Should You Buy a Used Car in November 2025?

Quick Facts About Buying a Used Car

• Now is a smart time to buy a used car. Tariffs on new cars are pushing more shoppers toward used cars.
• At the start of November, the average used car listing price was $25,945, up 2% from a year ago.
• Used-vehicle inventory remains tight, with a 48-day supply at the beginning of November, steady from the previous month.

Now is a smart time to buy a used vehicle before prices climb. Import tariffs on new vehicles and parts are driving up prices and causing would-be buyers to turn to the used market, increasing demand and tightening supply further.

Many factors can influence whether it’s a good time to buy a used car, including available inventory and loan interest rates. The tight supply of used vehicles could make it difficult to find exactly what you want. Also, interest rates are higher for used vehicle loans than for new car loans. Still, there are plenty of benefits to buying a used car right now. We explain. You can skip ahead using the jump links below.

• Used Car Market Overview
• How Much Does a Used Car Cost?
• Pros of Buying a Used Car
• Cons of Buying a Used Car
• Tips for Buying a Used Car in Today’s Market
• Bottom Line

Used Car Market Overview

The latest Cox Automotive days’ supply report shows that the used-vehicle supply was 48 days at the start of November, up four days from the previous month and up one day from the same time a year ago. The report is based on the estimated daily retail sales rate for the most recent 30-day period.

In October, about 1.40 million used vehicles were sold at franchised and independent dealers, up 3% month-over-month. The October bump follows strong momentum in recent months, most likely driven by what purchasers are viewing as a favorable purchasing window, with factors such as improved credit access contributing alongside the used market’s strong value proposition – offering more affordable alternatives than the new-car segment. Sales remain notably strong, with sales up nearly 2% compared to a year earlier.

“After stabilizing from a September slowdown, sales trended higher in October, likely driven by buyers viewing this as a favorable purchasing window, with factors such as improved credit access and the used market’s value proposition contributing to the momentum,” said Scott Vanner, manager of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive.

Today’s used car market continues to suffer from an ongoing lack of inventory. Manufacturers made 8 million fewer new vehicles from 2020 to 2022 due to COVID-19 supply disruptions. Unable to find a new car to buy or lease during that time, many buyers bought used cars instead, creating a tighter supply of used vehicles. With fewer leases in that timeframe, there will be a lower supply of vehicles for the used market for several years to come.

RELATED: Used Car Buying Guide

How Much Does a Used Car Cost?

The vAuto Live Market View data, analyzed by Cox Automotive, shows that the average used car listing price was $25,945 at the start of November, up from the revised $25,889 at the beginning of October and up 2% compared to a year ago.

If not paying in cash, consumers buying a used car need to finance their purchase. Consumer car loan interest rates have remained high during the past several years, making it harder to afford a used car. Use our car affordability calculator to see what you can buy within your budget.

According to the vAuto data, nearly 2.26 million used vehicles were available for sale at the beginning of November, which is about 2% higher than a year ago and 1% higher than the 2.23 million in early October. If you are in the market for a used car right now, narrow your search by filtering your results to see cars for sale by owner, at a dealership, or those in a certain price range.

Data show that sales of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles increased 7.5% month-over-month in October and were up 2.6% year-over-year. CPO vehicles are typically lower-mileage cars in excellent condition, sold with the manufacturer’s backing. With an extra warranty, certified pre-owned vehicles can be a good deal, especially if they come with special financing and low down payments.

RELATED: What Is a Certified Pre-Owned Car?

October’s CPO sales are estimated at 208,948, up from 194,341 in September.

“With new car prices rising, it might make sense to consider an older used car,” said Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader. “If you go out of your way to find a reliable model, it should last many years.”

Pros of Buying a Used Car This Month

• Tariffs on new cars could drive up prices for used vehicles in the coming months due to greater demand.
• New cars quickly depreciate once driven off the lot, making buying used a smarter idea any month of the year.
• Insuring a used car costs less than a new vehicle in most cases.

Cons of Buying a Used Car This Month

• Waiting for lower car loan interest rates in the months ahead may make sense if you need to finance your used car purchase. However, there’s no telling if car loan interest rates will decline.
• Buying a newer-model used car can be more expensive than buying a new one in some instances.
• Dealing with a lack of inventory may mean you can’t find the car you want.

Tips for Buying a Used Car in Today’s Market

With several factors impacting used car buying, use the tips below to find the right one that fits your budget.

• Research used car models to find the best deal with dealerships and private sellers.
• Ask for the vehicle history report to learn about its maintenance and any accidents.
• Check the used car’s Kelley Blue Book value from our sister site to see if it’s a good deal.
• Get the best offer on your trade-in by shopping it around.
• Compare rates for your used car loan before settling on financing.
• Set your budget and use our car affordability calculator to determine what works best for you.
• Look for certified pre-owned manufacturer offers and other deals.
• Obtain quotes for car insurance before buying.
• Avoid signing any dealership sales agreement before seeing a cost breakdown of all line items.

• RELATED: What Is More Important When Buying a Used Car: Miles or Age?

Bottom Line

You may find some good deals before the used car inventory becomes even tighter. It might not be the exact vehicle you want. Always consider your personal circumstances when deciding whether it’s the right time for you to make the leap and buy a car. Research before deciding on buying used, and if it’s a newer used vehicle, be sure to check the price of new models and compare costs.

Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication.