McLEAN, Va. -

The industry may have gotten used to auction prices dropping this spring and summer, but it seems the trend that may have helped dealers secure more used inventory for less is coming to an end — for now, at least. For the second week in a row, NADA Used Car Guide is predicting wholesale prices to spike.  

Over the course of this week, auction rates are expected to rise by 0.6 percent, or $100, relative to the two-week average.

The compact utility segment is expected to lead the price jumps this week, with an expected gain of 0.9 percent, or $125. Following closely behind is the luxury car segment, which is also predicted to increase by $125, or 0.5 percent.

Midsize cars and midsize utilities are each expected to grow by 0.4 percent, and large pickups are projected to move up slightly by 0.2 percent, or $50.  

Luxury utilities are expected to remain flat versus their two-week average, NADA UCG reported.

The compact car segment is expected to see a 0.5-percent, or $50, lift in prices, movement that may be related to rising gas prices.

Per Energy Information Administration (EIA) data released earlier this week, the average price of regular grade gasoline (all formulations) grew from $3.64 per gallon to $3.68.

While the compact cars may be enjoying better retention due to high prices at the pump, the large SUV segment is expected to fall by 0.3 percent, or $75, this week, followed by the midsize van segment with a 0.3-percent, or $50, drop.

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 -ehicle supply, gasoline prices, and other economic factors.

NADA Segment Average AuctionNet® Wholesale Price 2-Week v. Current
4-Week Average 2-Week Average Current Week % Change $ Change
Compact Car $10,325 $10,400 $10,450 0.5% $50
Compact Utility $14,250 $14,325 $14,450 0.9% $125
Industry $15,400 $15,525 $15,625 0.6% $100
Large Pickup $20,800 $20,800 $20,850 0.2% $50
Large SUV $25,625 $25,525 $25,450 -0.3% ($75)
Luxury Car $23,750 $23,825 $23,950 0.5% $125
Luxury Utility $26,350 $26,475 $26,475 0.0% $0
Mid-Size Car $12,225 $12,250 $12,300 0.4% $50
Mid-Size Utility $17,800 $17,850 $17,925 0.4% $75
Mid-Size Van $14,550 $14,450 $14,400 -0.3% ($50)