LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga.— Black Book said its seasonally adjusted Used Vehicle Retention Index rose in March, as an early and more active tax season helped push used vehicle values higher despite geopolitical uncertainty and rising fuel prices.
The index climbed 1.9% from February to 147.7, up 2.7 points from 145.0, Black Book reported. That left the measure just 0.1% below its March 2025 level of 147.9, suggesting used-vehicle values remain relatively firm on a year-over-year basis even as broader market pressures persist.
“Despite geopolitical instability and a sharp rise in fuel prices last month, the market continued to show strong spring momentum,” Laura Wehunt, Black Book’s vice president of data & analytics, said in a statement. She said seasonal appreciation is typical this time of year, but an earlier and more pronounced tax season accelerated the trend. Wehunt added that luxury car segments were the only category to remain largely flat, posting little to no gains during the month.
Black Book said its Used Vehicle Retention Index tracks the wholesale average value of two- to six-year-old used vehicles as a percentage of original MSRP, with adjustments for seasonality, vehicle age, mileage and condition. To view full report, click here.