Average wholesale prices for used fleet lease vehicles increased 0.2% in September from the prior month and 3.6% from the prior year in a market that was bolstered by dealer demand in hurricane-stricken regions, according to Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.

In his monthly Kontos Kommentary, Kontos reported year-over-year growth in midsize cars from fleet consignors as increasing 2.7% to $11,641, while midsize SUVs increased 3.7% to $19,767.

Overall wholesale used vehicle prices from all consignors increased 0.9% to $11,046 from August and 2.9% from September of 2016. Truck segments outperformed car segments, but both increased.

"This could be indicative of greater balance in the supply of both groups of vehicles, whereas previously trucks were in relatively short supply," Kontos said.

Average wholesale prices for used vehicles remarketed by manufacturers were down 0.7% month-over-month and up 4.1% year-over-year. Average prices for dealer consignors were up 0.5% versus August and up 5.7% relative to a year ago.

September CPO sales were down 3.6% from the prior month but up 6.6% year-over-year and up 1.0% on a year-to-date basis, according to figures from Autodata.