Tax season normally coincides with high prices at auction, and this year is no exception. According to the latest Blue Book Market Report from KBB.com, used-car values stated the year 1 percent higher than at the beginning of the calendar year in 2013.

That said, some of the lowest-priced models in the lanes might also be the ones getting more attention from shoppers.

One- to 3-year-old vehicles started the year off with an average auction value of $17,876 in January.

And overall, prices are strong, but KBB also pointed out a group of less pricier vehicles that may be getting increased attention from dealers in the lanes, as well as consumers on the lots.

The report pointed out that with demand from consumers for cheaper and more fuel-efficient cars, the subcompact car segment is “becoming more attractive from a dollar standpoint.”

KBB offered the following example:

In the 2013 model-year lineup, there are four vehicles with auction values under $10,000: the Fiat 500, Mazda Mazda2, Chevrolet Spark and the smart Fortwo.

And with model-year 2012 vehicles  now two years old, the list of vehicles in the sub-$10,000 range jumped to nine vehicles, ranging from $9,700 down to $7,625, according to KBB data.

“As long as there is strong demand for lower cost and value-focused vehicles, this group of 1- to 2-year-old vehicles with auction values that fall in the sub-$10,000 range will only continue to grow,” said KBB's Alec Guttierez.