Used Car Prices Hold at $27,235 in September 2026

The national average listing price for used vehicles remained steady as inventory levels climbed.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Buying/Selling

Isometric editorial illustration showing an organized grid of generic sedan silhouettes, symbolizing stabilized used car inventory levels in the United States. — Used car listing prices in the United States held steady at $27,235 in September 2026, supported by increased inventory levels for consumers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is now a good time for you to purchase a used vehicle given current market prices?

In September 2026, the average list price for a used vehicle in the United States reached $27,235. This pricing stability arrives alongside a 49-day average supply of used cars held by dealers nationwide.

Why it matters

Improving inventory levels can help slow price inflation for consumers in the market for a pre-owned vehicle. As automakers produce fewer affordable new models, the availability of used inventory remains a critical factor for affordability.

Certified pre-owned car sales increased 10% year-over-year in September 2026, though monthly sales saw a 6% decrease. Additionally, Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan accounted for over 49% of all retail used-vehicle sales.

The players

Ford

This major American multinational automaker is one of the top five brands accounting for nearly half of all retail used-vehicle sales.

Chevrolet

As a primary division of General Motors, this brand remains a leading provider in the national retail used-vehicle market.

Toyota

This global automotive manufacturer maintains a significant market share in the United States for both new and certified pre-owned vehicle sales.

Honda

This corporation is a central player in the automotive sector and is recognized as one of the top five brands in retail used-vehicle volume.

Nissan

This major automotive company contributes to the top-tier market share of used vehicles sold across the United States.

The details

Dealers are currently navigating supply constraints, particularly for budget-friendly models, with only a 34-day supply of vehicles priced at $15,000 or less. Broadly, used car prices are not expected to show dramatic growth throughout the autumn period.

September 2026: The average used car list price reached $27,235.

Roadmap

The automotive industry is currently grappling with a shift where the production of fewer affordable new vehicles forces buyers toward the used market. This sustains high demand for pre-owned inventory, positioning established brands like Ford and Toyota as primary anchors for market stability.

Shoppers may find that while average prices have reached a plateau at $27,235, finding reliable transportation under the $15,000 threshold remains difficult due to tighter supply. Buyers should prepare for persistent competition when seeking entry-level vehicles as inventory for those specific price points remains significantly lower than the market average.

The takeaway

Used vehicle prices are currently reflecting a balance between supply levels and the high demand caused by limited new-car affordability. Prospective buyers are encouraged to monitor local inventory levels closely as dealers manage a tighter supply for budget-conscious models.