Despite record-high listing prices, retail used-vehicle sales increased month-over-month in August.

According to Cox Automotive data, the used-vehicle sales pace increased 4% from July, which it pointed out as a typical seasonal pattern. However, the estimated 1.5-million-unit sales volume represented a 3% year-over-year decline.

Days’ supply tightened by two days to 44, thanks to a combination of the increased sales pace and a 1% inventory decline over the same period.

The average listing price reached $27,239, up 7% year-over-year. It marked the highest monthly average since December 2022 and amounted to an anomaly to the usual seasonal pattern of declines or flat prices. It was also the second month in 2026 to exceed $27,000 – June being the first at $27,010.July prices were just below that mark at $26,999.

Drivers in search of more affordable options were limited, used vehicles priced below $15,000 accounting for only 15% of all inventory, down 26% year-over-year.

Certified preowned sales were down 5% year-over-year, making up 15% of total used-vehicle retail sales.