CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you're in the market for a used car, we have great news. Prices are falling, but that doesn't mean buying one will be easy.
Prices are going down because of soaring interest rates making it more difficult to get a loan.
Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, new car production slowed and even stopped for some manufacturers. This caused a spike in used car prices as consumers had no choice but to purchase pre-owned vehicles.
There's been another shift in the vehicle marketplace. Prices are falling as higher interest rates and inflated retail prices slow sales and take their toll on American consumers. In fact, wholesale used vehicle prices reached their lowest level of 2023 in May.
Cox Automotive reported a 2.7% decline in prices from April 2023 to May 2023 in its Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index. It’s the second consecutive monthly decline this year.
It's important to note that the index remains elevated from historical levels, but is expected to continue to decline this year.
Contact Carolyn Bruck at cbruck@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
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