2025, a new report from Cox Automotive said. Wholesale supply in January dropped by 5.1 days from a month earlier to 26.6 days, Cox Automotive noted on Feb. 6 in its Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI), whi…

Here We Go Again on Inflation: Used Vehicle Prices Jump in January, Expected to Jump More in Record Tax-Refund Season

Tax refunds make great down-payments which are great for higher prices. Every year, the industry salivates over it. But this year will be special.

Wholesale vehicle value indices perform better than expected in January

Don’t let multiple winter storms and snow piled high on roadsides fool you. The wholesale vehicle market is showing the slightest signs of spring. And vehicle values are increasing faster than expected. That’s according to industry observers releasing their monthly insights on used-car values, which show an earlier and quicker rise in what vehicles are fetching in the wholesale market. In fact, one wholesale price index reached its highest level…