Used Car Prices in the US Rise the Most in 9 Months

EthereumCraftsman · 2026-02-06T14:20:18+00:00

In January 2026, the US Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index rose 2.4%, driven by strong retail demand and anticipated record tax refunds, suggesting a robust spring for wholesale markets despite lower used supply.

EthereumCraftsman

2026-02-06 14:20:18

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The US Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index jumped 2.4% month-over-month in January 2026, the most since April last year, compared to a 0.1% gain in the previous month. “We had planned for a stronger January from a pricing perspective, but wholesale values moved even faster than we expected on the back of strong retail demand, driving the MUVVI to its highest reading since September 2023. With tax refund season officially starting last week, we are expecting that more consumers will be getting refunds – and that the size of those refunds will hit a new record. Those factors should help consumers punch the ticket on some big-ticket purchases, even as we have seen a more muted impact on market interest rates in the face of three Fed cuts since September. The spring bounce for wholesale markets looks like it started early this year, and stronger tax refunds and lower used supply may keep it running for longer than typically seen”, according to Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist, Cox Automotive

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