PPO Morning Market Pulse — November 20, 2025

Your first daily look at what’s moving the used-car market today.

📉 Used-Car Pricing & Turn Trending Slower

The average transaction price for 3-year-old used vehicles has climbed to $31,067, up about 5% year-over-year.

But retail speed continues to soften. Days to turn rose from 37 to 41 days — the slowest Q3 turn since 2017.

Takeaway: Late-model inventory remains a risk category. Tight exit strategies and pricing reviews matter more this week.

📦 Inventory Rising — Risk Increasing

Dealers are now holding approximately 2.26 million used vehicles — a 10% increase over last year. The used days’ supply sits around 48 days.

Takeaway: Expect more price pressure and aging inventory challenges across most rooftops.

💸 Affordability Still a Barrier

Average used-auto loan rates remain above 14%, pushing more buyers toward lower price bands or delaying purchases entirely.

Takeaway: Under-$20K vehicles — if you can source them — remain high-turn opportunities.

⚙️ Acquisition Costs Climbing

The ongoing chip/parts cost surge, driven by the global “memory super-cycle,” is feeding into OEM pricing and wholesale values.

Takeaway: Buy right, buy smart, and re-evaluate your auction strategy this week.

🎯 What Dealers Should Watch Today

• Local days’ supply fluctuations
• SRP/VDP activity — especially for late-model SUVs
• Search demand in your 25-mile radius
• Availability of under-$20K inventory
• Recon bottlenecks — aged vehicles aren’t forgiving right now

🔥 Dealer Conversation Starter

Every market is behaving differently right now. What are you seeing? Share your day’s supply, biggest challenge, or any anomalies in today’s traffic.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Market Pulse at 8:00 am.