When Will Used Car Prices Drop? Car Shoppers Should Know It

If you're in the market for a used car, you may be wondering when used car prices would drop. Yearly, there is an incremental drop in used car prices and the prices are bound to drop 10% – 20% in 2023. While it's difficult to predict exactly when prices will change, there are a few things you can keep in mind while shopping for a used car. In this article, we'll explore the trend of used car prices, some of the factors that can affect the price of used cars, as well as provide some tips for getting the best deal on a used car.

Trend of used car prices since 2020

In the used car market, you may have observed that prices of used cars are already dropping. Following the increase of prices of all consumer goods due to the Covid-19 virus, prices of used cars were increased. Since this happened, a lot of people seem to wonder when these escalated prices would drop. Prices of used cars are already dropping and would most likely drop 10 -20% in 2023. This is because, with the introduction of new cars to the market, previously introduced vehicles begin to lose their value. This has been proven by the Manheim vehicle value index.

The Manheim vehicle value index is a tool that is used to track the value and price of used vehicles in the United States. It is based on data from Manheim, the largest wholesale automobile auction company in the world. The Index tracks the sale prices of used vehicles at Manheim auctions and reflects changes in the market value of used vehicles over time. According to Manheim, the value index for used cars at auctions hit a high of 236.3 in January 2022, and towards the end of the year in September 2022, the value index fell to 204.5.

This goes to show that there will be an even more decrease in the prices of used cars with time. Be aware that this does not usually translate to high demand. If the prices of used cars are reduced it does not imply an increase in demand.

If you're eager to get a used car in 2023 and you want to know about used car prices dropping, then you should keep reading as we will be sharing some tips on buying used cars. These tips are here to help you when you set out to buy a used car.

Factors Affecting the Price of Used Cars

There are some factors that determine the price of vehicles and these factors range from the age of the car to the features. Here are some of the factors affecting the price of used cars:

Age

As a car gets older, it may have more wear and tear, which can decrease its value. Most often, cars that have been in use for two or more years seem to have a decrease in efficiency and lose their value by up to 60%.
Mileage
A car with high mileage may be worth less than a car with low mileage, as it may have more wear and tear. When it comes to the mileage factor, some people would rather have an older car with less mileage than an earlier model with significant mileage.

Condition

The overall condition of the car will affect its price. A car that is in good condition will typically be worth more than a car that is in poor condition.

Make and model

Some makes and models of cars are more popular or in higher demand than others, which can affect their price.

Location

The location where the car is being sold can affect its price. Cars in certain areas may be more in demand, which can drive up the price.

Supply and demand

If there is a high demand for a particular make and model of car, the price may be higher. On the other hand, if there is an excess of a certain type of car on the market, the price may be lower.

Economic conditions

Economic conditions, such as the state of the economy and interest rates, can affect the price of a used car.

Features and options

A car with more features and options may be worth more than a similar car with fewer features.

Tips for car shoppers on getting the best deal on a used car

Here are a few tips for car shoppers looking to buy a used car:

Do your research

Look up reviews, ratings, and pricing information for the make and model of the car you're interested in. This will give you a good idea of the car's reliability, performance, and value. For a better and more accurate idea of this information, read the next tip below.

Get a window sticker lookup

A window sticker shows all the packages that come with the car from the manufacturer. With the window sticker of a vehicle, you can confirm the maximum suggested price of your vehicle, learn more about the safety ratings, and lots more. You can get the window sticker by VIN with the use of our window sticker lookup tool here.

Set a budget

Determine how much you can afford to spend on a car, and stick to your budget. Creating a budget will enable you to streamline your options and make better decisions.

Get a Vehicle History Report

This will tell you about the car's ownership history, any accidents or damage, and any outstanding recalls. A vehicle history can be obtained with the car's VIN and will help you identify potential issues with the car. It would also detect vehicles with reversed odometers, and multiple color changes during the life cycle of a vehicle, detect salvage cars, hail, fire damages, and lien records. You can get a vehicle history report from Detailed Vehicle History simply by navigating through to the VIN check tool.

Have the car inspected

Have a mechanic inspect the car before you buy it. This will help you identify any potential problems that you might not have noticed on your own.

Negotiate the price

Don't be afraid to negotiate the price of the car. Keep in mind that the seller may be willing to come down on the price if there are any issues with the car or if they are motivated to sell.

Take a test drive

Take the car for a test drive to get a feel for how it handles and to see if there are any issues with the car.

Check the car's warranty

Some used cars may still have a warranty in effect, which can provide some peace of mind and save you money on repairs.

The need for a window sticker and vehicle history report cannot be overemphasized during and after purchasing a used car.

Tips for car shoppers on buying new cars

Interested in getting a new car? Here are some of our tips for buying a new car in 2023:

There are a few things you can keep in mind when shopping for a new car to help you get the best deal:

Research

It's important to do your research before you start shopping for a new car. Look at different models and compare features, prices, and reviews to find the one that best meets your needs. Just in case you are in need of an electric SUV in 2023, be sure to check out this collection of the 5 best electric SUVs to buy in 2023.

Set a budget

Going to the market with a budget is one of the most important decisions you can make as a consumer in the automobile industry. Knowing how much you can afford to spend on a car will help you focus your search on cars that are within your price range. It can also help you avoid getting into financial trouble by taking on more debt than you can handle.

Shop around

Don't just visit one dealership or go with the first car you see. Shop around at different dealerships and online to see what's available and compare prices. You should learn to compare the prices of new cars with the prices of used cars, and also compare brands. That way, you can get more value with the decision you make.
Negotiate
Most sellers are willing to negotiate, so don't be afraid to do so as well. The fact that a car is new does not mean that its price is non-negotiable.

Get financing

If you need to finance your car, shop around for the best interest rates. Don't just accept the financing offered by the dealership – you may be able to get a better deal elsewhere.

Consider additional costs

Don't forget to factor in additional costs such as insurance, maintenance, and fuel when budgeting for a new car.

Take a test drive

It's important to test drive a car before you buy it to make sure it's the right fit for you. Make sure to test drive the car in a variety of driving conditions to get a good feel for how it handles.

In conclusion, it's difficult to predict exactly when car prices, whether new or used, will drop. There are many factors that can affect the price of a car, including supply and demand, economic conditions, and the age and condition of the car. While it's not always possible to predict when prices will change, there are steps you can take to try to get the best deal on a car. By doing your research, setting a budget, and negotiating the price, you may be able to find a good deal on the car you want. Ultimately, the key to getting a good price on a car is to be patient, do your homework, and be sure to get the vehicle history of your preferred used-car. You can also lookup car value by vin to get detailed information about the car's history and value.

Check Used Car History by VIN

When Will Used Car Prices Drop? Few Things Car Shoppers Should Know

Trend of used car prices since 2020

Factors Affecting the Price of Used Cars