When will used car prices start trending down—and by how much?

It’s the question that echoes across showrooms, boardrooms, and call centres throughout the automotive ecosystem. While there’s no definitive answer, one thing is clear: volatility in Australia’s used car market is here to stay, and it’s not uniform across segments.

In times of flux, timely data is power—and RedBook’s Real-Time Valuation (RTV) API puts that power directly into your hands.

Why Real-Time Valuations Matter

RedBook’s RTV API complements the trusted RedBook Guide Price by capturing daily market dynamics, offering kilometre-, margin-, and condition-adjusted retail and wholesale valuations. Drawing from exclusive backend access to the carsales network and traditional wholesale sources, RTV delivers unmatched accuracy at the make/model/variant level.

But it’s more than just a valuation—it’s a predictive tool. As seen in the 90-day trend chart below, RTV uncovers short-term volatility and momentum that might otherwise go unnoticed:

Source: RedBook

From sharp drops in mid-February to rapid recovery in April, the RTV data reflects real-world pricing pressures and consumer activity. This kind of intelligence can’t wait for monthly reports—it demands real-time visibility.

More Than Just Price: Key Market Indicators

In addition to price trends, RedBook’s RTV API includes powerful market sentiment indicators:

• Days to Sell (Average): Indicates how quickly similar vehicles are being sold in the current market – essential for managing stock turnover and planning de-fleet schedules.
• Confidence Score: Reflects the dependability of the valuation based on daily dynamic market data. A high confidence score empowers stakeholders to act with greater certainty.

These gauges transform valuation from a static number into actionable business intelligence.

Who Benefits from RTV—and How?

🔧 Automotive Dealers

·   Stock smarter: React quickly to price movements and rotate inventory based on real-time value shifts.

·   Price competitively: Set dynamic pricing that reflects actual market behaviour, not outdated benchmarks.

🚛 Fleet Managers

·   Optimize lifecycle management: Know the right time to de-fleet based on projected market movements.

·   Asset transparency: Factor in accurate, adjusted valuations for internal budgeting and reporting.

💰 Financiers

·   Mitigate residual risk: Base loan-to-value ratios on current, data-driven vehicle prices.

·   Support structured lending: Offer more competitive terms grounded in real-time asset worth.

🛡️ Insurers

·   Accurate premiums: Align cover costs with up-to-date vehicle valuations.

·   Efficient claims processing: Use real-time data to ensure fair, faster settlements.

Conclusion

Real-time valuation is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. Whether you’re pricing, insuring, financing, or managing vehicles, access to RTV’s granular insights gives you the clarity to act decisively in a volatile market. In an industry where timing is everything, RedBook’s RTV API puts you ahead of the curve—not behind it.

To learn more about RedBook’s Real Time Valuation API please get in touch via info@redbook.com.au