Used-car supply rose, but sub-$15,000 listings shrank 16%

What Cox observed in dealer listings

Cox Automotive's October 16 analysis of vAuto Live Market View data estimates that combined franchised- and independent-dealer used inventory reached 2.21 million vehicles in September. That was 3.9% higher than August and 3.3% higher than September 2025.

Days of supply rose to 49, up from 44 in August and one day above September 2025. Cox calculates that measure using the estimated daily retail sales pace for the most recent month. It estimates September retail sales volume at 1.35 million vehicles, with the sales pace down 6.3% from August but up 2% from a year earlier.

Affordable inventory became harder to find

Vehicles listed below $15,000 had 34 days of supply, 15 days below the market's 49-day measure. Cox says inventory in that price band fell 16.2% from a year earlier and accounted for 15.7% of dealer listings, compared with 19.4% in September 2025.

The national figures do not describe every model or local market, but they point to fewer choices and potentially faster turnover for budget-focused shoppers. Buyers may need to search across a wider area while keeping inspection and repair costs in the budget.

Listing prices and consumer inflation measure different things

Cox puts the average used-vehicle listing price at $27,235 in September, essentially unchanged from a revised $27,223 in August and almost 6% above September 2025. The figure describes dealer asking prices in Cox's dataset, not the price of a completed sale or a specific vehicle's value.

BLS reported that its used-cars-and-trucks consumer price index rose 0.7% from August after seasonal adjustment but remained 1.5% below September 2025 before seasonal adjustment. The readings measure different things: BLS tracks price changes in consumer transactions, while Cox tracks dealer listings, inventory mix, and supply.

What buyers can do with the data

• Compare the same model year, trim, mileage range, condition, and title history in your local market.
• Expect fewer choices at the lower-priced end; Cox measured 34 days of supply below $15,000 versus 49 days overall.
• Ask for the out-the-door price and keep optional products separate.
• Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection before committing.

What sellers can do with the data

Use the national report as context, not as an appraisal. Recent local comparables, mileage, condition, title history, maintenance records, and needed repairs are more relevant to a specific asking price. Tight supply below $15,000 does not guarantee that every lower-priced vehicle will sell quickly or at its asking price.