Should You Buy a Used Car Right Now?
If you've been waiting for used-car prices to fall dramatically before replacing your vehicle, the latest market data offers a mixed answer.
Used-car prices appear to have stabilized, but finding an inexpensive vehicle is still difficult.
Autotrader reports that the average used-car listing price was $27,028 in July 2026, virtually unchanged from June. At the same time, used inventory remains relatively tight, and vehicles priced below $15,000 account for only about 16% of available used inventory.
So should you buy now?
Quick Answer
If you find the right used vehicle at a price that fits your budget, waiting solely because you expect prices to suddenly collapse may not be the best strategy.
But that doesn't mean you should rush.
The smartest move is comparing used, Certified Pre-Owned and new before deciding.
Why Are Affordable Used Cars So Hard to Find?
Used-car inventory is improving, but the lower-priced end of the market remains particularly constrained.
That's important if your shopping strategy is simply:
“I want something reliable under $15,000.”
You're competing for vehicles in one of the tightest portions of the used-car market.
Autotrader reports that inventory below $15,000 has fallen significantly compared with last year, even as overall used inventory has improved.
That makes condition, mileage and vehicle history especially important.
A cheaper vehicle isn't necessarily a better value if it immediately requires substantial repairs.
Used vs. New: Compare Both Before Deciding
Here's something shoppers sometimes overlook:
A late-model used vehicle isn't automatically the cheaper choice.
New vehicles can sometimes have manufacturer financing incentives that aren't available on ordinary used vehicles.
That means you should compare:
Used
- Purchase price
- Mileage
- Interest rate
- Remaining warranty
- Maintenance history
New
- Purchase price
- Manufacturer incentives
- Special APR offers
- Full factory warranty
- Expected depreciation
Then compare the actual total transaction, not simply the sticker prices.
What About Certified Pre-Owned?
This is where Nissan shoppers have another option.
A Nissan Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sits between an ordinary used vehicle and a brand-new Nissan.
Eligible Nissan Certified vehicles undergo a 167-point inspection and include a 7-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, measured from the vehicle's original in-service date, plus roadside assistance and other program benefits. Nissan says qualifying gas-powered Nissan Certified vehicles can be up to six years old with fewer than 80,000 miles.
That can appeal to someone who wants used-car pricing but would also like additional reassurance about what they're purchasing.
Why CPO Is Worth Comparing Right Now
Current market conditions make Certified Pre-Owned particularly interesting.
Autotrader reports that CPO sales increased 6.6% from June to July, even while the broader used market remains constrained.
Why?
For some buyers, CPO offers a useful middle ground:
- Lower price than many new vehicles
- Manufacturer-backed certification
- Vehicle inspection
- Warranty coverage
- Vehicle-history information
- Roadside assistance
- Potential special financing offers
That doesn't automatically make CPO the best choice.
But it makes it worth putting into the comparison.
Is a Used Car Still Cheaper Than a New Car?
Usually, but look beyond purchase price.
Your actual cost can include:
- Interest
- Insurance
- Fuel
- Maintenance
- Repairs
- Tires
- Warranty coverage
- Depreciation
A $22,000 used vehicle with a significantly higher interest rate may not be as far from a new vehicle financially as the sticker price initially suggests.
Ask for the numbers on both.
Should I Wait Until Used-Car Prices Drop?
Nobody can guarantee where vehicle prices will go next.
Current data suggests used prices have recently plateaued rather than dramatically declined. Inventory has improved from earlier in the year but remains relatively tight.
If your current vehicle works well and you're in no hurry, waiting is always an option.
But if you:
- Need reliable transportation
- Have increasing repair costs
- Found the vehicle you want
- Need a different size vehicle
- Have a strong trade
- Found financing that fits your budget
then waiting for an uncertain future price decline may accomplish very little.
Should I Buy a Higher-Mileage Used Car?
Mileage matters, but it isn't the entire story.
Consider:
- Maintenance history
- Vehicle age
- Accident history
- Driving conditions
- Mechanical condition
- Number of previous owners
- Inspection results
A well-maintained higher-mileage vehicle may sometimes be a better purchase than a lower-mileage vehicle with a questionable history.
What Should I Check Before Buying Used?
Before purchasing, ask about:
- Vehicle history
- Mileage
- Maintenance records when available
- Accident history
- Tire condition
- Brake condition
- Warranty coverage
- Open recalls
- Financing rate
- Total out-the-door cost
And drive the vehicle.
A used car should never exist only as numbers on a screen.
What If I Have a Trade?
Your current vehicle may significantly change the transaction.
Before deciding whether a used vehicle is affordable, find out:
What your current vehicle is worth
and
How much you still owe.
Positive trade equity may reduce the amount you need to finance.
Negative equity may increase it.
Internal Link: Upside Down on Your Car Loan? What You Can Actually Do in 2026
Is Now a Good Time to Buy Used in Mississippi?
There isn't one perfect month that works for every shopper.
But right now, we know:
- Used prices have recently stabilized.
- Inventory has improved somewhat.
- Lower-priced vehicles remain difficult to find.
- CPO vehicles are attracting more buyers.
- Financing costs still matter significantly.
So instead of trying to perfectly time the market, focus on finding the right vehicle and the right numbers.
Shop Used Vehicles at Cannon Nissan of Moss Point
If you're searching for a used car, truck or SUV around Moss Point, Pascagoula, Gautier, Ocean Springs or the Mississippi Gulf Coast, compare your options at Cannon Nissan.
And don't limit yourself to one category.
Compare:
Used → Certified Pre-Owned → New
You may be surprised which one ultimately gives you the best combination of price, payment, warranty and long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are used-car prices going down in 2026?
Used-car listing prices were essentially flat from June to July 2026 after increasing earlier in the year, according to current Cox Automotive data reported by Autotrader.
Is now a bad time to buy a used car?
Not necessarily. Inventory remains constrained, particularly for lower-priced vehicles, but prices have recently stabilized.
Are used cars under $15,000 hard to find?
Yes. Vehicles below $15,000 currently represent only about 16% of used inventory tracked by Cox Automotive.
What is Nissan Certified Pre-Owned?
Nissan Certified is a manufacturer-backed program for eligible used Nissan vehicles that includes a comprehensive inspection, limited warranty and additional ownership benefits.
Is Certified Pre-Owned better than used?
Not universally. CPO typically costs more than a comparable ordinary used vehicle but provides additional inspection and warranty benefits.
Should I compare a new car before buying used?
Absolutely. Manufacturer financing incentives can sometimes narrow the financial difference between late-model used and new vehicles.
Continue Your Research
- What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Car?
- Can You Buy a Car With No Money Down?
- Upside Down on Your Car Loan? What You Can Actually Do
- Car Financing FAQs
- Browse Used Inventory
- Browse Certified Pre-Owned Inventory
- Browse New Inventory
- Value Your Trade
- Apply for Financing
Categories:
Pre-Owned Inventory