by Used car prices in the U.S. continue to rise
Not only new cars remain expensive in the United States. Fresh data shows that average prices for used vehicles across the country have also risen this year, though the pace of growth slowed slightly in June. Buyers hoping for relief in the used car market have seen the situation worsen for several consecutive months, and the latest figures do not change this picture.
A Carfax study shows that since the beginning of the year, average prices for used sedans, hatchbacks, and station wagons have increased by more than $1,350. Other market segments have seen even larger jumps. Used pickup trucks, luxury cars, and SUVs have risen by an average of about $1,500 over the first six months of the year.
Price increases across different segments
Additionally, average prices for used vans and minivans have risen by more than $2,000, while luxury SUVs added nearly $2,800, or about 4.9 percent. Luxury cars saw an even larger increase — 12.6 percent year-over-year, although they had remained stable through May.
June growth covered all segments
Carfax notes that in June, prices rose across all major segments, though growth rates varied significantly. The smallest increase was seen in luxury cars — about $10 — while SUVs added nearly $200. Used cars, luxury SUVs, and vans and minivans rose by about $350, pickup trucks by more than $400, and hybrids and electric vehicles showed the largest jump — over $850.
Impact of fuel prices on demand for hybrids and electric vehicles
The rise in gasoline prices linked to the war in Iran has spurred high demand for used hybrids and electric vehicles, leading to a sharp increase in prices. Carfax reports that they rose by an average of more than $3,600, or 11.9 percent. This is certainly good news for those selling such a car, but for buyers looking for a used hybrid or electric vehicle, it means needing a larger budget.
Carfax had expected interest to decline after the federal tax credit for used clean vehicles expired on September 30, 2025, which allowed savings of up to $4,000 on qualifying used electric vehicles costing $25,000 or less. Instead, the spike in fuel prices revived demand.
Overall market dynamics
Overall, used car prices according to Carfax rose by about 1.3 percent in June, lower than the March increase of 3 percent. This means an average increase of just over $350 per month, compared to nearly $900 in May.
Regional price differences
Price changes vary significantly by region. For example, in the Mid-Atlantic region, used hybrids and electric vehicles rose by an average of more than $1,400 in June, compared to about $950 in the Midwest. Similarly, while average prices for used vans and minivans in the Midwest rose by about $200 in June, they fell by about $450 in the Great Plains.
In other regions, used luxury cars rose by more than $1,200 in the Northeast, but fell by about $900 in the West, the largest regional decline across all segments. In the South, used pickup trucks rose by an average of more than $1,200.
Used car price growth table
Overall, the U.S. used car market shows a persistent upward trend in prices, covering all segments, though with varying intensity. Particularly notable is the impact of external factors such as the geopolitical situation and fuel prices, which directly influence demand for hybrids and electric vehicles. Regional differences indicate that local economic conditions and demand structure play a key role in price formation, making the used car market highly heterogeneous. Buyers should consider these factors and be prepared that finding a favorable deal may require additional effort and flexibility in choosing a region or car type.
