GAINESVILLE, Ga., and McLEAN, Va. -

It seems wholesale price spikes may be slowing down this week after March and early April showed strong retention across most segments.

This week, NADA Used Car Guide is predicting prices to remain unchanged — holding steady at an average of $17,350.

In terms of gains, the biggest percentage increase will be seen in the midsize utility segment, which is expected to grow by 0.8 percent or $175, David Paris, NADA UCG automotive analyst, reported.

Compact cars, compact utilities, large pickups and midsize cars are all expected to increase by a range of 0.2 percent to 0.6 percent.

As warmer weather spreads across the country, interest and demand for large, four-wheel-drive vehicles is waning, and the effects are being seen in the lanes.

This week, large SUVs are expected to see the biggest losses ; prices for the segment are expected to decrease by 0.7 percent (or $225) versus the two-week average.

 Midsize vans are expected to see a 0.3-percent (or $50) drop, as well.

On the luxury side of the market, cars and utilities are expected to decline by 0.2 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively.

This week’s price movement marks a slowdown from what has been a tax season of high prices in the lanes.

Black Book reported Thursday that winter weather played a large role in altering seasonal patterns for vehicle depreciation.

That is, snow storms and the like delayed many buyers and vehicles from making it to auction in late winter. As a result, Black Book believes seasonal market strength has been pushed further into April than usual.

According to Black Book data, used vehicles from model years 2008 through 2012 depreciated 0.3 percent, overall, in March, showing continued strength in seasonal retention compared to the 1.1-percent drop in February.

Entry-level cars led all segments with the strongest monthly retention, gaining 2.6 percent of value, and cargo minivans led all truck segments by gaining 1.7 percent of value during March.

Entry-level cars finished March with an average wholesale value of $7,491, a 15.- percent drop from year-ago levels ($8,912).

On the other hand, prestige luxury cars led the pack for highest monthly depreciation during march with a drop of 2.1. percent.

Black Book offered the following statistic to illustrate the strong retention experienced in March.

Only three of the 24 overall segments Black Book tracks depreciated higher than 1 percent last month: Prestige luxury cars (-2.1 percent), luxury SUVs (-1.3 percent), and luxury-level cars (-1.1 percent).

“The buying season has kicked into high gear, particularly for those segments that average near $10,000 that are in high demand,” said Ricky Beggs, editorial director at Black Book. “Smaller car segments will continue to see near-term strength until late spring, when demand for these vehicles lightens and follows familiar seasonal patterns.”

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 $11,650 $11,625 $11,700 0.6% $75
Compact Utility $16,450 $16,450 $16,475 0.2% $25
Industry $17,300 $17,350 $17,350 0.0% $0
Large Pickup $23,800 $23,900 $24,025 0.5% $125
Large SUV $31,250 $30,875 $30,650 -0.7% ($225)
Luxury Car $24,050 $24,250 $24,200 -0.2% ($50)
Luxury Utility $27,650 $27,925 $27,850 -0.3% ($75)
Mid-Size Car $13,650 $13,700 $13,750 0.4% $50
Mid-Size Utility $20,675 $20,775 $20,950 0.8% $175
Mid-Size Van $17,150 $17,275 $17,225 -0.3% ($50)