CARFAX: Used Car Prices Spike after Hitting 12-Month Low

Rhea-AI Summary

CARFAX (SPGI) reports used car prices have jumped after a 12-month low: the average used vehicle now sits at about $25,500, roughly $1,500 higher in one month. EV prices rose by more than $560 last month. CARFAX cites higher fuel costs, tariff-driven 2026 new-model price increases, and tighter used-vehicle selection as drivers. The release lists top states for “great value” vehicles and offers five consumer tips including getting a CARFAX history report and mechanical inspections.

News Market Reaction – SPGI

-1.13%

-1.13% Session close to close

In the Apr 14 session, SPGI declined 1.13%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights a sharp rebound in used vehicle prices to about $25,500, a $1,500 jump ...

Analysis

This announcement highlights a sharp rebound in used vehicle prices to about $25,500, a $1,500 jump in one month, and increased EV prices of more than $560. It underscores volatile auto market conditions that support ongoing demand for CARFAX pricing and history data within SPGI’s ecosystem. In recent months, related news has included a CARFAX Future Reliability launch and structural moves around S&P Global Mobility. Investors may watch how sustained pricing volatility and consumer shifts toward fuel‑efficient vehicles influence future product usage metrics and auto-related data offerings.

Key Figures

Average used vehicle price: $25,500 Monthly used price increase: $1,500 EV price increase: $560+ +2 more

5 metrics

Average used vehicle price $25,500 Current average used vehicle price cited by CARFAX

Monthly used price increase $1,500 Increase in average used vehicle price over one month

EV price increase $560+ Electric vehicle prices rose by more than $560 last month

Top value states count 10 states Number of states listed as having most "Great Value" vehicles

Model year reference 2026 models New 2026 models cited as contributing to price jumps

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 07 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Apr 07	Employee benefits initiative	Positive	+1.6%	SPGI matching federal child savings contributions for eligible employees’ accounts.
Apr 07	Index inclusion change	Positive	+1.6%	Diebold Nixdorf added to S&P SmallCap 600, replacing Sealed Air post-acquisition.
Apr 07	Product feature launch	Positive	-0.9%	CARFAX launched VIN-specific Future Reliability metric using extensive data sources.
Apr 06	Management appointment	Neutral	+0.7%	S&P Global Mobility named a Chief Accounting Officer ahead of planned spin-off.
Apr 02	Index addition update	Positive	+0.7%	Atmus Filtration Technologies set to join S&P SmallCap 600, replacing Air Lease.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent SPGI/affiliated news has mostly seen modest positive price reactions, with one divergence on a CARFAX product launch.

Recent Company History

Over recent weeks, SPGI-related news has focused on index changes, product innovation, and corporate structure. On Apr 7, announcements on employee child savings support and Diebold Nixdorf’s addition to the S&P SmallCap 600 each coincided with a 1.6% gain. A CARFAX “Future Reliability” feature launch that same day saw a -0.93% reaction, showing occasional divergence on product news. Earlier in April, the planned separation of S&P Global Mobility into a standalone public company and another SmallCap 600 addition were followed by a 0.68% move. Today’s CARFAX pricing trends update continues this stream of mobility and auto-data developments.

Key Terms

vehicle history report, certified pre-owned, rolling 7-day median, tariff costs

4 terms

vehicle history report technical

"Once you're ready, a vehicle history report can help you avoid costly surprises"

A vehicle history report is a compiled record of a used car’s past — including title status, reported accidents, service and maintenance entries, odometer readings, and any liens or salvage branding — drawn from DMV records, repair shops, insurers and auctions. Investors treat it like a medical or credit report for a car: it helps reveal hidden problems, estimate future repair or resale value, and reduce the risk of overpaying or holding impaired vehicle assets.

certified pre-owned technical

"fewer high-quality, low-mileage, certified pre-owned vehicles entering the market today"

A certified pre-owned item is a previously owned product—commonly vehicles—that has been inspected, repaired if needed, and approved by a manufacturer or authorized seller, often with an extended warranty or guarantee. For investors, certified pre-owned programs can increase resale value, create repeat-sales and service revenue, and reduce risk by offering a clearer picture of quality and potential warranty costs—like buying a used car that comes with a trusted inspection and short-term protection.

rolling 7-day median technical

"Used car prices in the release reflect a rolling 7-day median."

The rolling 7-day median is the middle value of a set of the most recent seven daily measurements, recalculated each day so the figure always reflects the latest week. It smooths out one-day spikes or drops—like ignoring an unusually loud moment in a conversation—to reveal the underlying trend in metrics such as sales, patient counts, or website traffic. Investors use it to see clearer short-term direction and reduce the chance of overreacting to single-day anomalies.

tariff costs financial

"price jumps on new 2026 models driven, in part, by added tariff costs"

Tariff costs are taxes or fees a company must pay when moving goods across national borders, like an extra toll on each shipment. They matter to investors because higher tariffs act like a surprise expense that can shrink profit margins, force price increases, disrupt supply chains, or shift competitive advantage—changes that directly affect a company’s earnings, cash flow and valuation.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Higher Gas and Used Car Prices Leads to Growing Interest in Fuel-Efficient Cars

CENTREVILLE, Va., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of Tax Day, new CARFAX data shows used car prices are climbing sharply after hitting their lowest point in the past year. The average price of a used vehicle is now about $25,500 — up roughly $1,500 in just one month.

Despite high gas prices initially expected to dampen demand, car sales continue to rise. Instead, both vehicle prices and fuel costs are shifting consumer interest toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. Trends on CARFAX Car Listings shows electric vehicle prices increased by more than $560 last month, marking the largest surge in EV demand in over a year.

"With rising prices, flexibility is important," said Sri Melkote, Chief Analytics Officer at CARFAX. "Shoppers should consider different makes, models, years, trims, or even nearby markets to find the best deals that fit their budget. This type of swing in prices suggests a volatile market, so tracking prices right now is crucial. Once you're ready, a vehicle history report can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure real value."

Top 10 States Where CARFAX Finds the Most "Great Value" Vehicles:
Vehicles in these states are priced the most competitively relative to CARFAX's estimated History-Based Value:

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. California
4. New Jersey
5. Ohio
6. New York
7. Illinois
8. Missouri
9. Virginia
10. North Carolina

There are several other factors impacting the rise in prices, including price jumps on new 2026 models driven, in part, by added tariff costs, as well as a tighter selection of used vehicles. Slower new car production in recent years has also meant fewer high-quality, low-mileage, certified pre-owned vehicles entering the market today.

As more people look into buying a vehicle, CARFAX encourages consumers to remain alert and well-informed. Following a few tips can help make the process smoother and give consumers added confidence when making one of their biggest purchases.

Here are Five Top Tips to Keep in Mind:

1. Get the CARFAX Report: Before a purchase get the vehicle history report directly from CARFAX or a dealer's official listing site to better understand the vehicle and avoid scams.
2. Reputable Dealers: Check CARFAX Car Listings for millions of new and used vehicle listings which all come with a free CARFAX Report. Also, consider a CARFAX dealer, where vehicles are checked for prior damage, title, and recall status
3. Know the Vehicle's Value: Use CARFAX History-Based Value to make sure you're getting a fair price based on a vehicle's full history, not just its sticker price.
4. Vehicle Inspection: Have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic to detect hidden damages and confirm the vehicle's details.
5. Test Drive: Always check out the vehicle in-person and verify the seller.

Editor's note: Used car prices in the release reflect a rolling 7-day median. CARFAX can provide more insights into the states and DMAs with the best deals trending. CARFAX experts are available for interviews. Contact Em Nguyen at emnguyen@carfax.com.

About CARFAX

CARFAX, part of S&P Global Mobility, helps millions of people every day confidently shop, buy, service, and sell cars with innovative solutions powered by CARFAX^® vehicle history information. The expert in vehicle history since 1984, CARFAX provides CARFAX Car Listings, CARFAX Car Care, CARFAX History-Based Value , and the flagship CARFAX Vehicle History Report to consumers and the automotive industry. CARFAX owns the world's largest vehicle history database and is nationally recognized as a top workplace by The Washington Post. Shop, Buy, Service, Sell – Show me the CARFAX^®.

S&P Global Mobility is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carfax-used-car-prices-spike-after-hitting-12-month-low-302741213.html

SOURCE CARFAX

FAQ

Why did CARFAX (SPGI) say average used car prices rose to $25,500 on April 14, 2026?

Used-car prices rose to about $25,500, up roughly $1,500 month-over-month. According to CARFAX, higher fuel costs, tariff-driven new-model price increases and tighter used supply pushed prices higher.

How much did electric vehicle prices increase according to CARFAX on April 14, 2026?

Electric vehicle prices increased by more than $560 last month. According to CARFAX, that represents the largest monthly EV price surge in over a year and reflects growing EV demand.

Which states did CARFAX (SPGI) list as having the most "great value" used vehicles on April 14, 2026?

CARFAX identified Florida, Texas, California, New Jersey, Ohio, New York, Illinois, Missouri, Virginia and North Carolina. According to CARFAX, these states show the most competitive pricing versus history-based value.

What consumer steps did CARFAX recommend for buyers on April 14, 2026?

CARFAX recommends getting a vehicle history report, buying from reputable CARFAX dealers, checking History-Based Value, getting a mechanical inspection, and doing a test drive. According to CARFAX, these steps reduce purchase risk.

How does CARFAX (SPGI) say fuel prices are affecting consumer interest as of April 14, 2026?

Higher fuel costs are shifting interest toward more fuel-efficient cars and EVs. According to CARFAX, rising gas prices are prompting shoppers to prioritize efficiency despite overall price increases.

Does CARFAX (SPGI) explain why used-vehicle selection tightened by April 14, 2026?

CARFAX attributes tighter used selection to slower new-car production in recent years, which reduced high-quality traded-in vehicles. According to CARFAX, fewer low-mileage certified pre-owned units entered the market.