Used-car prices have dropped for 25 straight weeks, and that's something we haven't seen in a long time. For many buyers, this is a rare chance to get a good deal. If you find a well-priced car that's been looked after, now is a solid time to buy. But it's not perfect for everyone. Interest rates are still high, and prices could fall a little more, especially on older models. If you're not in a rush, waiting a few more months might save you some extra money. In short, if the right car pops up at the right price, go for it. If you can wait and want the absolute lowest price, hold off a bit longer.
Used-car prices have been sliding for a while now, but it's not some crazy once-in-a-lifetime sale. It's just the first more "normal" market we've seen in years. Why buying now can make sense Peak prices are behind us - we're off those wild 2021-2022 highs, so at least you're not buying at the very top. Dealers are more flexible - cars sit on lots longer, so there's more room to negotiate on price, trade-in, or extras. Some segments really are on sale - used EVs and certain models that were hot a couple years ago now go for noticeably less. You actually need a car - if your old car is dying, the cost of repairs, rentals, or rideshares can eat up whatever you might "save" by waiting. Why you might want to wait Prices are still high vs. pre-COVID - yes, they're lower than the peak, but not back to the cheap levels we had years ago. Interest rates hurt - even if the sticker is a bit lower, high loan rates can make the monthly payment feel worse. Values could slip a bit more - if prices keep drifting down, your car might lose value faster in the first year. Affordable cars are still tight - clean, low-mileage cars under $20k are still hard to find, so bargains in that range are limited. My take: Right now is a decent time to buy, not a "grab anything you can" moment. If you need a car soon and can live with today's interest rates, you can finally shop around and push for a real deal. If your current car is fine and you're very payment-sensitive, it's reasonable to wait and see if prices and rates soften a bit more.
Yes, now is not just a good time to buy a used car — it may well be the best time to avoid buying a new one. It sounds like a pun, but it reflects reality. Undoubtedly, one of the key drivers behind the steady decline in used-car prices is the rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle technology. Most notably, Tesla's ambitious plans are setting the trajectory for the entire industry. Their innovations do more than showcase technological breakthroughs — they're smoothly forcing us to rethink the very concept of car ownership. The bottom line? If predictions about the near-future adoption of self-driving technology come true, the used-car market will face another round of price dives. For now, savvy buyers have a chance to purchase a reliable pre-owned vehicle at a favorable price — but they should do so with an eye on the coming changes. And that future looks like this: within 10 years of autonomous vehicles getting the full regulatory green light, 95 % of U.S. passenger travel could shift to self-driving transport. Thanks to early momentum from Tesla, Waymo, and Zoox, that window could narrow to 5-7 years. In my assessment, 2026 — the year Tesla rolls out its Cybercab — will serve as the starting point for the end of the personal car era and will initiate a downward spiral in the used-car market. By 2031-2034, the used-car sector could well transform into what might be termed a "stranded vehicle market."
With the 25th consecutive week in the downturn in the price of used cars, it sure would seem like the industry has opened up and turned into a buyer's marketplace, and in some ways, that isn't far from the truth, although it isn't quite that cut and dried. While it's still a buyer's marketplace, sure, the prices are falling and giving people who sat through the pandemic boom a break. With that said, timing still counts. The interest rate is still quite high, and even when the price goes lower, the cost of interest might cut into your finances. This could be an opportunity, though, especially when you're paying in cash or perhaps you have a pre-approved loan with a lower interest rate. Perhaps you can hold on, since the interest rate is expected to go lower in 2026. Bottom line: the smart play varies with your circumstances, and if you need a car, then the skies are the limit because the market has gotten more balanced than it has in years. Waiters could be in a sweet spot shortly.
The falling prices of used cars is mostly caused by the growing amount of repositions on unpaid installments. So what is a loss for some people is an opportunity for others. As of November 25th, the total number of reposessed cars this year exceeded the value from 2024, so the price may be dropping even more in the upcoming weeks and months. In my opinion, buying a used car is much better option than buying a brand new one. Firstly, you can get the same car for much less, so instead of spreading the payments over 5 years, you should pay for it with cash to avoid additional costs. Right now is probably the best time to buy a used car. The prices may be dropping in the future, but at the same time the insurance and the premiums will be growing significantly in 2026. So while the one-time payment you make will be slightly lower, the price you will have to pay to insure it, will cancel the benefit of the lower price.
I have been watching the 25 week price drop and it feels like a real trend not a one week headline. From my perspective that's a buying window if you need a car soon because the trend gives you leverage. Sellers are less sure prices will bounce back next week so negotiations get easier. But I separate the lower stickers from the full cost to own. Another reason I would buy now is simple supply and choice. More used inventory means I can be picky on condition miles and history and still find options. If I have cash or a good pre approved rate the price slide turns into instant savings. I also like shopping when demand is quieter because it reduces emotional bidding. On the other hand I would wait if I don't truly need the car or if financing is expensive. A high APR can erase a price drop fast so better loan terms later might save more. Some models in some cities are still overpriced compared to the broader trend so patience helps there too. My rule is buy now for necessity plus strong financing and wait if the purchase is optional or the rate hurts.
Image-Guided Surgeon (IR) • Founder, GigHz • Creator of RadReport AI, Repit.org & Guide.MD • Med-Tech Consulting & Device Development at GigHz
Answered 4 months ago
Used-car prices falling for 25 straight weeks sounds like a buying opportunity, but the underlying forces suggest the decline isn't done yet. As liquidity dries up and interest rates stay elevated, the pressure on used-car valuations keeps building. Cars are one of the most rate-sensitive consumer purchases—most buyers finance, and high monthly payments push demand down fast. When demand drops, prices follow. Reasons someone might wait to buy: * Rates are still high. Even if the sticker price is lower, the financing cost may erase the benefit. For many buyers, the monthly payment is what matters, and that's still expensive. * Wholesale prices haven't fully reset. Dealers are sitting on inventory purchased at higher prices. As that clears and new inventory comes in, retail prices can drop further. * Delinquencies are rising. When more borrowers fall behind, repossessions increase. That adds additional supply into the used-car market, which typically pushes prices lower. * Economic uncertainty. Late-cycle environments tend to reduce big discretionary purchases—another factor that can accelerate price declines. Reasons someone might consider buying now: * Specific models are already cheap. High-mileage sedans, older compact SUVs, and unpopular trims have corrected far faster than the overall index. If you're not picky, deals exist. * Cash buyers benefit most. If you're not financing, you bypass the rate problem and can take advantage of sellers who need liquidity. * If your current vehicle is failing, waiting isn't rational. A declining market doesn't help if you're stuck with a major repair or unreliable transportation. But for most people, this doesn't look like a "rare window"—it looks like the middle of a longer trend. Rates remain high, liquidity is tight, and many buyers are still priced out. That combination usually leads to continued softening. If you don't need to buy a car today, the probability that prices drift lower over the next few months is still high. In other words: yes, deals exist—but the fundamentals argue that patience is likely to be rewarded. —Pouyan Golshani, MD | Interventional Radiologist & Founder, GigHz and Guide.MD | https://gighz.com
Used car prices are down for a 25th week in a row now. This is a significant change. There are multiple forces at work. The supply side of the new car market is gradually easing. Interest rates are higher, which depresses affordability. And off lease vehicles are starting to arrive. For buyers, this could be a rare opportunity to purchase a quality used car at prices much lower than the peaks we've seen over the past couple of years. That said, timing is important. If you need a car now, it's a strong market to act in, but if you can wait, prices may continue to adjust or stabilise, so patience could pay off. Ultimately, whether to buy now or later depends on your personal situation, but the current trend certainly makes this one of the most interesting periods for used car buyers in recent memory.
I would caution prospective purchasers to not leap before they look. Despite the allure of lower prices, the market is still in flux following several years of upheaval, and there is still a possibility that it may decline or stabilise at a lower level. Consumers who don't need a car right away might discover a better deal if they wait a little while longer. Dealers will probably continue to deal with surplus stock, and advertising approaches may alter. Affordability might also be impacted by increased interest rates and economic uncertainty, so it's important to do your homework on your own finances. If there is a sense of urgency, buyers who are in a hurry should balance their desire to purchase with the cost. All things considered, while the downward trend is a concern, patience might be a virtue for those looking to purchase a used car these days.
After spending years addressing the truck parking shortage, where there's literally one space for every 11 trucks, I've learned that supply-and-demand imbalances don't fix themselves overnight. The used car market has seen prices drop for 25 consecutive weeks, which looks promising on paper. But here's what I'm seeing from my perch in the logistics world: inventory levels remain historically tight, especially for affordable vehicles under $15,000. Should you buy now. If you've found the right vehicle at a fair price, yes. Used cars are actually selling faster, averaging 36 days versus 55 days late last year, which tells me that despite falling prices, demand is strong. The downside is that interest rates are brutal, hovering in the double digits for used cars. That's a significant cost multiplier that can negate those price drops quickly. My advice mirrors what we tell property owners about truck parking: don't wait for perfect market conditions. The uncertainty around tariffs and inventory suggests prices could reverse direction. If you need reliable transportation and can secure decent financing, acting now beats gambling on what spring might bring. Sometimes the best deal is the one that solves your problem today.
The sustained decline in used-car prices—down roughly 10% from late-summer peaks—signals a rare moment for buyers to find value. For those in the market, this could be an opportunity to secure a vehicle at a lower cost before conditions shift again. Reasons to buy now: Price momentum: With average used-car prices at $25,512 in October 2025, buyers are seeing more affordability compared to earlier in the year. Inventory pressure: Dealers are adjusting quickly to falling values, meaning motivated sellers may offer discounts to move cars off lots. Seasonality: Year-end promotions often align with declining wholesale prices, creating a window for bargains. Reasons to wait: Volatility: Analysts note that the pace of decline is unusually fast, raising questions about whether prices could fall further in early 2026. Financing costs: Interest rates remain elevated, which can offset savings from lower sticker prices. Waiting for rate adjustments could improve affordability. Economic uncertainty: Broader market conditions may continue to influence consumer demand and dealer pricing strategies, suggesting patience could yield better deals. The takeaway: buyers ready to act now may benefit from motivated sellers and seasonal discounts, but those willing to wait could see further declines—especially if financing conditions improve.