Indy Auto Man says hybrids, used EVs and older SUVs are best buys now

Indy Auto Man says Indiana shoppers can find the most value right now in used hybrids, softened used EVs and well-kept older gas SUVs and sedans as loan rates stay near multi-year highs. The dealership’s new buying guide argues that the mix of cheaper EVs, surging hybrid demand and expensive financing makes timing and vehicle choice especially important.

Why it matters: - Indiana used-car buyers are facing three pressure points at once: stronger hybrid demand, a softer used-EV market and auto loan rates that remain elevated. - The combination is changing which vehicles offer the best value on the secondary market. - Trade-in equity may also be favorable now, with wholesale used-vehicle values up 2.1% year over year.

What happened: - Indy Auto Man released a market overview and buying guide for used-car shoppers in Indiana as the U.S. used-car market enters the second half of 2026. - The dealership says the guide is meant to help buyers identify vehicles that offer the strongest value under current market conditions. - Indy Auto Man is a multi-brand used-car dealership serving Indianapolis and central Indiana since 2008.

The details: - Used EV sales fell after the federal EV tax credit expired at the end of Q3 2025, dropping from a record 10.6% market share to about 5.8% in Q1 and Q2 2026. - Q2 2026 EV sales rose 14.7% from Q1, which suggests the market may be finding a floor. - Cox's EV Market Monitor showed used-EV days' supply at 31 days, down 31.8% from a year earlier. - Victor Figlin, Indy Auto Man's GM, said used EVs are “one of the most overlooked autos in today's market.” - Figlin said buyers with home charging or a predictable daily commute can get substantial fuel savings from a used Tesla, Hyundai Kona EV or Nissan Leaf. - Used hybrid sales are up 34% year to date, according to Cox Automotive data. - Hybrids do not require home charging because they recharge through regenerative braking and the gas engine. - Figlin said hybrids are “the sweet spot” for many buyers because they deliver fuel savings without plug-in access. - Indy Auto Man is seeing strong interest in used Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Ford Maverick Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid models. - As of May 2026, the typical interest rate for a prime auto loan on a new car was 9.85%. - Used-vehicle rates averaged 12.33% on the Dealertrack network. - Buyers are stretching loan terms to record short lengths to manage monthly payments, but longer terms increase total interest and delay equity buildup. - Indy Auto Man says shopping loans across multiple lenders and using a trade-in to reduce principal have become especially important.

Between the lines: - The best buy depends less on broad market headlines and more on each shopper’s charging access, commute pattern and financing terms. - Softening used-EV prices create an opening for buyers who can use them efficiently, while hybrid demand signals that many shoppers still want fuel savings without lifestyle changes. - Elevated financing costs make vehicle price, rate and term length matter more than usual.

What's next: - Indy Auto Man expects used EVs, used hybrids and well-maintained 5- to 8-year-old gas SUVs and sedans to remain the strongest value categories for Indiana shoppers. - The dealership recommends older SUVs and sedans with documented service histories when 2- to 4-year-old models are scarce or overpriced. - Popular options in that group include SUVs from Toyota, Honda, Ford and Chevrolet. - Indy Auto Man says buyers with home charging should watch used Tesla Model Y and Model 3, Hyundai Kona EV and Nissan Leaf listings. - The dealership also points to Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Ford Maverick Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid models for buyers focused on fuel savings without charging requirements. - More information is available through the company's social channels, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, X and Pinterest.

The bottom line: - For Indiana used-car shoppers, hybrids look like the safest bet, used EVs offer value for the right buyer and older well-kept gas vehicles still matter when financing costs stay high.