All Things Used Cars ++

Economy

Inflation pressure keeps the Federal Reserve at bay with rate drops possible later in the year
Elevated energy costs continue to pressure markets with Iranian deal still in the balance
Income growth over the past year has outpaced vehicle price increases
Housing weakness continues to pressure household budgets and consumer confidence
Mortgage rates are 2 bases points higher but lower than this time last year.
Income growth over the past year has outpaced vehicle price increases

Economy: 55% (up from 52% in Q1 2026 and 51% in Q2 2025)
Market Conditions: 40% (up from 37% in Q1 2026; unchanged from 40% in Q2 2025)
Political Climate: 36% (up from 31% in Q1 2026 and 33% in Q2 2025)
Expenses: 33% (down slightly from 34% in Q1 2026; up from 32% in Q2 2025)
Interest Rates: 32% (down from 34% in Q1 2026 and significantly down from 42% in Q2 2025)

New vehicle affordability tightened as prices, rates, & lower incentives pushed payments higher
Wholesale markets continue softening, especially in older vehicle segments
Retail pricing has remained firmer preserving margins
Compact cars & EVs: strongest YoY price growth.
SUVs: softest segment — weaker YoY performance.
8+ year‑old units: strongest demand due to affordability pressures.

VINCUE Data: 2 core sources (new BI platform)

- Auction is the #2 sales & #7 in front and total gross generated.
- Street Purchase is the #1 performing acquisition source
- Customer Trade ranks #2 among all acquisition sources.
- Service Drive is the #4 acquisition source in the ecosystem.

Expect continued soft retail movement in early summer.
Older units are driving the strongest demand and price stability.
EV retail pricing is firming, not falling — a reversal from 2024–2025.
Measuring source performance across inventory turn, sales volume, and gross profit is key for continuing to navigate the post COVID used vehicle supply shortage.

Founder & CEO Agile Auto