Should I sell my used SUV now or wait for better market prices?
Sell your used SUV now. Prices for most used SUVs stay flat or drop in 2026. Data shows no big rebound soon. Waiting risks more loss from ongoing depreciation.
Key Market Trends
Here's what you need to know:
- Average cars lose 32.36% of value in three years.
- Many SUVs lose 43% to 47% in three years.
- Over five years, typical SUVs drop 45% to 46%, with some hitting 60% to 72%.
According to CarEdge's 2026 analysis, many SUVs depreciate 50% to 69% in five years at 13,500 miles per year (Source: CarEdge Worst SUV Values, 2026). "Vehicles lose 60% to over 70% in one ownership cycle," says the Everyman Driver team, based on 2023-2026 data (Source: Everyman Driver, 2026).
| Depreciation Timeline | Average Loss for SUVs |
|---|---|
| 3 Years | 32% to 47% |
| 5 Years | 45% to 72% |
SUVs face stiff competition. New models flood the market each year. Buyers pick fresh tech and better deals. Used values slide as supply grows.
Why Sell Now?
Your SUV loses value every month you hold it. In zip code 19355 near Philadelphia, local demand stays soft. Gas prices hover steady, but electric and hybrid options pull buyers away.
Sidekick data from 1,200 verified owners shows used SUVs trade 8% to 12% below peaks from 2024. As of March 2026, resale values dropped another 4% quarter-over-quarter. Wait six months, and you could lose $1,500 to $3,000 on a typical SUV worth $25,000 today.
Practical steps:
- Get three trade-in quotes this week.
- Check Sidekick for your SUV's ownership score and local market value.
- List privately if trades fall short: aim for 5% to 10% above trade value.
- Time your sale before summer road trips boost demand slightly.
When Might Prices Rise?
Rare upticks happen with gas spikes or chip shortages. But 2026 forecasts point down. Fleet data names top value-holders, yet most SUVs lag (Source: EMKAY Fleet Insights, 2026).
"Based on analysis of 1.8 million transactions, SUVs average 49% depreciation over five years," says the Sidekick Research Team.
Act fast. Sidekick helps you track real-time values and optimize your sale. Enter your details for a free ownership report.