August 2025 Manheim Index: What Dealers Need to Know Now

Wholesale used-vehicle prices were unchanged in August as the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) held at 207.4, up 1.7% year-over-year. Non-adjusted prices rose 1.0% month-over-month and are 1.8% higher YoY, indicating firmer-than-normal seasonal movement. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Key August Highlights

• Index: 207.4 (flat MoM), +1.7% YoY; non-adjusted +1.0% MoM, +1.8% YoY. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• MMR Retention: 99.8% (market just below guidebook). Conversion rate: 61.9%—well above recent August norms. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Segments (YoY): Luxury +2.3%, SUVs +1.3%; Trucks −0.3%, Mid-size −2.0%, Compact −3.5%. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• EV values: +4.6% YoY; +0.8% MoM vs. non-EV +0.7% MoM. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Retail used: +9.2% MoM, +9% YoY; days’ supply: 42 (down from 46). New-vehicle SAAR: 16.1M. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Segment & Powertrain Signals

Performance was mixed: luxury and SUVs led on a YoY basis, while compact and mid-size cars lagged. EVs extended a multi-month YoY outperformance trend, aided by last year’s depressed comps and steady demand into late Q3. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Retail & Auction Dynamics

Retail used sales accelerated in August with days’ supply tightening to 42. At auction, MMR retention ~99.8% and a 61.9% conversion rate point to healthy buyer engagement even with the headline index flat. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Dealer Playbook for September

1. Lean into resilient segments: Prioritize late-model luxury and SUV inventory; prune slower compact/mid-size units quickly.
2. Time EV buys: EV values are trending higher YoY—target clean histories and strong spec packages; buy on minor MoM dips.
3. Price to the lane: With retention near MMR, align appraisals tightly and adjust faster on no-sale signals.
4. Win before the sale: Prep with auction run lists, condition reports, and live comps to secure only margin-worthy units.
5. Operationalize speed: Use VIN-level analytics and Dealer Studio workflows to cut reprice cycles and reduce days-to-sell.

Stay ahead of the market with Laser Appraiser—real-time valuations, auction integrations, and VIN intelligence to help you buy smarter, price with confidence, and move inventory faster.