Wholesale used vehicle prices are on their usual fourth-quarter trajectory, with slight depreciation.
The market dropped 0.49 percent last week, according to BlackBook’s Market Insights. The depreciation matched the numbers for the start of October and was only slightly ahead of the 0.44 percent average for the same week in the three years before the pandemic.
“Historically, the fourth quarter represents the period of greatest market depreciation, and current trends suggest a return to this seasonal norm,” BlackBook reported. “Depreciation levels last week were consistent with the prior week and aligned with pre-pandemic patterns for this time of year. Additionally, sales rates showed modest improvement; however, purchasing activity remains measured, with buyers exhibiting continued selectivity.”
The nine car models followed by BlackBook fell 0.44 percent or $71. Full-size cars were down $148 or 0.79 percent.
“The decline in the full-size car segment was particularly notable, coming on the heels of a 0.22 percent increase the previous week,” BlackBook noted.
The 13 truck and SUV categories experienced a decrease of 0.51 percent or $103. Mid-size crossover SUVs dropped 0.79 percent or $157 and subcompact luxury crossover SUVs were down 0.73 percent or $120. Dollar-wise, full-size luxury crossover SUVs had the biggest drop, falling $266 or 0.65 percent.
Small pickups fell 0.58 percent or $130, with newer models less than 2 years old falling 0.76 percent.
“[It was] its largest single-week decline since December 2024,” BlackBook reported.
The auction conversion rate increased 1 percent to 56 percent. BlackBook noted that buyers are remaining cautious.
“Overall, wholesale prices trended lower for the week, but the uptick in conversion rates suggests early signs of stabilization as the market adjusts to seasonal patterns and measured buyer activity,” BlackBook stated.
