DETROIT — Customers hoping for a deal this spring on a used automotive or truck could be out of luck, as wholesale used car costs elevated for a 3rd consecutive month in February.

Cox Automotive on Tuesday reported wholesale used car costs elevated 4.3% in February from January — marking the biggest improve between the 2 months since 2009.

Though the costs had been down 7% from inflated ranges a 12 months earlier, they’re trending again towards report ranges, based on Cox’s Manheim Used Automobile Worth Index, which tracks costs of used autos offered at its U.S. wholesale auctions.

The unseasonably sturdy improve is dangerous information for customers hoping for a deal, in addition to for the Biden administration, which has seen pre-owned car costs as a barometer for relieving inflation.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Tuesday cautioned that rates of interest are more likely to head greater than central financial institution policymakers had anticipated, citing knowledge that inflation has reversed the deceleration it confirmed in late 2022.

Greater rates of interest imply autos grow to be much less inexpensive for customers, who’ve been coping with record-high new and used car costs for a number of years now.

Cox experiences the common listed value of a used car was $26,510 in January, the latest knowledge out there, down from report highs final 12 months of greater than $28,000. Retail costs for customers historically observe modifications in wholesale costs.

Cox estimates that used car retail gross sales declined 5% from January to February and had been down 9% from a 12 months earlier.

Used car costs have been elevated because the begin of the coronavirus pandemic, as the worldwide well being disaster, mixed with provide chain points, triggered manufacturing of latest autos to sporadically idle. That led to a low provide of latest autos and record-high costs amid resilient demand. The prices and shortage of stock led customers to purchase used autos, growing these costs as nicely.