Late-Model Auction Volume Favoring Cars: J.D. Power
In a reversal from the new-vehicle trend of trucks overtaking cars in market share, auction volume from the 2015 to 2018 model years favored the car segment in January. Late-model car auction volume accounted for 54% of the auction volume in January while trucks accounted for 46%.

Courtesy of J.D. Power

Courtesy of J.D. Power
Auctions saw roughly 273,000 late-model vehicles in January, a 33.8% rise from the month before, but a 0.8% decline from the same time last year, according to J.D. Power.
In a reversal from the new-vehicle trend of trucks overtaking cars in market share, auction volume from the 2015 to 2018 model years favored the car segment in January. Late-model car auction volume accounted for 54% of the auction volume in January while trucks accounted for 46%.
Prices for used vehicles up to eight years old fell an average of 0.6% in January. This decline is typical of this time of year, according to J.D. Power.
Luxury cars in particular struggled during the month and realized the highest depreciation during the month; the mid-size car segment, specifically, saw some of the highest depreciation among luxury cars at 3.1%.
One reason cited for the luxury segment’s poor performance was an influx of 2015-MY luxury vehicles returning to the market. Certain vehicles such as the Lexus GS and Audi A6 saw auction volume increase by 95% and 86%, respectively, during January. Given their age, these vehicles are likely to be returning to market off of a three-year lease.
While February numbers have not been calculated yet, as J.D. power waits for the month to end, the forecast for the month is for a 0.3% increase in wholesale prices for cars up to 8 years old. This would be an improvement from the year before when prices declined 0.9% in February.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Used Vehicle Values

What Happens When Residual Values Meet Real-World Markets
A truck's trade value isn't determined on turn-in day. Learn how market cycles, maintenance, and timing shape the gap between residuals and reality.
Read More →
Manheim Index Shows Used-Vehicle Wholesale Prices Up 2.1% in June
The market is seeing stronger appreciation in older used vehicles this year, and the most affordable segments have been among the year’s best performers.
Read More →
Stop Remarketing Electric Vehicles Like Gas Cars
The advantages and attributes of electric vehicles are upending the traditional remarketing cycle, requiring fleet sellers to rely on new factors and approaches detailed below.
Read More →
Used Vehicle Prices Climb Higher As Sales Pace Slows
The higher prices at used retail reflect strong wholesale values earlier in the spring, particularly for older, more affordable vehicles.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices
Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.
Read More →
Used EV Sales Grow In April
While EV sales declined, used EV sales grew, as tighter inventory and rising prices reflected a more normalized pace for the EV market.
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 →
CAR 2026 Recap Part 2: Closing the Gap Between Data & Remarketing Value
The second half of CAR 2026 examined how fleets can translate lifecycle strategy, vehicle data, and market shifts into higher real-world results.
Read More →
CAR2026 in Two Words: Velocity, Value (Part 1)
The 2026 Conference of Automotive Remarketing convened with a mandate to involve a new constituency — fleet managers — and an updated mission to demonstrate unrealized value in de-fleeted vehicles.
Read More →
March Used Vehicle Inventory Falls To Lowest Since 2019
Franchised and independent dealers had a total of 1.95 million used vehicles in stock in March, the lowest on record in the current data set.
Read More →