Is July 2025 the Best Time to Sell Your Car? Market Trends and Seller Tips
If you have been thinking, "Should I sell my car this summer?" now is the time to take that question seriously. July 2025 presents a unique opportunity for car owners to get a strong return before the market shifts further.
Used car prices are starting to soften. Dealership lots are filling up again. Buyers are still active, but they have more choices than they did a year ago. That means selling your vehicle takes a smarter approach.
This article outlines what is happening in the market right now, what types of cars are selling best, and how to make sure you get the most value for your car. If you are thinking about selling, you will also learn how BestBid can help you skip the hassle and get paid fast.
Used Car Market Overview: July 2025
The used car market is cooling compared to the past two years, but there is still strong buyer activity for the right vehicles. Here is what sellers need to know this month:
- Used car prices are gradually declining: Auction prices and retail values are slowly dropping. The pricing surge caused by pandemic-era supply issues is behind us. Private sellers can no longer expect the high markups seen in 2022 or early 2023.
- Dealership inventory is growing: With global supply chains recovering, new vehicles are arriving on lots at a steady pace. Dealers now have more used and new cars in stock, which creates more competition for private sellers.
- Tariffs are pushing new car prices up: Recent tariff increases on imported vehicles and components have made many new models more expensive. However, this has not significantly lifted used car values. Consumers are adjusting by holding off on large purchases or choosing lower-cost used options.
- It is taking longer to sell a car: The average used vehicle now takes about 34 days to sell. That is slower than last year, when many vehicles sold in under a month. Pricing your car properly and using the right platforms is more important than ever.
Why Summer, and Especially July, Is a Key Time to Sell
Seasonal demand plays a big role in used car sales, and summer remains one of the strongest windows for selling. Here is why July stands out:
- Buyers are active during summer months: Many families are buying second vehicles for road trips or back-to-school season. Others are relocating or starting new jobs and need transportation. July is a key moment for motivated buyers to make a decision before the school year starts or interest rates rise further.
- Late summer means buyers are shopping, but also negotiating: Spring buyers often move fast, fueled by tax refunds and urgency. In July, buyers are still serious, but more price-sensitive. That means sellers need to present their vehicle well and be prepared to negotiate.
- Weather conditions favor in-person sales: Selling your car in the summer is easier simply because more people are available to view, test drive, and inspect vehicles. A clean car on a sunny day sells faster than one listed during the rainy season.
Which Vehicles Are Selling Best Right Now?
While the market is more balanced, certain types of vehicles are still in high demand. If you are wondering how your car might perform, consider these trends:
- Affordable cars under $15,000 are still moving: These appeal to first-time buyers, students, and families looking for a second vehicle. However, this segment has become more competitive, so sellers must price strategically and offer clean titles and service records.
- Reliable SUVs and pickups maintain resale strength: Vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Toyota Tacoma continue to retain strong value. Their reputation for durability, fuel economy, and low maintenance costs makes them highly attractive.
- Electric and hybrid models are stable: After big price swings in past years, used EVs and hybrids have found a middle ground. Models with good range, solid battery health, and low mileage still perform well on the resale market.
- Low-mileage vehicles with clean history stand out: Regardless of type, cars with less than 60,000 miles, no accident history, and full maintenance documentation tend to sell faster and for higher prices.
Should You Sell Your Car in July or Wait?
Timing matters. Here are a few reasons why July might be the right time to move forward:
- Prices are dropping: Wholesale prices are trending lower, which will impact private sales as well. If you wait until the fall or winter, your car might be worth less.
- Warranty status can make or break a sale: Vehicles still under factory or certified warranty are more appealing to buyers. If yours is about to expire, selling now could give you a stronger negotiating position.
- Major mileage milestones affect value: If your car is approaching 100,000 or 150,000 miles, it is better to sell before crossing those benchmarks. Even a few thousand miles can reduce the perceived value.
- Model popularity shifts quickly: Consumer preferences change fast. A model in demand today might lose interest by the time new versions hit the market in late 2025.
Tips to Sell Your Car Faster and for More Money
If you want to sell your car quickly and for top dollar, here are several proven strategies:
- Sell before expensive maintenance is due: If your car is about to need tires, brakes, or other costly repairs, it is smarter to sell before those items become buyer concerns.
- Clean, detail, and photograph your car properly: A full cleaning and professional photos can dramatically increase interest. Highlight premium features like navigation, leather seats, or upgraded audio.
- Keep records organized and ready: Buyers trust sellers who can provide maintenance logs, title documentation, and proof of ownership. Transparency leads to faster offers.
- Get multiple quotes, not just one: Don't rely on one buyer or dealership. Online platforms, local dealers, and services like BestBid can all provide offers. Use those quotes to make an informed decision.
BestBid Helps You Sell Your Car Today, Without the Hassle
Selling your vehicle on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. Between listings, phone calls, showings, and paperwork, it often takes weeks. That is where BestBid comes in.
BestBid removes the friction from the car-selling process. You get a firm offer, free vehicle pickup, and fast payment. No time wasted, no stress.
- Same-day cash payments: Once you accept an offer from BestBid, you will receive a cashier's check on the same day. No waiting for funds to clear or chasing buyers.
- We buy all makes and models: Whether you are selling a luxury SUV, compact car, or older pickup, BestBid will make a competitive offer. We also purchase modified and specialty vehicles.
- Top market value, no lowballing: Our experienced team values vehicles based on real market data, condition, and unique features. You get a fair price without back-and-forth negotiations.
- BestBid handles all the paperwork: From DMV title transfers to loan payoffs, we handle every detail. Just provide the basics about your vehicle and we take it from there.
Selling This Summer Could Pay Off
The used car market is evolving, and July 2025 could be your best chance to get strong value before prices dip further. Whether you are planning to upgrade, downsize, or free up cash, selling your vehicle now makes sense.
If you want to avoid the complications of selling privately or trading in at a dealership, BestBid is the smarter way to go.
Check out these market trends and details
Used Car Prices:
Falling, wholesale prices dropped nearly double the seasonal average in June.
Dealership Inventory:
Increasing, more cars available making the market competitive for sellers.
New Car Prices:
Rising due to tariffs, mixed effect on used car prices.
Average Time to Sell:
About 34 days, faster than earlier in the year.
Seasonal Factor:
Summer is strong for sellers due to active buyer demand.
Popular Vehicle Types:
Older cars under $15,000 sell quickly; popular models like Toyota Tacoma, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 retain value.
Selling Tips:
Sell before warranty expires, clean your car, gather service records, get multiple offers.
Ready to sell your car? Get your free BestBid offer online today and let us take care of the rest.