Top 12 Cars That Depreciate The Least

Car depreciation is of vital importance whether you’re buying or leasing a new auto. If you’re buying, it will let you know your chances of re-selling the car at a good price. If you’re leasing, you’ll be able to count with a higher residual value and, as a result, pay lower monthly payments.

Finding a new car that depreciates little should be one of your priorities. That’s why the BuyingAdvice Team has put together a list of the top 12 cars that keep most of their original value after five years of ownership and with an average of 15,000 miles per year.



Honda CivicMini Cooper

Vehicle Type: Compact
MSRP: $16,555
Residual Value: 41%


Mini Cooper

Vehicle Type: Compact
MSRP: $20,200
Residual Value: 40%


Honda Fit

Vehicle Type: Subcompact
MSRP: $16,000
Residual Value: 40%


Chevrolet Camaro

Vehicle Type: Sports Coupe
MSRP: $23,280
Residual Value: 42.2%


Nissan MaximaNissan Maxima

Vehicle Type: Full Size
MSRP: $32,060
Residual Value: 34%


Jeep WranglerJeep Wrangler

Vehicle Type: Compact SUV
MSRP: $22,045
Residual Value: 55%


Toyota FJ CruiserToyota FJ Cruiser

Vehicle Type: Compact SUV
MSRP: $25,900
Residual Value: 50%


Hyundai TucsonHyundai Tucson

Vehicle Type: Compact SUV
MSRP: $19,145
Residual Value: 45.3%


Audi Q7Audi Q7

Vehicle Type: Full Size SUV
MSRP: $46,250
Residual Value: 44.3%


Infiniti FXInfiniti FX

Vehicle Type: Full Size SUV
MSRP: $43,700
Residual Value: 44.0%


Toyota TacomaToyota Tacoma

Vehicle Type: Compact Truck
MSRP: $17,000
Residual Value: 49.0%


Nissan FrontierNissan Frontier

Vehicle Type: Midsize Truck
MSRP: $19,000
Residual Value: 42.8%


If you want to find out how much another vehicle not included in this list depreciates, the Automotive Lease Guide ALG has been a major source for residual values in the US and Canada for over thirty years. You can contact ALG’s Data Services Department at 805-563-0777 ext.105 to become a member, access ALG’s residual guidebook, and calculate a specific car’s residual value. Memberships start from $132 a year. To view a free overall depreciation ranking online, go to alg.com/deprratings.aspx.

We suggest buying a new car that depreciates less and, as a result, has a higher residual value.

However, if the car you need or any similar model has a low residual value, consider buying it used but still in good conditions, such as in the case of certified pre-owned cars. That way at least you’ll avoid the huge chunk of depreciation all new cars suffer the minute you drive them off the lot.


Copyright 2024 BuyingAdvice.com, INC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.


 

Find New Cars



 

* Offers on this site are available only to residents of the United States. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of BuyingAdvice.com, INC., is prohibited. BuyingAdvice.com, INC., uses reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of information posted on this site, but does not provide any guaranty of accuracy. There may be errors, inaccuracies or omissions in information on this site. Accordingly, BuyingAdvice.com, INC., disclaims any responsibility or liability for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. Your privacy is our policy.