Black Book reports that overall wholesale used-vehicle values fell 0.71% in the week ending September 26. Its car index declined 0.48%, while its truck and SUV index dropped 0.80%. Black Book says the comparable weeks in 2017 through 2019 averaged a 0.27% decline, making this week's movement steeper than the pre-pandemic seasonal benchmark.
The weekly figures are observed proprietary industry data, not a forecast. Wholesale movements can affect later trade-in and retail pricing, but timing and magnitude vary by vehicle, location, condition, and dealer inventory needs.
Some segments moved faster than the average
Values for 0-to-2-year-old cars fell 0.45%, while 8-to-16-year-old cars declined 0.32%. Among trucks and SUVs, 0-to-2-year-old full-size pickups fell 1.22%, 2-to-8-year-old full-size pickups fell 1.15%, and 2-to-8-year-old minivans dropped 2.16%.
A large weekly move in a broad segment does not establish the value of a specific car. Mileage, trim, options, title and accident history, maintenance, condition, color, location, and current comparable listings still matter.
Retail inventory was still moving
Black Book's retail analysis, based on roughly 2 million U.S. dealer listings for 2-to-6-year-old vehicles with a constant age mix, put estimated retail days to turn at about 34 days. The reported auction conversion rate was 57%, one percentage point lower than the prior week.
Days to turn and auction conversion provide market context, not a promise that a particular listing will sell within a set period or that a seller will receive a particular bid.
How buyers and sellers can use the snapshot
Compare recent local listings and, when possible, completed-sale or written trade-in offers for the same year, trim, mileage, and condition.
Private sellers should document maintenance, disclose known issues, and avoid cutting a price solely because a national index moved for one week.
Buyers should arrange an independent inspection and compare the out-the-door price, financing terms, and ownership costs separately.
Watch several weekly readings before treating one broad decline as a lasting trend.
Primary references
Sources and methodology
MyFavi links to the original material so you can verify the details, reporting period, and later updates.
Black Book figures are attributed proprietary wholesale and retail-market estimates. National and segment averages are not appraisals, trade-in offers, transaction prices, or forecasts for a specific vehicle.
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