Electric Vehicles Are Now Outselling Gasoline Cars in the Used Market | Carscoops

      Used car prices are rising again in 2025, while buyer activity is slowing down, except for in the EV segment.

      Published 21 hours ago

      By Stephen Rivers

      The average price of used cars increased by 5% to $31,067, with sales reaching an eight-year low.

      Electric vehicles (EVs) are leading the market as the quickest to sell, averaging just 34 days on the lot.

      More than half of the 19 fastest-selling used models were either EVs or hybrids.

      The used car market experienced a significant surge after 2019 due to pandemic-related shortages that caused prices to skyrocket. After a decline in 2023, the market has been recovering, with both demand and average transaction prices gradually increasing.

      However, the third quarter of 2025 has shown a slight change. As prices keep rising, buyers are taking more time to make decisions compared to previous periods. Interestingly, EVs are now moving off dealer lots more quickly than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

      Data from Edmunds indicates that the average three-year-old car spent 41 days on dealer lots in the third quarter, an increase from 37 days last year and the slowest rate since 2017.

      What’s Causing the Slowdown?

      The primary factor behind this slowdown is likely the ongoing rise in transaction prices. The average price of a three-year-old vehicle reached $31,067 in Q3 2025, marking a five percent increase from $29,578 a year prior, and almost $10,000 more than in 2017, when similar used models averaged around $21,000.

      The rise in prices means that buyers are carefully assessing their options, comparing used cars to new ones that often come with incentives and warranties. The last time used cars surpassed an average transaction price of $30,000 was in 2022, during the peak demand caused by pandemic shortages.

      With supply shortages largely resolved, buyers seem to be more inclined to pause and consider their choices before finalizing a purchase.

      Which Cars Are Selling the Fastest?

      Not every aspect of the market is slowing down, however. EVs are now the most rapidly selling segment in the used car market, averaging just 34 days on the lot.

      According to powertrain data for three-year-old vehicles in Q3 2025:

      - Hybrids take an average of 40 days to sell

      - Diesel vehicles take 41 days

      - Gasoline vehicles take 43 days

      - Plug-in hybrids have the longest average time at 47 days before sale

      Lower mileage and appealing pricing likely contribute to EVs’ speed in the market.

      EV Market Trends

      Used EVs sold in Q3 averaged 35,661 miles and a transaction price of $29,911, with nearly two-thirds of all three-year-old EVs priced between $20,000 and $30,000. For the overall used car market, only 42 percent fall within this price range.

      EVs within this price bracket also typically show less wear, as about 66 percent have fewer than 40,000 miles on the odometer. Currently, EVs are offering the best value in the used car market, even though they represent only 1.6 percent of total used inventory.

      Despite the limited supply of 2022 EV models, they still accounted for eight of the 19 fastest-selling three-year-old vehicles, indicating growing consumer interest despite a slowdown in new car demand. Good deals exist; they may just be difficult to come by.

      Models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and Ford Mustang Mach-E provide considerable savings, often costing over $25,000 less than their original prices. In contrast, internal combustion engine models such as the Toyota GR Supra and Lexus NX 350h have retained their value exceptionally well.

      19 Fastest-Selling Models in Q3 2025

      Edmunds