Related: Used Truck Values Increase Slightly
Residual Value of 3-Year-Old Vehicles Slipping
The average residual value of a three-year-old vehicle — the most commonly remarketed fleet vehicle — will fall 8% by 2019 as a result of an increase in the supply of used vehicles, according to a Black Book forecast.
The average residual value of a three-year-old vehicle — the most commonly remarketed fleet vehicle — will fall 8% by 2019 as a result of an increase in the supply of used vehicles, according to a Black Book forecast.
Residuals on an average three-year-old vehicle will dip from the current three-year retention of 52.0% in 2016, to 47.8% by 2019, according to Black Book's May forecast. The percent is forecasted to drop to 50.1% in 2017 and to 48.6% in 2018.
Favorable credit availability, continued growth in demand, and consistently low gas prices have provided support in keeping retention rates high in the last five years, according to Black Book. Increased used supply in the marketplace, driven by the significantly large volume of sales on new cars and trucks has played a driving role in slipping retention rates this year.
"Despite the industry’s continued efforts to maintain a strong pace of sales on new cars and trucks, the increased level of supply in the used market has begun to weaken prices on both cars and trucks," said Anil Goyal, senior vice president of automotive valuation and analytics. "We saw the first sign of this in 2015, when cars saw above-average depreciation on the year, and this year we will see rising depreciation for truck segments as well."
Retention values on a three-year-old vehicle peaked in 2013 when vehicles were retaining approximately 54.5% of their original typically-equipped retail value.
More Remarketing

When Should a Fleet Repair Vehicle Damage Before Remarketing?
Not every dent, scratch, or mechanical issue is worth fixing before selling a fleet vehicle. Learn how to weigh repair costs, resale value, market demand, and downtime to determine when reconditioning pays off and when selling as-is makes more sense.
Read More →
Wholesale Used-Vehicle Values Fall as Cox Automotive Cuts 2026 Forecast
Wholesale used-vehicle prices declined in September as depreciation accelerated, prompting Cox Automotive to lower its year-end forecast.
Read More →
FLD Promotes Three Executives in Leadership Changes
FLD has promoted three longtime executives, naming Gary Mott CEO, Richard Mallek president, and Ron Sanders managing partner.
Read More →
Ford Pro Launches Certified Pre-Owned Program for Commercial Vehicles
Ford Pro Advantage will offer certified pre-owned Class 1-7 commercial vehicles through more than 700 Ford Pro Commercial Vehicle Centers.
Read More →
Copart to Acquire ACV in $1.9 Billion Deal
The acquisition would expand Copart beyond its traditional salvage business into dealer-to-dealer wholesale remarketing while adding ACV’s vehicle data, inspection, and valuation technology.
Read More →
Manheim Index Shows Used-Vehicle Wholesale Prices Up 2.1% in June
The market is seeing stronger appreciation in older used vehicles this year, and the most affordable segments have been among the year’s best performers.
Read More →
Commercial Fleet Sales Contribute To June, YTD Gains
The fleet sector has boosted its vehicle purchases at a reliable pace in the first half of this year compared with 1H 2025.
Read More →
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 →