Get access to the same vehicle valuation tool that dealers rely on. With Black Book, you’ll have insider data to accurately assess trade-in and purchase values—empowering you to negotiate the best possible deal.
The summer car market is cooling off, and that’s good news if you’re a buyer. Labor Day is just around the corner, and believe it or not, Labor Day car sales are already here. Whether you’re eyeing new car deals, looking for used car bargains, or trying to beat the EV tax credit deadline, August 2025 offers real chances to save if you know where to look.
Let’s break down what’s happening in the car market right now, and how you can use it to your advantage.
If it feels like used car prices have been slipping for months, that’s because they have. According to Black Book, wholesale used car prices are down about 5% since May, and we’re finally seeing those declines show up on retail lots. Compact sedans and mainstream crossovers have seen prices fall the most this summer.
Why It Matters
Why do wholesale auctions matter? Wholesale auctions are where dealers get their inventory and where your trade-in likely ends up. When prices drop there, it’s a signal.
Retail used car prices have been holding steady around $25,000, but they’re now trending downward. We track used car prices here.
Why Are Used Car Prices Falling?
Used car prices are falling for a few key reasons. First, new car incentives remain strong, drawing many would-be used car buyers toward new vehicles instead. Second, interest rates for used car loans remain above 10% APR for most buyers, while some new car offers include rates as low as 0% for 72 months for well-qualified shoppers. This makes new cars more attractive despite their higher sticker prices.
Finally, there’s the typical seasonal decline in demand. After peaking in the spring and early summer, used car interest naturally tapers off as we head deeper into the back-to-school season.
What to Expect in August
In August, expect more price drops. If you’re thinking of selling or trading-in your vehicle, we recommend doing it sooner rather than later as resale values continue to slide.
Used car dealerships are notorious for resisting price cuts until they’re forced, so don’t expect advertised discounts. But if you negotiate — or let CarEdge’s AI Negotiator do it for you — you could score serious savings.
New Car Market Forecast: Caution Ahead, Except for EVs
August is usually a sleepy month for new car sales, and this year will be no different, says CarEdge Co-Founder Ray Shefska:
“August is traditionally a challenge in retail automotive due to it being back to school month. Parents are buying Nikes and bikes and all kinds of school supplies and not cars.”
Less demand means greater negotiating power for buyers, and less leverage for sellers. The exception is for EVs. After months of sales slowdowns, real-time market data from CarEdge Insights shows that electric vehicles are once again hot sellers as buyers look to buy before the federal EV tax credit expires on September 30, 2025.
Why August Might Be Slower Than Usual
Frankly, drivers have their finances focused on more pressing needs this time of year.
It’s back to school season, and that delays big expenses for many families.
Inflation and tariffs are pushing costs up for everything, not just cars.
Interest rates are still high for most buyers.
Automakers may hold back the best incentives until Labor Day 2025 sales arrive.
CarEdge’s Ray Shefska sees that August will be a rarity in that EVs will once again have the upper hand in the car market, although that won’t last long.
“If we see any uptick in sales at all,” Ray adds, “I would suspect we would see that in the EV sector with people buying those vehicles before the federal tax credits expire on September 30th. Otherwise, folks will be waiting to see what Labor Day sales have to offer in September 2025.”
New Car Prices in August 2025
As of August 2025, the average new car price is $48,907, a figure that’s remained virtually unchanged since 2022. Prices initially surged during the pandemic-era chip shortage, but rather than falling back, they’ve held steady due to persistent inflation and strong consumer demand. Despite high prices, buyers haven’t backed off. This has been a recipe for persistently high new car prices, to the delight of automakers.
2026 Model Pricing Should Start to Take Shape
August is also when we expect to learn more about 2026 model year pricing, especially with tariffs forcing automakers to make tough decisions. While many brands delayed announcing new pricing earlier this summer, August is typically when those updates begin to roll out. With higher import costs in play, some automakers may quietly raise prices, while others might hold firm to stay competitive. If you’re planning to buy a 2026 model, keep a close eye on MSRP changes this month, especially for vehicles built overseas.
Should You Buy a Car in August 2025?
If You’re Buying Used:
Look for aging inventory and high market day supply. That’s where dealers are most flexible.
August 2025 is shaping up to be a quiet month for the car market. However there are opportunities to drive home a deal if you know where to look. Slipping used car prices are giving buyers more leverage, especially if they’re willing to negotiate. On the new car side, demand is softening, except for electric vehicles, which are seeing renewed interest ahead of looming tax credit changes.
With high prices and interest rates still in play, the key to success this month is flexibility: consider alternative brands, explore leasing, and be ready to shop the deal, not just the model. If you’re in the market, take advantage of the tools and data available to help you come out ahead. Start your car search with CarEdge today.
It’s true that SUVs have taken over the car market in recent years, but not all are hot sellers. In fact, the gap between the fastest and slowest-selling models is growing. In 2025, some SUVs and crossovers are being scooped up as soon as they hit the lot, while others are sitting unsold for more than six months. Whether you’re a buyer looking for a great deal or a seller trying to time the market, understanding which SUVs are moving (or not) is essential.
We analyzed August car market data to find the SUVs with the lowest and highest market day supply (MDS). MDS is a measure of how many days it would take to sell through current inventory at the current sales pace. Here are the winners and losers in 2025’s SUV market.
Top 10: The Fastest-Selling SUVs Right Now
These are the SUVs and crossovers with the lowest market day supply as of August 2025. That means they’re in high demand right now, and are likely harder to negotiate on due to limited availability.
Toyota’s reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and value continues to drive strong demand for Toyota SUVs like the Corolla Cross, Sienna, and Sequoia. Seven of the 10 fastest-selling SUVs in 2025 are Toyota or Lexus models. Lexus joins the mix with the RX and NX Hybrids, two compact options that luxury buyers love. GMC’s Yukon is the only ‘Detroit Big Three’ SUV on the list this month.
Bottom 10: The Slowest-Selling SUVs in 2025
These SUVs have the highest market day supply, which means they’re sitting unsold for longer. Buyers may be able to score better deals on these slowest-selling SUVs in August, especially with this new AI negotiator doing the work for you.
Many of these models fall into EV or luxury segments where buyer demand is softer in 2025. Jaguar’s F-PACE is the slowest-selling SUV today. Surprisingly, just three Stellantis models are in the bottom 10. The Ford Mustang Mach-E stands out as an electric SUV with sluggish sales despite aggressive incentives. There’s a lot more competition in the electric crossover segment, and Ford is struggling to keep up with hot sellers from GM, Hyundai, and Tesla.
For any of these slow-selling SUVs, prices will be more flexible if you come equipped with negotiation know-how.
What This Means For SUV Shoppers
If you’re looking for a deal, start with the slowest sellers this month. High inventory levels mean dealers are likely motivated to talk pricing if you negotiate with confidence. It’s always best to take a look at the best incentives of the month, too.
“If you’re shopping for a slow-selling SUV, the ball is in your court,” says auto industry veteran Ray Shefska. “Dealers know those vehicles aren’t moving, and that gives you the upper hand in price negotiations.”
Shopping Toyota, Honda, or Lexus? Expect tighter inventory and less room for negotiation. You may need to move quickly if you find the right trim. However, this is no reason to pay for unwanted add-ons or dealer markups!
Thinking about EVs? There are some good deals out there, but know what you’re getting into. EVs like the Mustang Mach-E might feature great incentives, but they also depreciate quickly. Unless you know you’ll be keeping your EV for several years, leasing is the smarter choice.
Want Help Navigating the SUV Market?
With CarEdge Concierge, our experts do the legwork for you, from researching inventory to negotiating with dealers. Already know what you want? Use our AI Negotiation Expert service and have CarEdge AI negotiate with car dealers anonymously!
CarEdge is a trusted resource for car buyers, offering data-backed insights, negotiation tools, and expert guidance to help consumers save time and money. Since 2019, CarEdge has helped hundreds of thousands of drivers navigate the car-buying process with confidence. Learn how to buy a car the easy way at CarEdge.com.
Not all trucks fly off the lot. In fact, the gap between the fastest and slowest-selling pickups is wider than ever in 2025. With some trucks selling in just over a month, and others sitting unsold for over six months, knowing what’s hot (and what’s not) can make or break your next deal.
That’s why understanding Market Day Supply (MDS) is more important than ever for anyone buying or selling a truck in 2025. At CarEdge, we used real-time inventory and sales data to identify the fastest- and slowest-selling trucks in August 2025.
MDS tells us how long it would take to sell all the current inventory of a particular model at the current sales pace, assuming no new units are added. A low MDS means a truck is selling quickly. A high MDS, on the other hand, signals oversupply, and that can mean buyers have more leverage at the dealership.
Whether you’re buying new or considering a trade-in, here’s what the latest market data from CarEdge Insights reveals about the best-selling and worst-selling trucks in America.
The 10 Fastest-Selling Trucks in August 2025
These trucks are in high demand and selling quickly. But if you’re hoping to negotiate a deal on one of these, don’t count on much wiggle room unless you work with a pro.
The Toyota Tundra is the fastest-selling pickup truck in August 2025. On average, the Tundra sits on the lot for just one month before finding a buyer. Toyota’s Tacoma is in second place, with trucks from GM, Ford, and Ram far behind.
The 10 Slowest-Selling Trucks in August 2025
On the flip side, these trucks are struggling to move. Some of these trucks are taking more than six months to sell on average. If you’re in the market, these pickup trucks offer room for negotiation, especially with DIY market insights.
The Ram 2500 is the slowest-selling truck in America right now. However, electric pickup trucks are in second and third place as buyers struggle to make the switch to EVs. Sellers can expect these slow-selling trucks to sit on the lot for at least four months, but this creates great chances to negotiate savings for buyers.
Thinking About Buying or Selling?
As the truck market ebbs and flows, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Luckily, there are new tools and services available that take the hassle out of buying a truck entirely. Here’s how CarEdge can help.
Understanding what’s on a new car’s window can save you from overpaying or falling for dealer tricks. If you’ve ever heard the terms Monroney sticker or window sticker and felt confused — you’re not alone. These labels are crucial for transparency when buying a car, and every buyer should know what to look for.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a Monroney sticker is, why it exists, and how to read it. You’ll leave feeling more confident and equipped to understand what a car really includes — no matter what a salesperson might tell you.
What Is a Car’s Monroney Sticker?
Before car buyers had access to standardized pricing, buying a car was like walking into the Wild West. Salespeople could pick and choose what to tell you — and what to charge.
That all changed with the creation of the Monroney sticker, a federally mandated label that must be displayed on every new car for sale in the U.S. You’ll also hear it referred to as the window sticker — they’re the same thing.
This label lists everything a shopper needs to know about the car’s equipment, price, and origin. It was designed to protect buyers and level the playing field.
Only 9% of Americans say car salespeople have high ethical standards — the lowest of any profession according to Gallup. That’s why federal law stepped in.
Here’s what’s included on every Monroney sticker:
Where the car was built, including a breakdown of parts by country of origin
Warranty coverage
Engine and drivetrain specs
Manufacturer-installed options and their prices
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
Official EPA fuel economy ratings
Government crash test ratings
Check out an example of where you’ll find this important information:
📌 Important: Dealer-installed accessories (like pinstripes, floor mats, or nitrogen tires) are not listed on the Monroney sticker. They appear on a separate dealer addendum sticker, which is not federally regulated.
Why Is It Called a Monroney Sticker?
The name comes from Senator Almer “Mike” Monroney, who sponsored the Automobile Information Disclosure Act of 1958. Signed into law by President Dwight Eisenhower, the act required automakers to include standardized labels on all new cars.
Before this law, car buyers had no way to verify what was included in a vehicle or whether the price was fair.
Monroney was a leader in consumer protection and also played a role in creating the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). His legacy lives on every time you look at a new car’s window sticker.
Let’s recap what you’ll find on a new car’s Monroney (window) sticker. This information is required by law and cannot be altered or removed by dealers:
Final assembly location and parts content by country
Basic warranty coverage and powertrain warranty
Engine specs, drivetrain, and transmission type
List of factory-installed options with individual pricing
Total MSRP, including destination fees
EPA fuel economy estimates and annual fuel cost projections
NHTSA crash test ratings, where applicable
💡 Tip: If you don’t see this sticker on a new car, ask why — and consider walking away.
How to Read a Car’s Window Sticker
So you’re standing on a dealership lot — where should your eyes go first?
The Edmunds guide to reading a window sticker is an excellent visual breakdown. You can view it here, but here’s a quick summary:
Top Left: Vehicle info (make, model, VIN, color, final assembly location)
Top Right: Fuel economy, emissions, and fuel costs
Middle Section: List of standard features and optional equipment
Bottom Line: Total MSRP with itemized pricing
Bottom Right: Parts content, country of origin, and government safety ratings
Why the Window Sticker Matters More Than Ever
In today’s car market, dealer markups and confusing add-ons are everywhere. But the Monroney sticker keeps it real — it’s the one label they can’t legally change.
When you’re comparing similar vehicles across different dealerships, the window sticker helps you:
Spot pricing differences
Avoid duplicate charges for options
Compare warranties and specs side by side
Uncover where the car was truly made
Want to See the Window Sticker Without Going to the Dealership?
Whether you’re shopping used or just want to do your research from home, you no longer have to visit the lot to see the original window sticker. CarEdge now offers access to digital Monroney stickers on most vehicles — giving you instant insight into the car’s features, options, and MSRP breakdown.
✅ Great for used cars that originally included premium options ✅ Helps compare trim levels and original pricing ✅ Saves time and reveals red flags before you visit the dealership
Q: Is a Monroney sticker required by law? A: Yes. Every new car for sale in the U.S. must display a Monroney sticker — it’s federal law.
Q: Are Monroney and window stickers the same thing? A: Yes. These two terms refer to the same federally required label.
Q: Can dealers alter or remove the Monroney sticker? A: No. It’s illegal for dealers to modify or remove the sticker prior to sale.
Q: Does the window sticker include dealer add-ons? A: No. Only manufacturer-installed options are listed. Dealer-installed accessories appear on a separate sticker.
Q: Do used cars have a Monroney sticker? A: No. The law only applies to brand-new vehicles. However, used vehicles may have copies of the original sticker or digital replicas provided by the dealer.
About CarEdge
Founded by industry veterans, CarEdge is your trusted resource for transparent car buying. From understanding pricing to negotiating deals and avoiding scams, we provide data-backed insights, expert tools, and concierge services to help you buy with confidence.Want help with your next car purchase? Let us find and negotiate the best deal for you! Explore CarEdge’s car buying help today.
Summer is here, and for used car shoppers, we’re finally seeing a shift. According to the latest data from Black Book, wholesale used car prices have now dropped for three consecutive weeks. And last week, the rate of decline was double the seasonal average. That’s a strong indicator that retail prices could start falling by July or August.
But what comes next depends largely on the new car market. Let’s take a closer look at what buyers and sellers should expect from the used car market this summer.
Wholesale Prices Are Dropping – Retail Could Be Next
Used car values typically trail wholesale trends by a few weeks. When auction prices fall, retail prices tend to follow 6–8 weeks later. That puts us on track for softer pricing in the second half of summer 2025. Here’s a look at wholesale used car price trends in 2025, showing that prices are dropping more quickly in June:
What’s behind the shift?
Auction values are falling faster than expected – This summer’s decline is happening at twice the normal rate, a clear sign that dealers are feeling pressure.
The spring rush is over – With automakers facing cooling demand and new tariffs, price hikes have slowed. If new car sales stall, that could pull used car prices down even further.
Inventory is rebounding – Both new and used car lots are better stocked than this time last year, giving buyers more options and dealers less leverage.
According to CarEdge co-founder Ray Shefska, there’s still a wildcard in play: what happens with new car pricing.
“The only caveat,” Ray explains, “is what happens with new car prices. Do new car prices continue to go up, which would pull used car prices up as well, or does the new car market grow cold, which should lower used car prices?”
Right now, all signs point toward a cooling new car market. If that continues, used car shoppers could soon have more negotiating power. But is the possibility of slightly lower prices worth delaying your purchase? Let’s get into what Ray has to say about that.
Should You Buy a Used Car Now?
If you’re shopping this summer, here’s advice from CarEdge’s Ray Shefska:
“When you find a car that checks your boxes at a fair price, this summer is a good time to go ahead and buy. The key is to do your homework and ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Don’t rush into a purchase, especially as prices are on the downtrend.”
Trying to time every market shift is tough. What’s more important is that you do your research and use car buying tools to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Shop around for financing rates, and never agree to pay for forced add-ons.
🔍 Don’t skip the inspection. The average used car in America now has over 70,000 miles on the odometer. A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is essential to avoid buying a problem car.
For private sellers and those trading in a vehicle, this summer may be your last chance to get a top-dollar offer before prices slide further.
Trade-in values are declining – As auction values fall, dealers are revising their offers downward.
More supply = more competition – With more vehicles hitting the market, your car may not stand out like it did six months ago.
If you’re on the fence about selling, now’s the time to make your decision.
The Bottom Line: The Market Is Turning
If you’re buying, it’s a good time to monitor used car market trends. Used car prices could continue trending downward as summer progresses. For sellers, acting sooner rather than later can help lock in the best value before the market softens further. It’s due time to see how much your car is worth. And if you’re just keeping an eye on the market, pay close attention to both new and used car pricing, as the direction of the new car market will heavily influence what happens next.
Each week, CarEdge rounds up the latest mainstream vehicle recalls so you don’t have to dig through the fine print. All recall data is sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
If you’re not sure whether your car has an open recall, check right now using the NHTSA recall lookup tool — all you need is your VIN.
Nissan Recall – 79,755 Vehicles
Component: Back Over Prevention
Vehicles Affected: 2025 Nissan Frontier, Kicks
Issue: The center information display may go blank when shifting into reverse, violating FMVSS 111 on rear visibility.
Remedy: Nissan dealers will update the display software free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by July 1, 2025.
Issue: A software issue may impact the dashboard infotainment system and rear camera function.
Remedy: Dealers will push out an over-the-air software update. Ford will begin mailing safety notifications by June 16, 2025, with a second letter to follow when the fix is ready.
Vehicles Affected: 2022–2025 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid
Issue: Moisture can enter the reverse light assembly and cause light failure.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both reverse light assemblies and repair wiring as needed, free of charge. Notification letters will be mailed starting June 30, 2025. For more help, contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Vehicles Affected: 2024–2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport
Issue: A software bug may distort the rearview camera image when reversing, failing FMVSS 111 standards.
Remedy: Dealers will update the camera software at no cost. Letters to owners will begin mailing July 18, 2025. VW customer service can be reached at 1-800-893-5298.
Even a minor recall can impact your safety. Always check your vehicle’s recall status by entering your VIN at the NHTSA Recall Lookup. If you’re car shopping, don’t forget that CarEdge Car Search shows you open recalls before you buy, so you can make an informed decision.
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