Even in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy — which has led many in the industry to predict a used-car price hike in the near future — NADA Used Car Guide expects nearly all the wholesale price segments it tracks to actually soften a bit this week.

That said, there are two exceptions. 

Both the luxury utility and compact utility segments are projected to see slight upticks of 0.3 percent, or $75, and 0.4 percent, or $50, respectively.

And why are most prices still softening in the aftermath of the storm?

“The effects of Hurricane Sandy are to expected impact AuctionNet wholesale prices more towards the  the end of November into December once the extent of actual damage has been calculated and insurance settlements have been reached,” NADA UCG officials said.

In the mean time, the biggest decline this week is expected to take place in the midsize van segment, as prices are positioned to drop 2.2 percent, or $250, followed by the luxury car segment at 0.9 percent, or $200 and large SUV segment at 0.8 percent, or $175, NADA UCG reported.

The two-week average rate of depreciation for the midsize van segment also saw the biggest drop at 3.2 percent, followed by the midsize car segment at 1.8 percent.

Moving along, Energy Information Administration (EIA) data released this week indicates the average price of regular grade gasoline (all formulations) fell from $3.57 to $3.49. And as gas rates drop, so do prices for gas sippers.

The compact car segment is expected to decline around $75.

And though the prices for the pickup segments have remained relatively consistent this season, the large pickup segments are expected to decline around $75 apiece this week, as well, while the midsize car and midsize utility segments are expected to see smaller declines at $25 apiece.

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.