Used-car prices are holding roughly flat in October, but the wholesale market underneath them has started to tick upward — a combination that leaves retail buyers in an unusual spot. According to Cox Automotive data published October 16, the average used-vehicle listing price was $27,235 in September 2026, essentially flat from a revised $27,223 in August and up nearly 6 percent year over year. That is the retail number shoppers actually see on dealer lots and listing sites.
Wholesale versus retail
The wholesale picture is more mixed. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, Cox Automotive’s wholesale measure adjusted for mix, mileage and seasonality, was 205.9 in September, down 0.6 percent year over year and down 1.1 percent from August, according to Cox Automotive’s October 7 release. But in the first 15 days of October, the same index rose to 207.4, up 0.7 percent from September and up 2.2 percent year over year, according to Cox Automotive’s October 19 summary. That split matters because wholesale prices usually feed through to retail with a lag. A rising wholesale index does not guarantee higher sticker prices next month, but it does suggest dealers are paying more to stock their lots, which limits room for discounts.
The Canadian contrast
In Canada, the picture is softer. Clutch, a Canadian online retailer, reported the national average selling price for a used vehicle at $33,752 Canadian, down 0.1 percent month over month and 0.5 percent year over year, according to its latest pricing report. CarGurus’ Canadian index put average listing prices at $33,232 Canadian as of October 20, down 0.79 percent in the period covered. For buyers, the practical advice is to compare like with like: same model year, mileage and condition in the same local market. National averages hide wide differences by segment, and a flat national number can still mean a sharp rise for the exact truck or hybrid you want. Get a pre-purchase inspection, check the vehicle’s history, and negotiate on the out-the-door price rather than the advertised figure alone.
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