Compact SUVs, Minivans Lead April Auction Surge
Compact SUVs and cargo minivans paced a strong April for remarketers, as used vehicles from the 2008-2012 model years rose 0.9 percent in value in a month that's typically one of the strongest of the year for auctions.

Photo of 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan courtesy of Fiat Chrysler.

Photo of 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan courtesy of Fiat Chrysler.
Compact SUVs and cargo minivans paced a strong April for remarketers, as used vehicles from the 2008-2012 model years rose 0.9 percent in value in a month that's typically one of the strongest of the year for auctions.
The average retention value of used vehicles surged in April, following a strong March where used vehicles depreciated only 0.3 percent, according to Black Book.
Compact SUVs and cargo minivans showed the strongest retention among truck segments, each rising 3.5 percent in value during the month. Compact SUVs include the Jeep Wrangler and Nissan Xterra, while cargo minivans include the Dodge Caravan, Ford Freestar, and Chevrolet Uplander. Compact SUVs sold for an average price of $16,410, while cargo minivans sold for $9,543.
For the second straight month, entry-level cars led all segments. They gained 4 percent in value during April during a period of rising gasoline prices. This segment has gained 6.6 percent in value since the end of February. These vehicles include the Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Yaris. The average price in this segment was $7,792.
Prestige luxury cars and luxury SUVs saw the highest depreciation in the car and truck categories, according to Black Book.
Prestige luxury cars fell 1.8 percent in value in a category that includes the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Lexus GS Class, Mercedes-Benz S Class, and Jaguar XJ. The average price in this segment was $33,043.
Luxury SUVs fell 0.8 percent in April with an average price of $33,331. This category includes the Cadillac Escalade, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover LR3 and LR4, Lincoln Navigator, and BMW X5.
More Remarketing

Used Vehicle Prices Climb Higher As Sales Pace Slows
The higher prices at used retail reflect strong wholesale values earlier in the spring, particularly for older, more affordable vehicles.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices
Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.
Read More →
Commercial Fleet Sales Still Lead Sectors Despite May Mini Dip
The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.
Read More →
How Connected Vehicle Data Is Lifting Fleet Resale Values
A vehicle health score could improve the value of fleet vehicles at remarketing. The path to a universal standard is forming, and fleets that understand the process early will be better positioned when it arrives.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices Slightly Up In April
The Iranian conflict and rising gas prices inject much uncertainty into the future wholesale used vehicle markets, as higher gas prices soak up spendable income from vehicle buyers.
Read More →
CAR2026: James McKinley Wins Value Champion of the Year
James McKinley of City Rent a Truck was named the inaugural Fleet Value Champion at the CAR Conference for his data-driven approach to fleet lifecycle management and vehicle remarketing.
Read More →
CAR2026: Eric Autenrieth Wins Remarketer of the Year
Eric Autenrieth was recognized at this year's CAR Conference as the Remarketer of the Year.
Read More →
CAR2026: Lawrence Knapp Wins Consignor of the Year
Lawrence Knapp won the Cosigner of the Year award at this year's CAR Conference.
Read More →
2026 CAR Awards Celebrate Industry Excellence
CAR’s annual Fleet Remarketing Awards opened a reimagined 2026 conference designed to bridge the worlds of fleet management and automotive remarketing.
Read More →
Inside the CAR2026 Awards: Leaders, Legacy & What’s Next
Here's a look inside the awards ceremony at the CAR Conference, where industry leaders reflected on the growth, impact, and future of automotive remarketing.
Read More →