Cox Automotive’s August 2026 used-vehicle inventory analysis puts the average used-vehicle listing price at $27,239—up 7% year over year and up 0.9% from July’s revised $26,999. August was the highest monthly average listing price since December 2022, and it ran against the usual pattern of flat-to-slightly-lower August prices.
That is a retail asking average across dealer lots—not a guaranteed wholesale or trade number for your car. It does tell you the market sellers are walking into: asking prices are firm while the cheapest band stays scarce.
In the same Cox report, used vehicles priced below $15,000 carried only 29 days’ supply—15 days below the industry average of 44. That band’s share of inventory fell to 15.1%, down from 20.6% a year earlier, with supply in the band down 25.9% year over year.
When lower-priced retail stock is tight, desks still need retailable units. That is when a single printed allowance is a weak baseline.
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: Elevated retail asking prices do not mint a magic number for your VIN. Shop competing dealer conversations, then let appraisal confirm the real offer.