The used-car purchase market price in September was approximately ¥1.04 million, up slightly from the previous month and remaining in the high range. Used-car exports in the first half totaled approximately 856,000 vehicles, reaching a five-year high, while appraisal values are becoming increasingly polarized. Prices are expected to decline from November onward after peaking in October.
The September used-car purchase market price was approximately ¥1.04 million according to data from 車選びドットコム, a used-car search website, up slightly from approximately ¥1.03 million in the previous month. Prices have remained in the high range, while strong activity in the export market has helped support domestic market prices.
According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, used-car exports in the first half of 2026 totaled approximately 856,000 vehicles, exceeding the figure for the same period a year earlier and reaching the highest level for a first half in the past five years. The average transaction price of vehicles sold at USS auctions has also remained above ¥1.2 million on a monthly basis.
Although prices remain high and stable, the gap in appraisal values is widening by vehicle model and type, and so-called “appraisal value polarization” is advancing. Vehicles that can capture both domestic and overseas demand tend to maintain relatively firm prices.
Prices are expected to peak in October and decline from November onward, while trading may temporarily come to a halt over the year-end and New Year period. November is expected to be the best time to sell before the end of the year, and attention should also be paid to declines in value as vehicles become a year older.