Vehicle Remarketing Logo

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.

by Staff
April 5, 2018
Wholesale: Used Car Values Diverge in March

Courtesy of Black Book.

1 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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 forecast
Used Vehicle Valuesby StaffAugust 31, 2026

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 →
Graphic reading “The trade strategy starts on day one. Value Built Over Time” over a maintenance planning scene with a checklist, tools, lifecycle graphics, and cost-analysis charts.
Used Vehicle Valuesby Lauren FletcherAugust 12, 2026

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 →
Graphic reading “Set today. Tested years later. Fixed Value, Moving Market” over a dark industrial background with market graphs and the Vehicle Remarketing logo.

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 →
Ad Loading...
Blue bar graphs showing changes in wholesale used vehicle prices based on vehicle segments.
Auctionsby News/Media ReleaseJuly 9, 2026

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 →
Bright green electric vehicle plugged into a charger inside a service and reconditioning facility, with additional vehicles lined up in the background.
OperationsJuly 1, 2026

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 →
Series of colored line graphs showing the recent history of average used listing prices.

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 →
Ad Loading...
Dark blue bar graphs showing percentage gains in average wholesale used vehicle prices

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 →
Chart comparing April new and used EV sales. New EV sales fell to 76,889 units while used EV sales rose to 42,080, according to Cox Automotive.

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 →
Blue bar graphs showing wholesale used vehicle price shifts according to vehicle segment.

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 →
Ad Loading...
collage of conference speakers
Operationsby Chris BrownApril 30, 2026

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 →