Used Car Prices Hit Record High
Used car prices have hit an all time.
The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index rose 6.9% in September to 118.5, the highest on record. To give you some comparison, the index was at 100 in January 1995.
The reason for the price increase is simple: The supply of used cars has dwindled due to a combination of the "cash for clunkers" program and the fact that rental car companies are keeping their vehicles for a longer period, thus limiting the number of used cars entering the market.
If you're shopping for a new or used car, this won't affect you much if you have a trade-in. However, if you're shopping for a used car without a trade-in, then perhaps you should wait a few months.
Analysts are predicting the price increases won't last. Now that the "cash for clunkers" program is over, used car inventories should start creeping back up again.
My Recommendation for Car Shoppers
TrueCar, RydeShopper, and CarsDirect are the best way to see the lowest car prices in your area. These sites show you no-haggle prices from dealers closest to you - and the deals are usually really good. This should be the first step you take when negotiating your car price. Follow this up with my checklist to make sure you squeeze out every last bit of savings.- Gregg Fidan
- Best Rebates, Incentives, and Lease Deals
- Latest Car Buying Scams and Tricks
- The Best & Worst Time to Buy a Car
- Which Cars You Should Avoid
About: Gregg Fidan
Gregg Fidan is the founder of RealCarTips. After being ripped off on his first car purchase, he devoted several years to figuring out the best ways to avoid scams and negotiate the best car deals. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject of car buying and taught thousands of car shoppers how to get the best deals.
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