Kontos: Wholesale Prices Up Year Over Year, Down From September
As has been the case for much of the year, average wholesale used-car prices were down on a year-over-year basis. In October, the average wholesale used-vehicle price fell by 1.2% compared to the year before. Trucks, on the other hand, continued to realize year-over-year increases in wholesale prices. Compared to last year, truck prices are up 5.1%.
CARMEL, Ind. — Wholesale used-vehicle prices in October averaged $10,499, a decline from September but a 3% increase on a year-over-year basis, according to ADESA Analytical Services.
In October, the average wholesale used-vehicle price for a car fell by 1.2% compared to the year before. Trucks, on the other hand, continued to realize year-over-year increases in wholesale price, rising 5.1% from a year ago.
On a month-over-month basis, however, nearly all truck segments — except for full-size SUV/CUV’s — saw a decline in average price. This, Kontos noted, signaled that the generally softening wholesale price environment is beginning to affect trucks.
“The softening wholesale price environment became more apparent in October, as wholesale supply continues to grow while retail demand weakened,” said KAR Auction Services Chief Economist Tom Kontos.
Average prices of used vehicles remarketed by manufacturers were down 0.9% compared to September, but they were up 8.6% compared to the same time last year. Additionally, both franchised and independent dealers experienced 14% to 15% month-over-month decreases in used-vehicle sales, according to NADA data. However, year-to-date, retail used-vehicle sales remain up 4.2%.
In the certified pre-owned space, October sales were down on a year-over-year and month-over-month basis. Year over year, sales were up 3.2% but down 0.7% on a month-over-month basis, according to Autodata.
October also marked the first time this year that new-vehicle sales were down compared to the same time last year. This, Kontos added, may indicate that the industry won’t be seeing another record-breaking year for auto sales.
“For the first time this year, new-vehicle sales on a year-to-date basis fell below last year's levels, indicating that total sales in 2016 may not match the 2015 record of 17.5 million," Kontos said. "However, the decline from that all-time high should be moderate.”
More F&I

Integrating Nontraditional F&I Products
The niche presents a strategic advantage for auto dealerships as they move to adapt to fast-changing consumer expectations in today’s market.
Read More →
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →