[SIGNAL BRIEF] Used Market: Black Book: Used Vehicle Retention Index up 1.9% in March to 147.7

Black Book: Used Vehicle Retention Index up 1.9% in March to 147.7

Black Book said its seasonally adjusted Used Vehicle Retention Index rose 1.9% (2.7 points) in March 2026 to 147.7, up from 145.0 in February. The index was 0.1% below March 2025. Black Book also noted that luxury car segments were the only ones to remain stable, posting little to no gains, while broader segments benefited from seasonal spring momentum and an earlier, more pronounced tax season.

What this means for dealers: Wholesale support is still present going into April, so clean used inventory can turn faster with less front end discounting, but watch segment splits. If luxury stays flat while mainstream segments lift, tighten appraisals on high line trades and focus recon dollars on units with proven spring demand.

Source: Black Book