Wholesale prices are expected to rise once again this week, with one segment even predicted to see as high of a climb as $125.

NADA Used Car Guide is predicting overall wholesale prices to increase 0.2 percent, or $25, relative to the two-week average.

And it seems depreciation rates may be slowing from July’s numbers.

The overall depreciation for used vehicles from model years 2007 through 2011 was 1.4 percent in July, slightly more than the 1.3 percent pace in June and 1.0 percent level in May, according to Black Book.

Going back to NADA UCG’s data,  the segment expected to see the biggest gains this week is the midsize van segment, predicted to jump by 0.9 percent, or $125.

And even as gas prices fall back to more normal levels — sitting at an average of $3.56 per Energy Information Administration data — the more fuel efficient segments are seeing price strength at auction.

Following the midsize van segment for price climbs is the compact cars, predicted to see a rise of 0.7 percent, or $75, compared to the segment’s two-week average.

“Other segments should see slight lifts are the midsize car, and midsize utilities which should each appreciate by around 0.6 percent, apiece,” NADA UCG said.

Following trends seen this spring and early summer, large pickups are continuing to show strength in the lanes, with prices expected to increase by 0.4 percent, or $75, over the course of this week.

Compact utilities are expected to rise by 0.3 percent, or $50, according to NADA UCG data.

Luxury Cars are expected to remain flat versus their two-week Average.

As for the declines, there’s not much to report; the large SUV segment is predicted to fall by 0.4 percent, or $100.

This is contrary to SUV depreciation rates seen in July. 

According to Black Book data, SUVs enjoyed the strongest retention levels recorded across all segments this past month.

In fact, all four SUV segments — compact, full-size, luxury and midsize — were four of the top seven best-performing segments for lowest sequential depreciation during July, Black Book reported.

Specifically, compact SUVs had the strongest month-over-month retention in July, with values actually increasing 1.3 percent.

Average segment values at the end of July were $15,795. At the same time last year, they were at $16,460, Black Book reported.

Lastly, this week,  luxury utilities are expected to tick down by a slight 0.1 percent or $25.

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.