GAINESVILLE, Ga., and BANDON, Ore. -

Black Book’s Ricky Beggs noticed some rather historic wholesale pricing downturns last week, which likely mean some relief for dealers trying to secure used vehicles in a time of hot sales.

Black Book reported Tuesday that wholesale values for car segments, in particular, dropped $35 on average last week, marking the largest drop “since the market has softened.”

Likewise, on the truck side of the market, values dipped $29, on average, representing “the largest decline over the past two months.”

Each of the car segments in Black Book’s analysis declined in value week-over-week, marking the second straight week this has happened. For the trucks, all but two — compact SUVs (up $4) and midsize SUVs (up $13) — declined.

“Wholesale buyers are definitely seeing some relief in prices in looking at the recent trending data,” said Ricky Beggs, managing editor of Black Book. “So far during the month of May, we have seen nine segments that have increased in value for three-year-old models, compared to sixteen segments during the previous month.”

Used Sales Strong Over Weekend

And with prices in the wholesale market easing up, dealers are likely to see mellow prices as a welcome sign, particularly as they go after more inventory following what was apparently a strong Memorial Day weekend for sales.

In fact, the recently completed holiday marked the strongest Memorial Day weekend for both new- and used-vehicle sales in six years, according to CNW Research.

Recapping the weekend’s sales movements, CNW president Art Spinella said via Twitter on Tuesday: “Overall Memorial day Weekend sales for both new and used best since 2006. Could well carry through the week.”

He also tweeted: “Monday of Memorial Day Weekend: Floor traffic highest since 2006. Puts industry on a 1.37 to 1.41 million unit month. Retail up 19 percent.”

Spinella added via Twitter on Tuesday: “Monday of Memorial Day weekend best closing ratio since 2006. Nationally, 38 percent. Some markets as high as 45 percent.”