Though wholesale prices remained at high levels in April, the recent trend of seasonal market softening has taken hold.

According to ADESA Analytical Services, wholesale values sat at an average of $10,468 last month, up 0.3 percent from March and up 3.7 percent year-over-year.

Midsize and mini SUVs had the strongest month-over-month and year-over-year price increases, according to ADESA chief economist Tom Kontos’ latest Kontos Kommentary.

Midsize SUVs, with an average price tag of $8,364, saw a price spike of 5.2 percent from March and rose 13.8 percent year-over-year.  Mini SUVs rates were up 3.6 percent from April and 16.2 percent year-over-year, coming in at an average of $13,261.

Prices for used vehicles remarketed by manufacturers were up 0.8 percent month-over-month and 8.1 percent year-over-year, “adding to a string of strong months pricing-wise for diminished quantities of factory units,” said Kontos.

Prices for fleet/lease consignors were up 0.5 percent sequentially and up 3.5 percent annually. Kontos said this rise is due to tight off-lease supply, though supply is expected to expand in the coming months.

Lastly, dealer consignors saw a 0.7-percent average price increase versus March, and a 3.2-percent rise versus April 2013.

“Wholesale prices remained at high levels in April, reflecting scarcity in supply and abundance of demand particularly for late-model, CPO-eligible used vehicles, and more specifically for off-rental program and risk units,” said Kontos.  “Continued growth in off-lease volumes is expected to help correct this late-model supply-demand imbalance and cause prices to moderate going forward.”

Kontos’ predictions came in Monday after prices in the lanes last week continued to soften — a trend that began earlier this month as prices correct after tax-season highs.

According to Black Book data, the car segments saw an average decline of $58 last week, while the trucks fell by an average of $5.

Black Book editorial director Ricky Beggs said in his latest, “Beggs on the Used Car Market” video report: “Over the past couple of weeks we have noticed a softening of the market with values and sales conversions. But don’t be alarmed with this trend, as we see it as part of the normal expected depreciation.

“The resulting numbers this past week are very similar to year ago levels,” he added.

All of the car segments saw price declines last week, with the entry-level cars showing the highest retention at only a $4 drop.

On the other hand, the prestige luxury cars and the premium sporty cars fell by $134 and $135, respectively, which was similar to the previous week change levels for the segments and marked the biggest price drops last week.

“The truck market was much more stable than the cars,” said Beggs, who said five of these segments continued to show positive price changes last week.

They included the four van segments, along with the full-size pickups, which saw prices rise by over $40 last week.

“The full-size pickups have increased in average price for the past nine weeks. The interest and need for this segment we feel continues to be driven by an improving overall economy, construction in both commercial and residential construction, along with the service industries,” said Beggs.

Overall, he said the industry is over the spring tax season strength in the lanes, and should expect “more consistent depreciation overall as we head into the summer season.”

“The numbers show us the market is moving and the sellers have realized the movement had to begin with them by having a lower floor. But for sure it is not just a market to unload, just a time to adjust to move a little more inventory,” Beggs advised dealers.

To view the latest “Beggs on the Used Car Market” video report, see above.