FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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%.

by Staff
November 16, 2016
2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

“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

Photo of notepad and pen next to computer keyboard on desktop
F&IApril 13, 2026

Control in Sales Is an Illusion

Some of it should be given to the customer, but that doesn’t mean the F&I office relinquishes the process. In fact, a different approach both builds trust and boosts sales.

Read More →
Photo of external keyboard on office deak next to window
F&IApril 7, 2026

The Limited Warranty Game

Bringing it in-house benefits the dealership and its customers.

Read More →
Woman in casual clothing sitting at a desk
F&Iby Rick McCormickMarch 31, 2026

Curb The Confusion

Talk to F&I customers like you’d talk to a friend, without industry lingo or sales-like questions, and use hard proof to show, not tell, them about a need.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of man's hand on laptop computer keyboard with blank screen
F&IMarch 16, 2026

There Is Always one More Product

Helping F&I customers understand complementary offerings is likely to lead to more sales, based on the success of a high-performing practitioner of the philosophy.

Read More →
REGISTER FOR EFI 2026
F&Iby Kate SpataforaMarch 16, 2026

EFI Conference Extends Early Bird Discount as Room Block Nears Capacity

Ethical F&I Manager's Conference will take place at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas on April 13–15, 2026.

Read More →
Industryby StaffMarch 6, 2026

Explore the 12 Rules for an F&I Life at EFI

EFI 2026 will take place April 13–15 at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
F&IMarch 4, 2026

Creating Your Own Economy

In this video, Reese Dailey explains how effective follow-up drives better results across the dealership, including increased sales, higher F&I penetration, and stronger customer retention.

Read More →
Industryby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Prove You Can Do F&I at EFI

‘So You Think You Can Do F&I’ is a live role-play contest taking place at the 2026 Ethical F&I Managers Conference.

Read More →
Image of two human hands, one holding the word yes, the other the word no
F&Iby Hannah MitchellMarch 1, 2026

Expect Yes in the F&I Office

It may be human nature to back off when a customer seems to say no to a product or service. But experts say F&I managers should operate as though the answer will be the opposite.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Industryby Lauren LawrenceFebruary 25, 2026

Report Finds Year-End F&I Strength

Deal volume ebbed and flowed throughout 2025, but product performance remained steady, according to automotive technology and data intelligence solutions provider StoneEagle.

Read More →