auto dealer in black and red logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Kontos: Wholesale Prices Up Year Over Year, Down From September

As has been the case for much of the year, average wholesale used-car prices were down on a year-over-year basis. In October, the average wholesale used-vehicle price fell by 1.2% compared to the year before. Trucks, on the other hand, continued to realize year-over-year increases in wholesale prices. Compared to last year, truck prices are up 5.1%.

by Staff
November 16, 2016
2 min to read


CARMEL, Ind. — Wholesale used-vehicle prices in October averaged $10,499, a decline from September but a 3% increase on a year-over-year basis, according to ADESA Analytical Services.

In October, the average wholesale used-vehicle price for a car fell by 1.2% compared to the year before. Trucks, on the other hand, continued to realize year-over-year increases in wholesale price, rising 5.1% from a year ago.

On a month-over-month basis, however, nearly all truck segments — except for full-size SUV/CUV’s — saw a decline in average price. This, Kontos noted, signaled that the generally softening wholesale price environment is beginning to affect trucks.

“The softening wholesale price environment became more apparent in October, as wholesale supply continues to grow while retail demand weakened,” said KAR Auction Services Chief Economist Tom Kontos.

Average prices of used vehicles remarketed by manufacturers were down 0.9% compared to September, but they were up 8.6% compared to the same time last year. Additionally, both franchised and independent dealers experienced 14% to 15% month-over-month decreases in used-vehicle sales, according to NADA data. However, year-to-date, retail used-vehicle sales remain up 4.2%.

In the certified pre-owned space, October sales were down on a year-over-year and month-over-month basis. Year over year, sales were up 3.2% but down 0.7% on a month-over-month basis, according to Autodata.

October also marked the first time this year that new-vehicle sales were down compared to the same time last year. This, Kontos added, may indicate that the industry won’t be seeing another record-breaking year for auto sales.

“For the first time this year, new-vehicle sales on a year-to-date basis fell below last year's levels, indicating that total sales in 2016 may not match the 2015 record of 17.5 million," Kontos said. "However, the decline from that all-time high should be moderate.”

Originally posted on F&I and Showroom

More Dealer Ops

two cars on a billboard, No Hidden Fees
ComplianceMay 1, 2026

Dealer Ads and the FTC

The agency has made it clear in recent enforcement actions and warnings, in auto retail and other industries, that advertised prices must include all nonoptional costs to the consumer.

Read More →
Closeup of white car's headlight, front end
Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellApril 17, 2026

Used Autos Supply Dwindles

The March shopping surge, despite high prices, cut into inventory by the most since the thick of the pandemic, Cox Automotive analysts calculated.

Read More →
hands making protective frame over red car, Risk Reality Check, Be Proactive, Auto Dealer Today logo
Dealer OpsApril 1, 2026

Managing Risk Effectively Through Changing Times

The variables influencing risk pricing have changed significantly over the past five years. Being proactive and responsive to emerging trends is not optional but essential.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Car key, stacks of coins, and a paper car cutout with AutoPayPlus logo, representing auto financing, loan terms, and vehicle affordability trends.
Dealer Opsby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Survey Reveals What Won't Fix What's Breaking Car Sales

AutoPayPlus says extra-long auto loans are trapping consumers and threatening the dealer trade-in cycle, and that the industry is leveraging the wrong tools to combat high MSRPs.

Read More →
Headshots of two male executives
Dealer Opsby StaffMarch 24, 2026

IA American Appoints Two Execs

Senior vice presidents of the company's agent and dealer channels chosen to support general agents and help auto dealers with sales and performance.

Read More →
Dealer Opsby StaffSeptember 8, 2025

Cox Automotive Acquires Inspection Firm

Full ownership of Alliance Inspection Management, or AiM, meant to unlock growth for Manheim inspection capabilities

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dealer Opsby StaffAugust 26, 2025

Assurant Expands Partnership With Holman

Extended collaboration delivers training, products and performance development to 30 newly acquired Holman dealerships

Read More →
Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellAugust 26, 2025

Franchises, Throughput Down in First Half

A handful of states see franchise growth through June, while EV sales per store boost overall business in U.S.

Read More →
Dealer OpsAugust 25, 2025

How to Build a High-Performance Sales and F&I Team

Performance and profits start with people chosen and led the right way.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellAugust 19, 2025

Buy-Sells Up in Q2

Kerrigan metrics show there’s plenty of demand, though many sellers are waiting to pull the trigger.

Read More →