Used car sales on upswing

The used-car business is picking up steam.

Used-car sales rose 3.65% last month compared to the same month a year ago, says auto industry numbers tracker CNW Research. The gains came for franchised dealers, independent dealers and even private parties.

The hottest segment were the newest used cars, one to five years old, which were up 9%.

The used-car market usually goes hand in hand with the new-car market. When buyers are busy with new cars, the used-car market flourishes because of all the motorists trading in their jalopies.