March 2026 Trends in Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index
The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) climbed to 215.3 in March 2026. This reflects a 6.2% gain versus March 2025 and a 1.4% increase month over month. Non-adjusted wholesale used-vehicle prices rose 5.7% year over year and 4.2% versus February.
What economists and dealers are seeing
Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive, says dealers entered the year expecting strong demand. Higher tax refunds and steady consumer interest helped push values higher.
Robb noted that weekly sales conversion rates mostly outpaced 2025 during Q1. He also cited potential supply shifts from geopolitical risks, while stressing that markets are currently tight.
EVs and inventory dynamics
Electric vehicle values strengthened in March. The EV Index rose 7.9% year over year and 3.7% from February.
More off-lease EVs are returning to auction, yet wholesale EV prices still gained. EV weighting in the MUVVI reached a record 3.9% for the month.
Pricing, retention and conversion
The MMR Three-Year-Old Index increased 2.2% in March. MMR retention averaged 100.5%, unchanged year over year and up 0.2 percentage points from February.
Sales conversion was strong at 68.2%. That is 4.6 percentage points higher than the recent three-year March average.
Segment performance
Luxury and midsize cars led year-over-year gains. Compact cars showed the weakest growth.
Overall, all major segments remained above their year-earlier levels. The luxury segment continued to outperform the market.
Wholesale supply and rental fleet trends
Wholesale days’ supply ended March at 24.5 days. That was one day higher than last year and 2.5 days lower than February.
Rental vehicle prices were up 7.5% year over year and rose 0.7% versus February. Non-seasonally adjusted rental values were 8.9% above 2025 levels. Average rental mileage fell 13% from last March.
Market takeaway and near-term outlook
March 2026 trends in the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index point to healthy demand and relatively tight inventories. Dealers appear to be adding used EVs as fuel prices climb above $4.00 per gallon.
Manheim’s official monthly index is released on the fifth business day. The next full data release and Q1 MUVVI call are scheduled for April 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. EDT. For additional information and historical reports, visit Filmogaz.com.
