What car holds value the longest?
The vehicles most likely to hold their value the longest include rugged Toyota SUVs and pickups (notably the Land Cruiser, 4Runner, and Tacoma), along with the Porsche 911 and Jeep Wrangler. While these models are widely recognized for strong resale value, actual depreciation depends on usage, maintenance, and market demand.
Why some cars retain value better
Resale value is shaped by reliability, durability, supply and demand dynamics, and total cost of ownership. Models with reputations for longevity, limited availability, and broad appeal tend to depreciate more slowly. Market shifts—such as changes in fuel prices or new model introductions—can also influence which vehicles best hold their value over time.
Top models known for holding value
Industry analyses across years consistently flag certain models as standout performers for value retention. The following vehicles have repeatedly ranked highly for retaining price after several years, according to sources such as iSeeCars and Kelley Blue Book.
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota Tacoma
- Porsche 911
- Jeep Wrangler
These picks illustrate a broader pattern: durable, capable vehicles with strong brand loyalty and steady demand tend to hold their value better than average. Limited supply of certain models can also amplify resale strength over time.
How to maximize resale value
To extend how long a car retains its value, consider practices that preserve condition, maintain provenance, and appeal to a broad buyer base. The following steps are commonly recommended by industry experts.
- Keep thorough maintenance and service records to prove regular care and low risk of hidden problems.
- Maintain the exterior and interior condition; address dents, scratches, and upholstery wear promptly.
- Moderate mileage growth and plan trips to minimize unnecessary wear.
- Avoid highly customized or polarizing options that limit buyer pool.
- Choose popular colors and keep original parts; retain window sticker and manuals when possible.
Following these practices helps any model preserve appeal and market value, especially as new model cycles shift consumer interest.
Summary
For buyers prioritizing resale value, the best bets are dependable, in-demand models—particularly Toyota’s Land Cruiser, 4Runner, and Tacoma, along with the Porsche 911 and Jeep Wrangler—and practices that protect condition and provenance. While trends favor these vehicles, resale value is influenced by how you use the car and how well you maintain it. Always consider the latest resale-value analyses for the freshest guidance when shopping.
Which car depreciates the most?
The Jaguar I-PACE depreciates the most, with some sources reporting a 72.2% loss in value over five years. Other cars that depreciate significantly include the BMW 7 Series, which can lose 67.1% to 72.6% of its value over five years, and the Tesla Model S, which can depreciate by 65.2%. Luxury and electric vehicles often have higher depreciation rates than other car types.
Highest depreciation vehicles
- Jaguar I-PACE: 72.2% (five-year depreciation)
- BMW 7 Series: 67.1% to 72.6% (five-year depreciation)
- Tesla Model S: 65.2% (five-year depreciation)
- Infiniti QX80: 65.0% (five-year depreciation)
- Maserati Ghibli: 64.7% (five-year depreciation)
- BMW 5 Series: 64.7% (five-year depreciation)
- Nissan Leaf: 64.1% (five-year depreciation)
Why these cars depreciate quickly
- Rapid Technological Advancement: The I-PACE, for example, has struggled to keep up with advancements in EV technology, making newer models more appealing to buyers.
- Luxury Brand Depreciation: Many luxury and premium brands, such as BMW and Maserati, have higher initial depreciation rates compared to mainstream brands.
- Market Saturation: Some models may have higher depreciation if new models with incentives flood the market, putting downward pressure on used prices.
Which car has the highest resale value?
The Porsche 911 has one of the highest resale values, retaining approximately 98% of its original value after three years. Among more accessible vehicles, the Ford Maverick has excellent resale, holding about 90% of its value over three years. Other models with strong resale value include various Toyota models like the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra, along with the Subaru Crosstrek, Honda Civic, and Chevrolet Corvette.
Luxury and sports cars
- Porsche 911: Retains about 98% of its value after three years, the highest overall in some analyses.
- Chevrolet Corvette: Also holds its value very well, with one analysis listing it as holding around 61% after five years.
Trucks and SUVs
- Ford Maverick: This compact pickup truck has a high resale value, holding roughly 90% of its original value over three years.
- Toyota 4Runner: A top contender for SUVs, with a high 5-year residual value.
- Toyota Tacoma: A consistently top-performing truck in terms of resale value, often cited as having one of the highest 5-year resale values.
- GMC Sierra 3500HD: A heavy-duty truck with a strong resale value, according to some lists.
Sedans and other models
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback: Considered to have one of the highest 5-year residual values.
- Honda Civic: A reliable and fuel-efficient car that maintains its value well due to its practicality and reputation for reliability.
- Subaru Crosstrek: This versatile all-wheel-drive vehicle holds its value well, often appearing on lists for strong resale.
What car does not lose value?
No car completely retains its value, but some models have significantly lower depreciation rates. Top performers include the Porsche 911, Toyota Tacoma, and Jeep Wrangler, which are known for holding value exceptionally well due to high demand. Other vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Cross and various Toyota, Honda, and Subaru models also have strong resale value, often attributed to their reliability, fuel efficiency, and popularity.
Sports cars and performance vehicles
- Porsche 911: This model has the lowest depreciation rate among all cars, retaining around 9% of its value after five years.
- Ford Bronco: Loses an average of only 16% of its value in the first three years, making it a strong contender for value retention.
- Chevrolet Corvette: Frequently ranks high on lists of best resale value.
Trucks and SUVs
- Toyota Tacoma: A consistent top performer, the Tacoma holds its value well due to high demand, with a 5-year depreciation of just over 20%.
- Jeep Wrangler: Another vehicle with strong resale value, the Wrangler retains about 67.6% of its value after three years of use.
- Land Rover Defender: Demand for this model is so high that it is projected to have a lower depreciation rate than other cars.
- Toyota 4Runner: Ranks high in resale value, often cited for its reliability and demand.
Sedans and other models
- Toyota Corolla Cross: This SUV holds its value well due to a combination of factors including good fuel economy and Toyota's reputation for reliability.
- Honda CR-V: Ranks highly on lists of cars that hold their value well.
- Subaru models: Subaru brands generally hold their value well, with the Crosstrek and other models being good examples.
What car holds its value the longest?
Best Cars for Resale Value After 5 Years
- Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Subaru Impreza.
- Ford Ranger.
- Toyota Sequoia.
- Toyota Corolla.
- Honda CR-V.
- Toyota Prius Prime. Read our residual value analysis and view the Toyota Prius Prime depreciation curve here.
- Nissan Kicks.
