Wholesale used-vehicle prices softened in September, giving Mississippi independent dealers reason to revisit acquisition costs and inventory pricing heading into the fourth quarter.
Cox Automotive’s Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index fell 1.1% from August and 0.6% from September 2025, after adjusting for vehicle mix, mileage and seasonality. Depreciation was steeper than typical for the month. Compact cars and electric vehicles showed greater resilience, while pickups, SUVs and midsize cars continued to trend lower year over year.
For Mississippi dealers, these national trends suggest an opportunity to buy selectively while keeping a close eye on vehicles already on the lot. Review aging inventory against current market values, reassess trade-in offers and let local customer demand guide your mix. Fuel-efficient options deserve attention, but national EV strength should be weighed against demand in your own market.
As dealers prepare for year-end, disciplined buying and timely pricing adjustments can help protect margins and keep inventory moving.
Source: Cox Automotive’s September 2026 Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index report.