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Should You Buy a Car Now or Wait Until 2026? What Experts Say
If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone. It’s probably the single most common question our CarEdge team gets right now. The car market has been unpredictable for years, from rising MSRPs and interest rates to the ups and downs of tariffs. No wonder shoppers are stuck on whether to buy now or sit tight for a few more months.
To make this simple, we turned to CarEdge co-founder Ray Shefska. With 43 years in the auto industry, Ray’s advice is grounded in decades of watching manufacturers, dealers, and markets cycle through ups and downs. Here’s how to use the market to your advantage in the months ahead.
New Car Buyers: Year-End Sales Are Worth the Hype
For most shoppers eyeing a new car, the timing of your purchase could make thousands of dollars’ worth of difference. Ray’s take? The smart move for most new car shoppers is to wait until year-end sales from Black Friday through December 2025.
“I think that we will see manufacturers increase their incentive spends in the last two months of this year and they will increase their advertising spends dramatically in December.”
Automakers are sitting on a lot of 2025 inventory, and they’ll need to make space for the 2026 models arriving weekly. Expect 0% APR financing, cash discounts over 10% of MSRP, and the best lease deals of the year come December.
This year, there’s another factor at play, and it’s one that actually helps buyers for a change. The next Federal Reserve meetings in September, late October, and early December are likely to bring about rate cuts for the first time since late 2024.
Ray thinks that falling rates will play a big role in year-end deals in 2025:
“With the anticipated Fed rate cuts, I would expect to see more low-APR incentives as well since the cost of doing that will be less than it has been.”
Are you open to last year’s model?
If you are, you’re in for a real treat when shopping for a car. By treat, we mean serious savings. There are still over 90,000 new 2024 models sitting on dealer lots as of September 2025, including aging vehicles from Ford, Dodge, Jeep, and others. These will be the most negotiable cars in the market until they’re gone. If you’re open to driving last year’s model, dealers are going to be far more flexible on price just to move them off their lots.
On the other hand, waiting until 2026 is unlikely to save you money. Automakers have been steadily announcing higher prices for 2026 models, whether through MSRP hikes or padded fees. Incentives also tend to dry up when a new model year launches, which means buyers holding out could end up paying more for less. The deepest discounts will be on 2025 models during late 2025, not on fresh 2026 arrivals.
Here’s the bottom line: Unless you’re in urgent need of a new car or you’re considering EVs, waiting until year-end sales in November and December is the smart play. If you wait until 2026, higher MSRPs are likely to cost you.
Buying an EV? September Is Crunch Time
This is where timing matters most. The federal tax credit is set to expire for qualifying vehicles on September 30, 2025, with a catch. New federal guidance from the IRS has clarified that buyers have until that date to get a signed binding contract with a down payment, even if the car isn’t delivered yet. That’s welcome news as electric models are several of the fastest-selling cars right now.
“Obviously EV shoppers should take advantage of the federal tax credits before they expire on September 30th, so if you are looking for an EV do it now not later.”
That’s about as clear as it gets. EV buyers have a ticking clock that runs out at month’s end. Right now, EV leases are especially appealing. Before you rush out to purchase anything with a battery, understand that depreciation hits hard with EVs.
Here’s the bottom line: If a new EV is on your radar, buy or lease before September 30, 2025. The credit for used EVs under $25,000 will also expire on that date.
Buying Used: Leverage Seasonality to Save
The used car market doesn’t feature manufacturer incentives, but it does move with interest rates and seasonal demand.
Ray notes that if the economy weakens, it’ll ripple into both new and used prices:
“If the economy struggles, that will add pressure on both the manufacturers and dealers to be even more aggressive at year-end.”
That’s good news for buyers, since cheaper new car financing usually pulls used prices down too.
- Prices are already trending lower compared to the pandemic highs.
- Year-end new car sales steal the show in November and December, which is likely to soften prices in the used market.
- If rate cuts arrive late 2025 as expected, financing a used car could become cheaper.
- Some popular used models remain overpriced, but supply is loosening. Always shop with market data on your side.
The exception? You guessed it – used EV buyers should be aware of the expiring $4,000 federal incentive. Most electric models under $25,000 will qualify. The federal used EV incentive will be gone for good when September concludes.
Here’s the bottom line: Don’t feel rushed to buy a used car in 2025, unless you’re shopping for used EVs under $25,000. But if you’re financing, waiting a few months could save you money.
So, Should I Buy Now or Wait Until 2026?
For shoppers on the fence, here’s the big picture: waiting until 2026 could mean paying more. Some automakers are announcing price hikes for the 2026 model year, and others are being sneaky with higher ‘mandatory destination charges’ and other fees. That makes the final months of 2025 one of the best windows to grab a deal on a 2025 model.
Year-end sales will be especially aggressive. Manufacturers will crank up incentives like 0% APR financing and cash offers in November and December. Each year, this manufacturer push lines up perfectly with dealer pressure to clear out remaining inventory. Take note: this level of new car sales won’t be seen again until late 2026. In the auto industry, it’s common knowledge that the end of the year is always the best time to buy a car.
The CarEdge Take
With expiring EV incentives, MSRPs rising, and interest rate cuts looming, car buyers have some decisions to make. However, the good news is that timing can work in your favor. If you’re shopping for a new car (non-EV), November and December are shaping up to be the best months to take advantage of sales and savings. If you’re shopping for an EV, the clock is ticking. Federal incentives vanish after September 30, 2025, making this the time to act.
And if you’re open to considering a leftover 2024 model, you’re in luck: these are the most negotiable cars on the market right now. After all, they’re almost two years old!
Used car shoppers have a bit more flexibility, though late-year sales and falling rates could give you an edge. Retail used car prices have been relatively flat over the past year, and that’s unlikely to change substantially in 2026. What IS likely to shift in buyer’s favor is falling interest rates. For used car shoppers with a bit of flexibility, December is likely to be your best month to purchase with most shoppers focusing on year-end new car deals, and the likelihood of falling interest rates.
Ray summed it up best: wait until December if you can, unless it’s an EV. The manufacturers and dealers will be more aggressive than ever at the end of this year, and that’s when you’ll find the deals worth waiting for.
No matter your timeline, you don’t have to navigate this market alone. CarEdge can handle the negotiations for you, from our white-glove Concierge service to the world’s first AI car price negotiator. Either way, the best way to buy a car in 2025 is with the facts on your side.
AI Is Poised To Change How We Buy Cars
By Zach Shefska, Co-Founder & CEO of CarEdge
Retail Auto Status Quo: A Broken System
Spending $50,000 should be fun, exciting, and rewarding. Sadly, for both consumers and car dealers, the car buying process is typically the opposite. Riddled with inefficiencies and frustrations, the age of AI presents an opportunity to redefine retail automotive sales.
Trust between buyers and sellers is at an all-time low. In Gallup’s annual trustworthiness of profession survey, car salespeople consistently rank at the very bottom. In the most recent poll, only 7% of Americans reported that they trust car salespeople to have high honesty and ethics. It’s no surprise then that many shoppers dread stepping into a showroom. Lack of transparency on pricing, confusing add-ons, and high-pressure tactics have made the process feel adversarial.
Not only does this broken status quo tarnish dealers’ reputations, it also hurts their bottom line. Consider the fact that the turnover rate for dealership sales consultants is nearly 72% (double that of other roles at the dealership). Dealerships are unable to retain their sales staff. Why? The quality of life for a sales consultant in a dealership can be poor, and while the pay can make up for it for a while, it is untenable for many long-term.
Ask any dealership sales team about their pain points, and they’ll inevitably mention lead bloat – a flood of online leads and inquiries, most of which go nowhere. Third-party listing websites and lead generators grew quickly as retail auto sales transitioned online in the mid to late 2000s. These websites often blast the same customer inquiry out to multiple dealerships, creating a frenzy where five stores chase one lukewarm prospect.
The result is wasted time and money: the average dealership converts only about 2% of its third-party leads into sales, however third-party leads make up a significant amount of total lead volume. That means salespeople must sift through countless inquiries to sell just one car (or dealerships invest in expensive business development centers, adding to their already high cost infrastructure).
The incentives in today’s system are misaligned – many third-party platforms profit from quantity of leads, not quality of outcomes. Dealers and OEMs end up paying for lots of noise and very little signal. This traditional model leaves everyone dissatisfied. Consumers feel pestered and distrusted, and dealers waste resources chasing ghosts.
It’s no wonder then that this paradigm has led to the largest gap between dealer and consumer expectations, ever. In 2025, 61% of dealers believe buying a car from a dealership is “completely optimized,” whereas only 37% of consumers agree. There is a lot of work to be done to close this gap, and improve the overall experience for the entire marketplace.
AI To the Rescue
Is there a better way? I believe so, and AI will usher in change at an unprecedented rate.
A recent survey found that 25% of consumers are already using tools like ChatGPT to assist them in purchasing a vehicle, and that 40% of consumers say they will use AI tools to support them in their future vehicle purchases. AI adoption at dealerships is significantly higher (albeit nascent in scope), with nearly 90% of dealerships reporting that they have already deployed AI at their store.
How will AI impact retail auto?
Let’s start with third-party shopping websites. These platforms are incentivized to keep users scrolling through thousands of listings, with dealers and OEMs paying fees for sponsored placements and advertisements. Their user experiences are optimized for form fills and lead submissions with dark UX patterns encouraging users to submit more and more leads – quantity over quality.
Think of your own search behavior for a moment. Before LLMs, you likely scrolled through the first page of results on Google to find the blue link you wanted to click on. How do you search now? You use AI Mode, or type a question into ChatGPT. There’s a reason why Google search traffic is falling for publishers, and it’s because there is a fundamental shift in how consumers access information.
The same is true for retail automotive. Third-party car shopping websites will evolve to look more like ChatGPT. Imagine an intuitive interface where you can ask questions, share input, and ultimately be presented with options that work for you. AI will change how consumers research and ultimately decide on the vehicle they want to purchase.
Dealerships will spend less time explaining features and capabilities – customers will have vetted that information with their AI shopping agent first. Sales consultants won’t waste time chasing leads that aren’t in the market to shop – instead they’ll get notifications from buyer’s AI shopping agents that the customer is ready to purchase. Because consumers will be more educated and empowered before contacting a dealership, we will see a fundamental shift in the leads business away from quantity and towards quality. This is good.
Agentic AI presents a compelling use case for consumers and dealers to hand off even more of the rudimentary grunt work of car buying as well. Why would I go to the dealership and haggle with the salesperson when my AI shopping agent can do it for me? As a dealership operator, why would I employ a sales consultant and sales manager to negotiate with an AI agent? I wouldn’t. For these customers, AI agents will handle it instead.
Agentic commerce means agentic commerce. Agents representing both consumers and dealers will engage with each other. Cost infrastructure will come down and time will be given back to the humans previously in the loop.
Buying a car is one of the few purchases consumers engage in that requires negotiation. Salespeople and sales managers negotiate every day, but customers do it once every three to five years. Negotiations are a dreaded (and time consuming) part of the buying process and a perfect example of where agentic AI can level the playing field, increase efficiency, and drive positive outcomes.
At CarEdge we’re already seeing the beneficial impacts of agentic AI for both sellers and buyers. Consider the story of Thomas. He came to CarEdge in June looking to purchase a Honda Accord. Thomas’ AI agent contacted numerous dealerships in his area that all had the vehicle he was interested in, right down to the specific trim and options.
While Thomas was at work, his AI agent engaged with the dealerships and ultimately, after 13 messages back and forth with one dealer in particular, achieved an out the door price of $36,900. The initial out the door price quote was $38,180.
Thomas went in that afternoon and purchased the vehicle. Thomas saved time, and $1,280 thanks to his AI agent. This is how agentic commerce is already influencing retail automotive.
How does the entire automotive ecosystem win with agentic AI? It’s simple. Data.
Car prices are notoriously opaque. The only way to really know what you are going to pay for a car is to contact a dealer and get an out the door price quote. The FTC and states’ attorney generals have gone after myriad dealerships over the years for bait and switch pricing and forced add-ons. However the practice is still prevalent, and in many cases, it’s a cost of doing business.
Take for example this Nissan Rogue for sale in Florida.
The online advertisement is hard to decipher, however it appears the price is $32,415.
Upon contacting the dealership, the price is actually:
$34,239 (plus tax/title/fees & payoff – whatever that is in this case). How and why did the price increase by nearly $2,000? Who knows. But this is all too common in retail automotive.
These practices obviously frustrate and confuse customers, however they also harm dealers who are reputable and don’t play games. Andrew Wright, Managing Partner at Vinart Dealerships shared his frustrations on X:
“I inquired about what this major 3rd party classified listings company was doing to police their platform for dealers engaging in deceptive pricing practices. The answer in short: NOTHING… All of the major classified listings platforms (Cars Commerce, Autotrader, CarGurus, Carfax, etc.) know that this is going on and they are doing NOTHING to stop it. In fact, they are REWARDING this behavior by affixing “great deal” badges on cars with deceptively low pricing.”
How do AI agents solve this problem? It’s simple. They collect, organize, and retain complete pricing data to bring unparalleled transparency. Currently, there is no third-party collecting accurate data on vehicle pricing (including dealer fees and add-ons). There have been some nascent attempts to flag bad actors (i.e. Markups.org and online review websites), however their scope and efficacy is limited, and we all know that consumers and dealers are equally capable of leaving bad reviews that stretch the truth. Pricing transparency isn’t just good for customers, it’s a competitive edge for honest dealers. AI helps surface trustworthy dealers in a crowded market and rewards them with more sales.
AI agents flip the script. Instead of relying on human beings to get out the door pricing and then manually enter that information into some sort of crowd-sourced database, AI agents are able to automate this process, removing any potential biases.
At CarEdge, our car shopping agents have been deployed 10,000 times since launch in late July, and we have collected data on thousands of dealerships. Want to know which dealer is adding “mandatory” nitrogen tire fill for $399 to all of their vehicles? We know it. Want to know which dealers are not playing games and leading with transparency? We have it.
AI agents level the playing field for consumers and dealers. Publishing and sharing this data will bring transparency unlike ever before, and will challenge the industry to operate more efficiently and fairly for everyone involved. Again, this is only possible thanks to agentic AI.
Artificial intelligence’s impact on retail auto will be profound (and it already is). From vehicle research and selection, to negotiation and pricing, agentic AI brings much needed transparency and efficiency to an industry that desperately needs it.
For consumers, the car buying experience is about to get radically easier. For dealers and OEMs, the ones who embrace this new model won’t just survive, they’ll lead. The age of agentic AI is here, and it’s time we start building with it.
August 2025 Car Market Update: Prices Are Falling As Demand Cools
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.
Update (8/5/2025): August new car incentives are now live! See the deals at our CarEdge Deal Hub.
Used Car Prices in August: Still Trending Down
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 Pro 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.
- Arrive prepared to negotiate, or let CarEdge’s AI Negotiator handle it for you.
- DIY shoppers should always use CarEdge Pro to know exactly how long a car’s been sitting.
If You’re Buying New:
- Shop by deal, not by brand. For example, instead of a Toyota RAV4, look at Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, or other alternatives with stronger incentives and similar reliability.
- Consider leasing. With depreciation returning to normal, leasing helps avoid losing 30–50% of value in just three years.
- Stack your tools: Negotiation Expert, Concierge, and now the AI Negotiator can save you time and money.
Final Thoughts
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.
The Fastest and Slowest Selling SUVs in August 2025
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.
| Make | Model | Market Day Supply | Total For Sale | Total Sold (45 days) | Average Selling Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Corolla Cross | 22 | 9,443 | 18,965 | $31,181 |
| Toyota | Sienna | 28 | 9,572 | 15,344 | $51,591 |
| Toyota | Sequoia | 28 | 3,348 | 5,325 | $83,490 |
| Lexus | RX Hybrid | 28 | 2,511 | 4,085 | $63,083 |
| Toyota | Highlander | 30 | 5,470 | 8,172 | $52,052 |
| Lexus | NX Hybrid | 31 | 2,750 | 3,962 | $54,654 |
| GMC | Yukon | 32 | 4,373 | 6,126 | $87,674 |
| Honda | Odyssey | 34 | 5,654 | 7,574 | $46,334 |
| Toyota | RAV4 | 36 | 56,325 | 69,950 | $37,540 |
| Acura | ZDX | 36 | 1,217 | 1,501 | $68,906 |
Source: CarEdge Pro
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.
| Make | Model | Market Day Supply | Total For Sale | Total Sold (45 days) | Average Selling Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguar | F-PACE | 310 | 2,751 | 399 | $69,742 |
| Dodge | Hornet | 271 | 2,911 | 484 | $36,536 |
| Maserati | Grecale | 258 | 631 | 110 | $79,872 |
| Ford | Mustang Mach-E | 239 | 22,597 | 4,247 | $48,656 |
| Infiniti | QX55 | 210 | 936 | 201 | $53,990 |
| Nissan | Murano | 189 | 20,164 | 4,797 | $47,020 |
| BMW | X2 | 185 | 1,238 | 301 | $52,596 |
| Kia | EV6 | 184 | 4,613 | 1,128 | $50,536 |
| Alfa Romeo | Stelvio | 180 | 842 | 210 | $56,239 |
| Audi | Q5 | 179 | 7,566 | 1,898 | $56,305 |
Source: CarEdge Pro
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!
Explore more free tools and resources with car buying guides, cost of ownership comparisons, and downloadable cheat sheets. There’s no reason to shop unprepared in 2025!
About CarEdge
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.
The Fastest and Slowest Selling Trucks in 2025
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 Pro 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.
| Make | Model | Market Day Supply | Total For Sale | Total Sold (45-days) | Average Selling Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Tundra | 36 | 22,749 | 28,471 | $62,618 |
| Toyota | Tacoma | 61 | 65,840 | 48,478 | $46,065 |
| Chevrolet | Silverado 2500HD | 80 | 25,290 | 14,257 | $65,316 |
| Ford | Maverick | 82 | 26,332 | 14,392 | $32,780 |
| GMC | Sierra 1500 | 90 | 46,018 | 23,053 | $61,040 |
| Ram | Ram 1500 | 92 | 37,951 | 18,505 | $58,746 |
| Ram | Ram 3500 | 98 | 9,059 | 4,170 | $53,961 |
| Ford | Ranger | 98 | 14,265 | 6,543 | $43,902 |
| Honda | Ridgeline | 98 | 10,542 | 4,830 | $44,941 |
| Chevrolet | Colorado | 101 | 24,931 | 11,062 | $42,768 |
Source: CarEdge 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.
| Make | Model | Market Day Supply | Total For Sale | Total Sold (45 days) | Average Selling Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram | Ram 2500 | 200 | 31,729 | 7,149 | $63,370 |
| GMC | Sierra EV | 196 | 3,707 | 853 | $92,215 |
| Ford | F-150 Lightning | 141 | 9,096 | 2,900 | $68,721 |
| Jeep | Gladiator | 138 | 17,419 | 5,672 | $47,500 |
| Chevrolet | Silverado EV | 130 | 3,661 | 1,263 | $92,215 |
| Hyundai | Santa Cruz | 129 | 9,279 | 3,231 | $35,724 |
| Nissan | Frontier | 124 | 18,228 | 6,629 | $39,132 |
| Ford | SuperDuty | 119 | 39,493 | 14,944 | $71,782 |
| Ford | F-150 | 115 | 116,720 | 45,571 | $59,354 |
| Chevrolet | Silverado 3500HD | 112 | 9,917 | 3,990 | $69,644 |
Source: CarEdge Pro
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.
👉 Negotiate anonymously with CarEdge AI (NEW!)
👉 Have a pro negotiate your deal with CarEdge’s Car Buying Service
Monroney Sticker Explained by a Former Car Dealer
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.
Want to learn more about the law? Visit the Consumer protection Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice.
What’s Included on a 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
View the original window sticker — and shop smarter from the start.
FAQs About the Monroney Sticker
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.
