McLEAN, Va. -

With wholesale prices said to have peaked last month, auction prices are expected to soften slightly this week, NADA Used Car Guide reported.

Analysts are predicting prices will decline by 0.2 percent, or $25, relative to the two-week average, starting what is expected to be a downward trend through May.

NADA is anticipating that used-vehicle prices will fall by somewhere between 2 percent and 2.5 percent this month, “with depreciation accelerating towards the end of the month and continuing through May.”

Looking closer at this week, since gas prices remain high — at an average of $3.54, according to the Energy Information Administration — compact cars are expected to continue to show strength, growing the most of any segment by 0.7 percent, or $75.

The large pickup and luxury car segments are also expected to increase by 0.4 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively, while the luxury utility segment is positioned to see a slight 0.1 percent or $25 lift in prices over the course of the current week, NADA analysts reported.

Midsize van prices should remain “level”, NADA UCG said, relative to their two-week average.

“All remaining segments are expected to follow the industry average and decline by a collective average of $25,” they added.

During the remaining weeks in April we should continue to see a slight decline in the industry average, according to NADA UCG's predictions.

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.

NADA Segment Average AuctionNet® Wholesale Price 2-Week v. Current
4-Week Average 2-Week Average Current Week % Change $ Change
Compact Car $11,275 $11,350 $11,425 0.7% $75
Compact Utility $15,300 $15,275 $15,250 -0.2% ($25)
Industry Average $16,275 $16,225 $16,200 -0.2% ($25)
Large Pickup $20,975 $21,050 $21,125 0.4% $75
Large SUV $27,875 $27,650 $27,625 -0.1% ($25)
Luxury Car $23,875 $23,850 $23,925 0.3% $75
Luxury Utility $27,075 $27,200 $27,225 0.1% $25
Mid-Size Car $13,225 $13,200 $13,175 -0.2% ($25)
Mid-Size Utility $19,400 $19,325 $19,300 -0.1% ($25)
Mid-Size Van $15,875 $15,775 $15,775 0.0% $0