A typical car loses around 60% of its value in only five years. It’s equivalent to seeing all your money disappear into thin air. However, some vehicles do not fit this trend and retain more than 70% of their initial price. It’s like they pay you back for the pleasure of driving them. After thorough research and analysis, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best cars available. These cars do not lose value as much as other models fade with time.
Toyota Prius
Original Cost: $36,315
Depreciation After 5 Years: 40%, with a resale value of $21,894
Best Model Year: The 2022 model retains 71% of its original value, offering 83% of its useful life remaining
The Prius, a classic car in its way, shows that a green vehicle can also be attractive. The car outperforms its competitors in the resale value market and maintains a depreciation-free look.
Remember, the batteries are the core. A final purchase inspection will prevent you from making a costly mistake.
GMC Sierra 1500
Original Cost: $64,672
Depreciation After 5 Years: 39% with a resale value of $39,262
Best Model Year Value: The 2023 model retains 87% of its original value after just one year, with 92% of its useful life remaining.
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a robust and reliable pick-up truck with good resale value, making it an excellent investment for the buyer. Like other cars, its depreciation value is relatively fast during the first two years but then starts to level out; thus, you can buy a used car of the same slightly older model.
GMC Canyon
Original Cost: $46,403
Depreciation After 5 Years: 30% with a resale value of $32,385
Best Model Year Value: The 2022 model retains 78% of its original value, with 83% of its useful life remaining.
The GMC Canyon is the show’s highlight, with its perfect fusion of utility, frugality, survival, and a rugged look. It is one of the most demanded used cars in the market as it is practical and reliable for a long time.
Toyota Tundra
Original Cost: $64,796
Depreciation After 5 Years: 36%, with a resale value of $41,223
Best Model Year Value: The 2023 model retains 86% of its original value after one year.
The Toyota Tundra, known for its reliability, retains a good resale value compared to some American pickups. In fact, one standout feature of this truck is that even after five or seven years, it is among the top 10 vehicles regarding resale value retention.
Mazda 3
Original Cost: $28,890
Depreciation After 5 Years: 37%, with a resale value of $18,189
Best Model Year Value: The 2023 model retains 87% of its original value after one year.
With its sleek design and stunning maneuverability, the Mazda 3 is an eye-catching car. However, its resale value decreases significantly compared to other vehicles after seven years. So, this might not be for you if you’re in for a long haul.
Subaru Impreza
Original Cost: $27,695
Depreciation After 5 Years: 28%, with a resale value of $19,882
Best Model Year Value: The 2023 model retains 82% of its original value after one year.
The Subaru Impreza, a compact car with all-wheel drive, has a practical utility but surprisingly keeps its value for a long time. It directly represents Subaru’s promise of producing vehicles that last long and that the consumers return for even after many years.
Toyota Corolla
Original Cost: $25,110
Depreciation After 5 Years: 28%, with a resale value of $18,067
Best Model Year Value: The 2023 model retains 90% of its original value after one year.
If there is a car that is the perfect example of a vehicle that you can invest in instead of being flashy, then the Toyota Corolla is it. It depreciates more slowly than the Camry; thus, the smaller one is sometimes the winner.
Toyota Tacoma
Original Cost: $46,735
Depreciation After 5 Years: 28% with a resale value of $33,691
Best Model Year Value: The 2023 model retains 95% of its original value after one year.
This mid-size powerhouse breaks the rules by offering unrefined strength, edge, and excellent fuel economy. It is your passport to lasting ownership and Toyota’s quality.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Original Cost: $36,239
Depreciation After 5 Years: 34%, with a resale value of $23,885
Best Model Year Value: The 2023 model retains 88% of its original value after one year.
The Mazda Miata is a sporty car that doesn’t age and is still fun after years of driving. This roadster does not devalue drastically over time; the thrill stays as fresh as ever, and its character remains young forever.
Honda CR-V
Original Cost: $38,461
Depreciation After 5 Years: 42%, with a resale value of $22,354
Best Model Year Value: The 2021 model retains 68% of its original value after three years.
The Honda CR-V is a highly used car with good mileage and the reliability of this brand. It is a great family car and suitable for off-roading lovers.
Honda HR-V
Original Cost: $29,164
Depreciation After 5 Years: 27%, with a resale value of $21,266
Best Model Year Value: The 2022 model retains 79% of its original value after three years.
Compared to other crossovers, the Honda HR-V is inexpensive and fuel-efficient, with exceptional value retention. This little Honda is more than empty promises; it has consistently delivered as a dependable car.
Toyota RAV4
Original Cost: $37,647
Depreciation After 5 Years: 27%, with a resale value of $27,520
Best Model Year Value: The 2023 model retains 84% of its original value after one year.
Toyota is a name associated with long-lasting cars, and here is proof for this dependable SUV. Its functionality, fuel-friendly engines, and performance make it a popular option in the second-hand car market; thus, it is priceless in the long run.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Original Cost: $73,176
Depreciation After 5 Years: 39%, with a resale value of $44,791
Best Model Year Value: The 2021 model retains 82% of its original value after three years.
This off-road legend is durable and retains its worth incredibly well. The more you use it, the more it appreciates. It is the kind of investment that returns dividends regardless of the purpose you’re using it for.
Toyota 4Runner
Original Cost: $51,479
Depreciation After 5 Years: 39%, with a resale value of $31,593
Best Model Year Value: The 2023 model retains 79% of its original value after one year.
The 4Runner’s durability is why this model dominates the used market. Given their durable construction, old vehicles are still worth a lot. However, check for off-road wear in the hard-to-see parts for used cars before committing to the purchase.
Jeep Wrangler
Original Cost: $58,209
Depreciation After 5 Years: 34% with a resale value of $38,610
Best Model Year Value: The 2022 model retains 77% of its original value after three years.
The Jeep Wrangler is the king of the hill and the master of all terrains. Its toughness and evergreen design keep it at the top of the buyers’ list, and it is not hard to imagine why it is so much fun to drive and so easy to sell.
An Option For Everyone
Whether you’re after adventure or fuel savings, you won’t need to sacrifice value for performance. Choose wisely, and enjoy long-term benefits without overspending. The list is based on Ranking by CarEdge.
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Zainab Noor is a motoring journalist. Childhood rides in Nissan Almera fueled her love for cars. After graduating from AIOU in 2021, she steered her passion into freelance writing. You can find Zainab on LinkedIn.
