Wholesale Used-Vehicle Prices Expected to Soften
ADESA Analytical Services reported this week that wholesale used-vehicle prices could resume the general softening pattern that began around mid-2012 and before Superstorm Sandy.
CARMEL, Ind. — Wholesale used-vehicle prices fell sequentially and on a year-over-year basis in February, indicating that wholesale prices could resume the general softening pattern that began around mid-2012 and was interrupted by Superstorm Sandy, according to ADESA Analytical Services’ monthly analysis.
Wholesale used-vehicle prices in February averaged $9,752, down 2.8 percent compared to January and 1.2 percent relative to February 2012. The only segment that showed a month-over-month average price increase in February was Mini SUVs, which showed a 1.9 percent rise.
Prices for used vehicles remarketed by manufacturers were up 1.0 percent year-over-year, tapering considerably from last month’s 7.7 percent year-over-year increase. Despite this tapering, off-rental program units are continuing to show price strength. Prices for fleet and lease consignors were flat on year-over-year basis.
Prices fell 4.5 percent on year-over-year basis for dealer consignors and were down on a month-over-month basis for all three seller groups.
Based on data from CNW Research, retail used-vehicle sales in February were up 11.6 percent on a year-over-year for franchised dealers and 4.4 percent for independent dealers. Similarly, February sales of certified used vehicles were up 5.1 percent vs. the year-ago period, according to Autodata Corp.
More Compliance

A Continuing Antediluvian Dealer Fraud: Payment Packing
The longtime illegal practice, which can take many forms, can get a dealer and its employees in deep trouble. It’s a good idea to determine if anyone in your stores is doing it and to weed it out if so.
Read More →
Line 1 Is Not a Junk Drawer
Rolling products into the cash price — even if the bank told you to — misrepresents the vehicle’s value and runs afoul of four federal laws.
Read More →
Dueling Banjos in the Car Biz
Reports and accounts at variance show auto dealers’ trust profiles have risen in many consumers’ minds but that there remains a need for greater transparency by some.
Read More →
NADA and the Miracle on 34th Street
Automotive dealers should follow the National Automobile Dealers Association's consumer-friendly guidelines in order to minimize their legal risks.
Read More →
Another Look at a Recent Data Breach
Get caught up on the most pressing legal and regulatory matters facing dealers and F&I professionals, including data security, shotgun purchases, and inconsistent payment quotes.
Read More →

The Best Thing a Dealer Can Do to Avoid Legal Problems
Citing the issue is a strategy borrowed from the legal field itself.
Read More →
Fines of the Times
Civil penalties for noncompliance with federal auto retail and finance rules and regulations can add up quickly. Use this checklist to cover your bases.
Read More →
Goodwill and Car Dealers
A dealer goodwill tale is a cautionary tale worth paying attention to.
Read More →
