Pushed by easier credit conditions and other factors, used-vehicle sales climbed by more than 8 percent year-over-year in March, according to CNW Research.

Specifically, there were 2.71 million used sales in March, compared to 2.50 million in March 2011 and 1.99 million in February, CNW indicated. Year-to-date, there have been 6.90 million used sales, compared to 6.31 million in the first three months of 2011.

“Used sales are up quite a bit over February this year and March last year,” CNW president Art Spinella told Auto Remarketing on Monday, referring to the monthly sales total. He noted that among the conditions fostering this growth, “Looser credit is No. 1.”

Sharing the other conditions that pushed used sales last month, Spinella said the second strongest factor was consumers either being “tired” of their ride or needing to replace their current vehicle.

Next on his list of influences was the trend of last year’s postponers now returning to the market, followed by shoppers making fuel-efficiency replacements.

Breaking down the month’s sales, franchised dealers reached 925,644 used sales in March, up from 877,930 in March 2011.

Meanwhile, independents moved 895,932 used vehicles, down from 925,849 used sales a year ago.

Private-party sales totaled 883,537 units, versus the 695,055 sales last March.

CNW also pointed out passenger cars commanded a 54.32-percent share of the used-vehicle market in March.

The Big 3 took almost two-thirds (64.8 percent) of the used-car market, while Asian brands commanded a 27.1-percent stake. Just over 18 percent of used sales were European models.

As for vehicle age, roughly 22.7 percent of used sales were one- to five-year-old units. The 15- to 20-year-old class of vehicles comprised a 7.3-percent share.

Pricing Trends

On the pricing front, CNW found that franchise dealers pulled in average transaction prices of $12,789 (a sum that includes aftermarket products).

Independents were at $7,788 with private-party sales averaging $7,438.

The average was $9,385 when all three segments are combined.