Wholesale: Used Car Values Diverge in March
Many small car segments saw improvements to their average wholesale values through March, however, a dip in values among larger cars resulted in an overall decline to used vehicle values, according to Black Book data.

Courtesy of Black Book.

Courtesy of Black Book.
Many small car segments saw improvements to their average wholesale values through March, however, a dip in values among larger cars resulted in an overall decline to used vehicle values, according to Black Book data.
Average wholesale values for compact cars values were up 1.4% month-over-month, while subcompact car values climbed 0.8%. However, this rise among smaller cars was offset by declines coming from larger vehicles.
From February to March, average wholesale values for full-size crossovers/SUVs declined 1.7%. For compact crossovers, average values fell 0.9%, and 1.2% for full-size pickups.
Black Book’s Used Vehicle Retention Index — which tracks current wholesale vehicle values for 2- to 6-year-old vehicles compared to their MSRP — registered 112.0 in March, representing a 1.2% decline month-over-month, according to the company. A decline within the Index represents an overall decline to used vehicle values.
“We continue to see pockets of increases in the Index, with particular concentration on car segments that have been in demand throughout the spring selling season,” said Anil Goyal, executive vice president, operations. “We’re continuing to keep an eye on evolving trends in truck segments that have shown stable price increases in the recent years, but are now starting to show declines.”
More Used Vehicle Values

August New-Vehicle Sales Pace Forecast to Hold Above 16 Million
Despite an expected 8.5% year-over-year decline in August volume, Cox Automotive forecasts a 16.3 million SAAR, with full-size pickups outperforming several major crossover segments.
Read More →
Trade Strategy Now Starts Long Before Turn-In
The strongest trade values aren't built at turn-in. Discover how maintenance, lifecycle planning, and shared risk protect truck resale value.
Read More →
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 →