Wholesale prices continue to buck seasonal trends, as Hurricane Sandy — combined with low used-vehicle supply and high demand — pushed already expensive prices in the lanes even higher.

According to the segments NADA Used Car Guide tracks, the average price of vehicles at auction this week will rise to $14,300, which equates to a 0.2-percent or $25 lift over the two week average of $14,275.

“Before Hurricane Sandy, it was expected that the already taunt relationship between used-vehicle supply and demand would see little change in the trend of depreciation outperforming historical levels, but the destruction left by the storm has caused the market to buck historical trends leaving wholesale prices noticeably stronger than what is normally seen during this time of the year,” NADA UCG officials said.

But it seems the effects from the storm are slowing down, as overall wholesale prices for this week are expected to remain largely unchanged versus the two-week average.

Commenting on the past month’s wholesale price environment, NADA UCG officials said, “When looking at the four-week average it’s important to remember that sales occurring over the Thanksgiving holiday week are included in this average and were a bit softer than the surrounding weeks, which in turn has cause a slight dip in the four-week average for many segments.”

The biggest price movement this week will be in the large SUV category, according to NADA UCG. This segment will see prices drop by an average of 0.2 percent or $50.

The midsize utility segment is expected to follow suit, as prices are expected to also decline by 0.2 percent or $25.

As for highline sales, luxury cars are expected to decline by 0.1 percent or $25, whereas luxury utilities are positioned to remain flat over the course of the current week.

On the other hand, perhaps in line with seasonal trends as we approach winter, large pickups and midsize vans are the only segments expected to see minor gains. Prices for those segments are currently positioned to grow by a slight $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.