With much of the growth attributable to private-party numbers, used-vehicle sales are expected to climb more than 2 percent year-over-year in August, according to projections from CNW Research.

The firm said Tuesday afternoon that there will likely be 3.89 million used sales this month, compared to 3.81 million in the same period of 2011. This would leave year-to-date sales at 27.88 million, compared to 26.93 million used sales in the opening eight months of last year.

CNW is predicting franchised dealers to move 1.52 million used vehicles in August, which would beat last year’s numbers by 6.3 percent. Year-to-date numbers would then be at 10.27 million for a 4.6-percent increase.

Casual sales are projected to climb 12.6 percent  to 1.08 million, with year-to-date private-party sales up 14.6 percent at 8.34 million.

However, CNW expects independents to dip 9 percent with 1.30 million sales for the month. It is calling for their year-to-date sales to come in at 9.27 million, which would be down 5.6 percent.

“August usually is a relatively slow month for used sales, but this year’s numbers are distressing, especially for independent dealers,” said CNW president Art Spinella.

“Franchised dealers’ used-car operations are on track to register a six-plus percent gain over year ago with 1.5 million sales, bringing the total year-to-date figure approaching 10.3 million,” he added.

“Private-party sales continue to sparkle as more consumers offer their cars on Web sites such as craigslist and other no-charge outlets,” Spinella shared.

“The independent dealer body is torn. In some regions of the country, used sales by indies are soaring while in other parts of the country, they are in the tank,” he continued. “Regardless of regional differences, independents on the whole are on track to a 9-percent decline in August."