Cox Automotive’s August 2026 new-vehicle inventory report (published Sept. 10) puts available U.S. new inventory at 2.68 million units—down 1.6% from July’s 2.73 million and 1.8% year over year. Days’ supply fell to 73, from an upwardly revised 77 in July and below 75 a year earlier—the lowest since April 2025. The average new listing price was $49,486 (+0.6% MoM, +1.9% YoY).
That is a new-vehicle retail inventory story. It is not an instant appraisal of your used trade or outright sale. When affordable new supply tightens, desks still need clean used inventory—and they still disagree on what your car is worth until someone looks at it.
Cox notes vehicles priced at $30,000 or less carried about 54 days of supply, while units above $60,000 sat above 90 days. Roughly one-third of available new inventory was priced under $40,000. Brand mix also varies widely (Toyota ~33 days’ supply; Honda ~41; some brands much higher). National averages never equal your local desk’s pencil on one VIN.
How competing offers work on PriceForMyTrade: competition is handled manually, dealers contact you directly, and first responses are typically the same day—not guaranteed. Offers are confirmed after a physical appraisal. Dealers can buy outright; you do not have to purchase another vehicle. Submitting takes about 30 seconds. The service is free to the seller; participating dealerships pay for enquiries.
That is not an instant online valuation. If you still owe money, read selling a car with a loan payoff. Weighing trade credit versus cash? See trade-in vs selling outright. East Texas sellers can start at sell my car East Texas.
Takeaway: Tighter August new inventory—especially in affordable bands—is industry context. Your next useful move is still competing dealer conversations, then appraisal.