CARMEL, Ind. — Although September proved strong in the retail new- and used-vehicle segments, ADESA Analytical Services reported that average wholesale prices weren’t as impressive – posting a $9,550 average, a 0.3 percent rise from August and down 2.1 percent vs. Sept. 2011.

“Average wholesale used-vehicle prices in September were virtually flat with August and down on a YOY basis by considerably less than the last three months — an indication of stability as opposed to continuation of the softening pattern seen since spring, albeit based on only one month’s results,” wrote Tom Kontos, executive vice president of ADESA Analytical Services.

In its monthly analysis of wholesale used-vehicle prices by vehicle model class, ADESA found that year-over-year average price drops during the summer months were in the 4 percent range, almost double September’s drop.

Additionally, the segments realizing higher prices in September than the month prior included full-size cars (up 6.3 percent), vans (up 2 percent) and SUVs (up 4.4 percent). Luxury cars and luxury SUVs also showed notable price growth.

Prices on used-vehicles remarketed by manufacturers fell by 6.6 percent on a month-over-month basis in August and dropped 0.9 percent year over year, which Kontos notes “[indicates] downward price pressure on manufacturers’ vehicles as more off-rental vehicles began entering the market after Labor Day.”