SUV Values Strengthened by Winter Weather, Black Book Data Shows
Compact SUVs retained the most value in February thanks to cold weather, according to analysts at Black Book. The average price of 2009 to 2013 model year vehicles depreciated by 1.2% during the month.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Compact SUVs retained the most value in February thanks to cold weather, according to analysts at Black Book. The average price of 2009 to 2013 model year vehicles depreciated by 1.2% in February, matching January’s numbers.
Domestic cars depreciated by 0.9%, import cars lost 1.5%, domestic trucks fell 0.8% and import trucks changed -1.1%. Black Book expects 2015 depreciation to be near 14.5%, falling within the normal average annual depreciation of pre-recession years.
Luxury cars had the largest depreciation of any segment, losing 2.8% and selling at an average price of $34,714. The average price fell 18.8% from $42,739 a year ago.
Compact SUVs had the strongest retention in February, actually gaining .9%, the only segment with a positive change in the month. Trucks were the second best performing segment followed by upper mid-sized cars. The analysts at Black Book felt that colder weather patterns helped to strengthen truck segments.
“Perhaps the colder weather patterns helped heat up the sport utility and truck segments during February as we saw great strength in SUVs and crossovers,” said Ricky Beggs, editorial director at Black Book. “While overall depreciation finished at -1.2% on the month, there are segments we feel could turn more positive due to spring type activity and continuing economic improvement.”
More F&I

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 →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →
Focus on the Opening
F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.
Read More →