U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Office

Fact #744: September 10, 2012
Average New Light Vehicle Price Grows Faster than Average Used Light Vehicle Price

In 2011 the average used light vehicle price was 36% higher than in 1990, while the average new light vehicle price was 67% higher than it was in 1990. The average price of a used vehicle had been between $6,000 and $9,000 until 2011 when the price rose above $9,000 for the first time. New vehicle prices were also at an all-time high in 2011; they averaged above $25,000 for the first time.

Average Price of New and Used VehiclesGraphic showing the average price of a new vehicle compared to a used vehicle. The average price for a new light vehicle has grown faster than the average used light vehicle price. See table below for more detailed information.

Supporting Information

Average Price of New and Used Vehicles, 1990-2011
Year Average Used Vehicle Price Average New Vehicle Price
1990 $6,830 $15,042
1991 $6,157 $15,475
1992 $6,693 $16,336
1993 $7,335 $16,871
1994 $7,781 $17,903
1995 $8,093 $17,959
1996 $8,257 $18,777
1997 $8,399 $19,236
1998 $8,341 $20,364
1999 $8,828 $20,710
2000 $8,896 $21,041
2001 $8,618 $21,474
2002 $8,130 $21,249
2003 $8,180 $21,646
2004 $8,410 $21,646
2005 $8,036 $23,017
2006 $8,009 $23,634
2007 $8,186 $23,892
2008 $7,986 $23,441
2009 $8,483 $23,276
2010 $8,715 $24,296
2011 $9,275 $25,048
Note: New vehicle price based on cars only. It does not include light trucks.
Source: Used vehicles - Ward's Automotive,
New cars - Bureau of Economic Analysis, National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA) Underlying Detail Tables, Table 7.2.5S.

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