CARFAX Canada: Used Car Prices Level Off as Inventory Ramps Up in the First Half of 2026

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by Business Wire CARFAX Canada: Used Car Prices Level Off as Inventory Ramps Up in the First Half of 2026Author of the article: You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Header image for EN press release Business WireUsed Vehicle Market Insights – Mid-Year OverviewTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountLONDON, Ontario — CARFAX Canada releases its Mid-Year Used Vehicle Market Insights Report to help dealers and the auto industry make more confident decisions about vehicles and refine their buying and selling strategies based on current market trends.The used vehicle market continues to normalize with inventory ramping up over the last two months, contributing to a more stable pricing landscape and giving consumers more options when shopping for used vehicles.“Dealers who appreciate the complex variables of today’s used vehicle marketplace and are gathering insights to better understand trends and what they are signaling are better positioned to meet their sales performance goals by acquiring pricing and managing inventory with significant scrutiny,” said Shawn Vording, President of CARFAX Canada. “Acquiring inventory is harder than ever. Acquiring the right inventory is a full-time job.”Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe Mid-Year CARFAX Canada Used Vehicle Market Insights Report reveals that used vehicle sales remain below 2025 levels but have continued to recover from the slower start in 2026. Read the full Mid-Year CARFAX Canada Used Vehicle Market Insights Report here: https://www.carfax.ca/media/carfax-canada-used-vehicle-market-insights-2026-08Market Snapshot Canada’s used vehicle market continued to stabilize through June 2026, with pricing largely holding steady and inventory becoming more available over the course of the summer selling season.In June, there were 277,361 used vehicle transactions, up 1.3% month-over-month1 and down 2.9% year-over-year. While demand remains softer than last year, the year-over-year decline is notably smaller than many of the declines observed earlier in the year.For the first half of 2026, used vehicle transactions totaled approximately 1.49 million units, down 4.2% compared to the first half of 2025, indicating that demand continues to recover gradually but remains below last year’s pace.National average listing prices increased modestly month-over-month (+0.2%) but remained below last year’s levels (-4.7%), reinforcing the broader theme of gradual price normalization.Inventory growth accelerated again in June, rising 15.5% month-over-month and 2.5% year-over-year, providing buyers with more selection than earlier in the year.Vancouver remains Canada’s most expensive used vehicle market, with average listing prices surpassing $44,995 (+10.2% YoY), while Quebec continues to offer the most affordable pricing among major provinces. Atlantic Canada is among the regions showing year-over-year price growth.Affordability concerns, elevated cost of living, and broader economic uncertainty continue to constrain demand, though increasing inventory levels and stabilized vehicle prices are helping support transaction volumes.National Average Listing PriceAfter declining throughout 2025, pricing has largely stabilized in 2026. The last five months have remained within a relatively narrow range near $31,000–$31,500, with June reporting an average listing price of $31,487 for used vehicles with a model year of 2000 or newer.This plateau suggests that increasing inventory is contributing to a more stable market environment, while days supply remains in check enough to limit significant downward pricing pressure.Used vehicle inventory expanded sharply heading into summer, representing the largest inventory level observed so far in 2026 and marking a significant increase from May.The SUV segment reached another record share of total inventory, reflecting continued consumer preference toward larger vehicles.Although inventory growth has improved buyer choice, supply remains influenced by the prolonged effects of vehicle production disruptions and lower lease volumes from previous years.Used EV prices continued rising in June, reversing much of the decline observed through late 2025 and early 2026. The used EV market remains one of the most dynamic segments of the industry, with average listing prices increasing to $42,834 in June.Consumer interest in used EVs continues to improve, supported by growing model availability and increasing market familiarity, despite EV inventory remaining concentrated among premium vehicles.The ultimate questions are: will used inventory levels continue to increase, and will consumer demand decline further caused by ongoing affordability pressures from elevated cost of living, economic uncertainty, and ongoing Canada-U.S. trade and CUSMA-related negotiations. If inventory grows and demand declines, dealers that react quickly will lessen the impact of a market correction.For the latest trends and insights on the average price by vehicle condition, region, market segment, and vehicle type, view the full Mid-Year CARFAX Canada Used Vehicle Market Insights Report here: https://www.carfax.ca/media/carfax-canada-used-vehicle-market-insights-2026-08 About CARFAX Canada CARFAX Canada, a part of Mobility Global (NYSE: MBGL), is Canada’s definitive source of automotive information, delivering vehicle history, valuation and service solutions. Drawing on billions of data records from thousands of sources, its products enable used vehicle buyers, sellers and vehicle service providers to make informed decisions. CARFAX Canada is dedicated to transparency and is trusted to provide vehicle history, valuation and service information to dealerships, vehicle manufacturers, consumers, service shops, major auctions, governments, insurance providers and police agencies.Connect with CARFAX Canada on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.____________________1 S&P Mobility, June ‘26View source version on businesswire.com: Manager, Public Relations and Social MediaThis advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.