After dropping most of the spring and seeing slight increases starting in late summer, dealers and buyers will most likely see prices staying much the same this week in the lanes.

NADA Used Car Guide predicts wholesale prices to remain at an average of $15,300 this week.

Interestingly, even as gas prices return to more normal levels — per Energy Information Administration data released this week, the average price of regular grade gasoline sits $3.55 per gallon  — the fuel efficient compact car segment is expected to see the most appreciation this week, predicted to rise by 0.7 percent, or $75.

This shows a bit of a different story for these units than last week’s rates.

Black Book’s Ricky Beggs says falling gas prices have sped up fuel-efficient vehicles’ wholesale depreciation in the recent weeks.

Highlighting last week’s price environment in the lanes, Beggs — the editorial director and senior vice president at Black Book — explained that car segments showed an average of $57, or 0.42-percent, depreciation last week, "the falling price of gas is placing downward pressure on smaller cars and more fuel-efficient trucks and utilities."

Large pickup trucks are "still performing strong in the wholesale marketplace," according to NADA UCG, with prices expected to rise by 0.5 percent, or $100.

This week, midsize vans are also expected to see a 0.5-percent, or $75, lift as late-model domestic units continue to show strength.

Midsize cars and their midsize utility counterparts are expected to increase by 0.4 percent apiece, while compact utilities and luxury utilities are expected to see lifts of 0.3 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively, NADA UCG said.

On the other hand, the large SUV segment is expected to decrease by 0.1 percent, or $25, while luxury cars are expected to tick down by 0.3 percent, or $75.

Four- and two-week AuctionNet wholesale average prices are created by collecting all AuctionNet records for vehicles  up to five years of age for a specified period of time.  Prices are then adjusted for changes in mileage and mix.

Current week prices are based on NADA's proprietary used-vehicle value model which includes assumptions for new-vehicle prices, used-vehicle supply, gasoline prices, and other economic factors.