McLEAN, Va. -

Buyers are paying more for many popular mid-size models, according to NADA Used Car Guide’s latest Guidelines report.

In fact, some prices for models have undergone “major revisions,” including the Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion and Mazda6, whose prices “improved significantly over the years and are at, or very near to, the overall (sales weighted) segment average,” said Jonathan Banks, NADA UCG senior analyst.

In this section of the December Guidelines report, analysts were looking at how prices have changed for three-year-old sedans within the midsize car segment.

Banks went on to explain that “raised consumer awareness brought about by new-vehicle redesigns are also playing a role in helping to lift used prices for previous generation models.”

Banks gave the example of some of Kia’s midsize offerings, as well.

Three years ago, the average wholesale price of a 2007 Optima LX was $6,541, but in 2011, the average wholesale price of a 2008 Optima LX jumped up to $7,904 or nearly a 21-percent improvement over the prior year, according to NADA UCG data.

Now, the 2009 Optima LX is pulling an average of $8,898 in the wholesale market, which is a $2,357 (or 12.6-percent) improvement over where it was just three years ago.

What factors are contributing to these increases and more?

Banks explained that midsize sedan prices began a price spike in 2011, due to a combination of higher gasoline prices, supply issues stemming from the Japanese earthquake, and in certain cases, new-model redesigns.

Breaking down the numbers, the top five models yielding the biggest price gains in 2011 were  the Chevrolet Malibu with a growth rate of 32 percent, Honda Accord (24 percent), Kia Optima (21 percent), Ford Fusion (21 percent), and the Subaru Legacy (17 percent).

“For 2012, the rate of growth has slowed substantially compared to last year but two models – the Kia Optima and Mazda Mazda6 – have still notched double-digit over-the-year gains,” Banks added.

On the other hand, the Honda Accord (down 7 percent), Nissan Altima (3 percent), and Ford Fusion (2 percent) have all seen their prices fall this year, but Banks noted prices are still higher than their position of three years ago.

For value retention, according to NADA UCG, the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy tie for first place at 49 percent apiece followed closely by the Honda Accord at 47 percent.

Rounding out the top six spots are the Ford Fusion with a retention rate of 46 percent and the Kia Optima at 44 percent.

The Mazda6, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, and Dodge Avenger all scored in the low 40 percent range, followed by the Chrysler Sebring and Mitsubishi Galant which dipped into the upper 30 percent range.