A person rides a scooter past a used car lot on January 31, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Prices and sales of used vehicles are falling from pandemic highs amid rising interest rates, increased production of new automobiles and concerns of a recession. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Used cars were one of the biggest contributors to inflation over the past two years. Now, despite steady price declines in recent months, dealerships are hiking their prices once again.
According to Cox Automotive's Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, prices were up 2.5 percent in January from the month before, even as they remain down 12.8 percent from a year ago.
Cox noted that the increase is due to higher-than-expected demand for the season.
The trend could stem from consumers playing catch-up. In 2022, buyers backed out of the market due to elevated prices and shortage of supply, driving down prices by 15 percent.
The average listing for a used vehicle was $27,143 in December. Just last month, Cox reported the market had returned to its pre-COVID normal. Now that narrative could be in doubt.
Amazon’s Daniel Rausch, VP of Alexa and Echo, on Alexa’s AI evolution, the future of voice commerce and why your next shopping assistant could be Alexa.
PlantSwitch CEO Dillon Baxter reveals how agricultural byproducts like rice hulls and wheat straw could help replace plastics with plant-based alternatives.
Nugget ice is booming across America. Middleby CEO Tim FitzGerald explains the craze, restaurant demand and why the trend could become a major growth engine.
Wearable robotics are moving beyond sci-fi. Dephy CEO Luke Mooney explains how its smart ankle exoskeleton is changing mobility, recovery and everyday movement.
Voice AI is moving into cars, restaurants and customer service. SoundHound CEO Keyvan Mohajer explains the company’s growth and the future of voice-powered AI.