UCDA JANUARY 2026 DEALER SURVEY
Insights from Canada’s Used Vehicle Market
The UCDA January 2026 Survey, conducted in partnership with DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, provides a snapshot of market conditions and dealer expectations heading into 2026
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Who Participated
- 78% Independent Used Vehicle Dealers
- 22% Franchised New Car Dealers
Sales Performance & Outlook
- In 2025, dealers sold an average of 214 used vehicles.
- For 2026, dealers expect sales to rise to an average of 247 units, indicating cautious optimism across the sector.
Vehicle Supply Remains Tight
- Nearly half of dealers report sourcing used vehicles has worsened in the past six months.
- The greatest sourcing challenges in 2025 were in the 4–12 year-old vehicle segments, where many dealers reported moderate to extreme difficulty securing inventory.
- Most used inventory continues to be sourced from consumers and auctions, with wholesalers playing a smaller role.
Financing & Sales Channels
- A majority of used vehicle purchases were financed through loans arranged at dealerships.
- While online engagement continues to grow, most transactions were still completed in-dealership, with fully online sales representing a small but developing share of the market.
EV Penetration in Used Sales
- The majority of dealers report that BEV and PHEV sales account for 0–5% of used vehicle sales, indicating EVs remain a relatively small portion of the used market in 2025.
Cross-Border Exports
- Dealer opinions were mixed regarding exports to the U.S., with responses distributed across “increased,” “no change,” and “decreased.”
Overall, the January 2026 survey reflects a used vehicle market that remains supply-constrained but stable, with modest growth expectations for 2026 and gradual shifts in sourcing, financing, and digital retail activity.