CARMEL, Ind. -

If dealers noticed they were paying about the same figure for a vehicle in September as they did in August, the latest data from ADESA Analytical Services indicated that was, in fact, the case.

According to ADESA’s monthly analysis of wholesale used-vehicle prices by vehicle model class, wholesale used vehicle prices in September averaged $10,734, which was flat compared to August. But the reading represented a 5.1-percent increase relative to September of last year.

ADESA explained average prices for cars were up modestly on a year-over-year basis (0.3 percent), while truck prices were up significantly (7.3 percent), driving the overall year-over-year increase. 

“Particularly hard-hit during the month were midsize cars, while luxury cars had a nice bounce.  Minivans also saw solid price growth during the month,” ADESA chief economist Tom Kontos said in his monthly commentary that accompanied the price data.

“Average wholesale values were flat in September, but remained up on a year-over-year basis primarily on the strength of truck prices and a higher proportion of pricier off-lease units,” Kontos continued. “Retail used-vehicle sales, including CPO sales, were relatively weak, though both remain up for the year.”

ADESA indicated average wholesale prices for used vehicles remarketed by manufacturers moved 1.6 percent higher month-over-month and 7.1 percent higher year-over-year.

The company also said prices for fleet/lease consignors softened 1.0 percent sequentially but climbed 1.0 percent annually.

Furthermore, ADESA noticed dealer consignors registered a 2.0-percent average price decrease versus August but a 4.3-percent increase relative to September of last year.

Kontos closed his update — which also can be watched at the top of this page or by going here — with sales data from the National Automobile Dealers Association.

NADA reported franchised dealers saw a 9.4-percent month-over-month decrease in retail used-vehicle sales, while independent dealers registered a 3.1-percent sales loss.  For the year, however, retail used-vehicle sales are up 5.0 percent.

“September CPO sales were down 1.4 percent year-over-year and down 10.8 percent month-over-month, according to figures from Autodata,” said Kontos who is among the experts coming to Used Car Week at the Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Nov. 14-18. “For the year, however, sales have already topped the 2-million mark and are up 3.7 percent.”

ADESA Wholesale Used-Vehicle Price Trends
   Average  Price  ($/Unit)  Latest  Month Versus
   Sept. 2016  August 2016  Sept. 2015  Prior Month  Prior Year
           
 Total All Vehicles  $10,734  $10,738  $10,218  0.0%  5.1%
           
 Total Cars  $8,666  $8,675  $8,638  -0.1%  0.3%
 Compact Car  $6,497  $6,597  $6,575  -1.5%  -1.2%
 Midsize Car  $7,520  $7,748  $7,580  -2.9%  -0.8%
 Full-size Car  $7,605  $7,651  $7,553  -0.6%  0.7%
 Luxury Car  $13,773  $13,356  $13,651  3.1%  0.9%
 Sporty Car  $13,365  $13,605  $12,892  -1.8%  3.7%
           
 Total Trucks  $12,740  $12,751  $11,878  -0.1%  7.3%
 Minivan  $8,386  $8,183  $7,450  2.5%  12.6%
 Full-size Van  $13,551  $13,350  $13,384  1.5%  1.2%
 Compact SUV/CUV  $10,539  $10,673  $10,257  -1.3%  2.8%
 Midsize SUV/CUV  $11,650  $11,448  $10,266  1.8%  13.5%
 Full-size SUV/CUV  $13,268  $13,292  $12,222  -0.2%  8.6%
 Luxury SUV/CUV  $18,595  $18,610  $18,318  -0.1%  1.5%
 Compact Pickup  $8,606  $8,485  $8,006  1.4%  7.5%
 Full-size Pickup  $15,887  $16,141  $14,847  -1.6%  7.0%

Source: ADESA Analytical Services.