FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Used EVs Buck Days-on-Market Trend

ISeeCars data shows a significant gap between used and new days on market, used cars sitting 40% longer while new cars are down 15% year-over-year as of February.

March 18, 2026
red and white car in front of a car dealership with text Days on Market Divide and logo for F&I and Showroom

Fifteen of the 20 slowest selling used models are alternative-fuel vehicles.

Credit:

Canva

2 min to read


  • Used cars are currently on the market 40% longer than new cars.
  • New vehicles have reduced their days on the market by 15% year-over-year as of February.

*Summarized by AI

Used cars are sitting on lots longer and longer, according to data compiled by iSeeCars.com.

Despite used-car prices dropping slightly at the beginning of the year, the average days on market for 1- to 5-year-old units increased 40% year-over-year in February. At 53 days, that's the highest point since January 2024, the car search and data provider said.

Ad Loading...

“Used car prices have stabilized over the past 18 months, and they actually dropped slightly in January and February,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “But it’s still taking longer to sell these cars, as more consumers either hang on to their current vehicle or shop for older used models to save money.”

Within the used-car market, electric vehicles are selling faster than the overall average at just over 47 days as of February. But there are fewer of them, and that number is still up year-over-year by 13%.

“With electric vehicles making up a tiny fraction of the used car market it takes less demand to keep them moving off dealer lots,” Brauer said. “And with new EV volume and sales dropping in recent months, it’s likely the used EV market will remain relatively strong.”

Brand-wise, Tesla makes up the bulk of used EV sales and is pulling down the average EV days on market, according to the study. Of the 20 fastest-selling 1- to 5-year-old used cars, Tesla has four models, including the No. 1 spot held by its Model X at 22 days on market.

On the flip side, nine of the slowest selling used cars are EVs, notably non-Tesla models. And 15 of the 20 slowest-selling models are alternative-fuel vehicles. The Volvo XC60, a hybrid, is listed as the slowest selling 1- to 5-year-old used car.

Ad Loading...

Meanwhile, new cars' days on the market have fallen in the past two months by 15% year-over-year. ISeeCars named the electric Chevrolet Bolt the fastest-selling new car at just nine days on market. The slowest-selling car is the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N at a whopping 196 days on market.


More Industry

Photo of an land-line phone on a desk with various office supplies
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 29, 2026

Auto Dealers Have Some Phone Homework

A midyear study found that stores can do a better job of converting both inbound and outbound calls into customer appointments for increased sales.

Read More →
Photo of Ioniq 5 SUV moving on two-lane road next to treeline
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 27, 2026

Hyundai Ventures Aim for Deeper AI Dive

The automaker announced partnerships with several technology industry leaders to pursue an ambitious plan for integrating AI into its manufacturing and well beyond automotive.

Read More →
a line of people sitting down with paperwork in their hands
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 27, 2026

Early Intervention Saves Retention

Sales and service departments have the highest annual dealership turnover rates, according to a new industry report, costing money and time that could be better spent elsewhere.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Twilight of white hybrid car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 22, 2026

California Hybrids Reach State Record

The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.

Read More →
desert road with cars driving away, Rebates Incoming with red star graphic, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 15, 2026

California Launches EV Rebate Program

Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.

Read More →
interior view of car dashboard and steering column. gray interior
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 13, 2026

UN Advances Fully Autonomous Vehicle Framework

While such cars aren’t on the public market yet, the United Nations established a safety-focused regulatory framework that's endorsed by the U.S.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of a humanoid robot's chest, shoulders and head
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 9, 2026

Another Carmaker Embraces Robots

Mitsubishi and a Japan-based startup plan to make humanoids at a home-country factory to use in auto manufacturing and to sell to others.

Read More →
inside of an automotive manufacturing facility, Closing the Skills Gap, F&I and Showroom
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 9, 2026

Auto Workforce Impacted by Skills Gaps

The transition to electric vehicles has impacted the automotive workforce in many ways, including the need for education and skills training on emerging technologies.

Read More →
five people standing side-by-side holding hands, text says Rising Trend: Employee Ownership, F&I and Showroom logo
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 7, 2026

Auto Group Transitions to Employee Ownership

An Ohio-based automotive group transitioned to 100% employee ownership, or an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, with the stated intent of supporting its legacy and growth.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of executive in a sports coat and glasses
Industryby StaffJuly 2, 2026

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 →