Used Car Prices in October 2026: Highest Since 2022, With More Cars on Lots

Used car prices are at their highest level in almost four years heading into late fall. According to Cox Automotive data reported by CBT News on October 21, the average used vehicle listing price reached $27,235 in September 2026, the highest monthly average since December 2022 and up nearly 6% from a year earlier. At the same time, dealers have more used cars on their lots than they did over the summer.

Wholesale prices, which dealers pay at auction and which usually show up on retail lots a few weeks later, also firmed in early October. Here is what the latest numbers show and what they mean if you are buying or selling a used car right now.

Retail Prices and Supply

Used vehicle supply rose to 49 days at the end of September, five days more than in August, according to the same Cox Automotive data. Days of supply measures how long current inventory would last at the current pace of sales, so a higher number means shoppers have more cars to choose from.

The picture is very different at the low end of the market. Dealers held only a 34-day supply of vehicles listed at $15,000 or less, 15 days below the overall average. Affordable used cars remain the hardest to find, which keeps their prices firm. Certified pre-owned sales were up 10% from a year earlier in September, though down 6% from August.

Wholesale Prices Firm in Early October

At the wholesale level, the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index rose 0.7% from September to 207.4 in the first 15 days of October, and stood 2.2% above October 2025, Cox Automotive reported on October 19. Without adjusting for mix, mileage and the season, wholesale prices actually fell 2% from September, which is a little more than the usual 1.5% drop for October.

Cox Automotive said lower auction supply, not stronger demand, was behind the firmer values. Wholesale supply was 28.2 days on October 15, down slightly from the end of September. "Supply, not demand, appears to be what slowed depreciation," said Jonathan Gregory, senior director at Cox Automotive. He added that "this strong start to October cannot undo a soft third quarter."

Which Vehicles Are Moving

Compact cars were up 5.6% from a year earlier at wholesale, and midsize cars turned positive. Luxury vehicles slipped just below last year's levels, and pickups remained soft. Wholesale values for used EVs were up 6.8% from a year earlier, though they dipped slightly from September.

What It Means for Buyers

Prices are high, but more inventory gives you more room to compare and negotiate, especially on vehicles above $20,000. Compare several listings of the same model and mileage before you make an offer, and focus on the out-the-door price rather than the monthly payment. Our guide on how to negotiate the best price at a car dealership walks through it step by step.

If you are shopping under $15,000, expect less choice and less flexibility on price, so be ready to move quickly on a good car. Always check the vehicle history report and get an independent inspection first. Late fall and the end of the year are also traditionally good times to buy, as we explain in the best time of year to buy a car.

What It Means for Dealers

Rising retail supply means more competition for each shopper, while firm wholesale prices squeeze the margin on newly acquired cars. Getting cars to the lot quickly and answering leads fast both matter more when buyers have more choice. Our guides on the used car reconditioning process and car dealership lead response time cover both.

The next full Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index for October is due on November 6, 2026. We will update this page when the new numbers are out.

Sources

Figures in this article come from Cox Automotive's mid-October 2026 Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (October 19, 2026) and Cox Automotive retail data reported by CBT News (October 21, 2026).