Used-Vehicle Inventory Hits 2025 High as Sales Ease and Prices Edge Up
Used-vehicle inventory levels climbed to their highest point of 2025 at the start of October, with dealers nationwide holding 2.26 million used vehicles — a 3% rise from September and 10% higher than a year ago, according to Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data. Despite this increase, retail used-vehicle sales slowed by over 5% month over month, totaling 1.42 million units in September compared to 1.50 million in August. The slowdown followed a period of strong demand earlier in the year, yet overall sales remain robust — 7% higher than last year — as buyers continue turning to used vehicles for more affordable options amid high new-car prices.
Inventory supply stood at 48 days at the beginning of October, up four days from September and one day higher year over year, marking the first month in 2025 that supply outpaced the previous year’s level. Still, supply remains tighter than pre-pandemic norms. Prices also edged higher, with the average used listing price reaching $25,825 — up 2% from a year ago. Affordable options remain scarce, as vehicles priced below $15,000 had just a 34-day supply, 14 days below the industry average. The month’s top five sellers averaged $23,919 — about 7% below the overall average — with Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan once again dominating sales, collectively representing half of all used-vehicle transactions.
National Gas Prices Inch Up Slightly Amid Regional Fluctuations and Refinery Disruptions
The national average gas price rose slightly by 0.3 cents this past week, reaching $3.08 per gallon, according to GasBuddy data. Despite the uptick, prices are down 10.8 cents from a month ago and 4.7 cents lower than a year ago. Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy noted that gas prices continue to vary widely by region, with increases in Ohio and Michigan, decreases in Indiana and Delaware, and expected rises on the West Coast following a refinery fire near Los Angeles. While OPEC agreed to boost oil production, regional supply issues remain the dominant factor. As of October 6, EIA data shows regional averages of $2.98 on the East Coast, $2.93 in the Midwest, $2.72 in the Gulf Coast, $3.06 in the Rocky Mountains, and $4.23 on the West Coast. The cheapest gas can be found in Oklahoma at $2.59 per gallon, followed by Mississippi and Arkansas.
EV Sales Hit Record High in Q3 2025, but Challenges Loom Ahead
U.S. electric vehicle (EV) sales surged to an all-time high in the third quarter of 2025, reaching 438,487 units sold — up 40.7% from Q2 and nearly 30% year over year, according to Kelley Blue Book. EVs captured a record 10.5% of total vehicle sales, up from 8.6% a year earlier. The strong performance was largely driven by the end of federal EV incentives, which spurred consumers and dealers to act quickly. While brands like Volkswagen, General Motors, Honda, and Hyundai posted significant gains, others — including Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Nissan — saw stagnant or declining sales. Tesla recorded an 8% year-over-year increase, its first of 2025, but its market share fell to 41% from 49% as competition intensified.