GAINESVILLE, Ga. -

Though prices are revving up for tax season as spring approaches, used-vehicle values were still on the way down during month two of the new year. That said, prices were already showing stronger retention in February than seen during the last few months of 2013.

According to Black Book data, prices for used vehicle from model years 2008 through 2012 fell by 1.1 percent last month, compared to a 1.9-percent decline in January.

“We’re beginning to feel the first true effects of the springtime tax buying season through the stronger monthly retention levels in February compared with January,” said Ricky Beggs, editorial director of Black Book. “We will keep a watchful eye on the continued winter weather patterns, growing supply and off-lease activity, all of which could have near-term effects on the spring buying season.”

And Black Book is predicting this rate of deprecation won’t slow down much as the company expects overall 2014 depreciation of 13.5 percent.

The strongest price retention last month was seen in the full-size passenger van segment, which saw a slight decline of 0.2 percent, bringing the average price to $12,841. Interestingly, this marks a 13.2-percent year-over-year decline, despite the small monthly change.

Full-size cars led the pack for car segments, with depreciation of 0.4 percent in February, with an average wholesale price of $12,841, as well, marking a 15.9-percent year-over-year decline.

Cargo minivans had the highest depreciation rate in February, falling 3.4 percent.

Vehicles in this segment finished with an average wholesale value of $9,068, a 17.2-percent drop from year-ago levels.

Interestingly, even though truck segments experienced stronger-than-average retention rates throughout 2013, the top six segments with the largest monthly depreciation last month were all truck categories.

Cargo minivans were followed by full-size crossovers (down 2.0 percent), midsize crossovers (down 2.0 percent); compact crossovers (down 1.4 percent), midsize pickups (down 1.5 percent) and midsize SUVs (down 1.3 percent).