Top 10 Slowest Depreciating Cars
It’s a well known fact that a car depreciates the moment you drive it off the lot, but some cars hold their value better than others.
On average a new car loses 12 percent of its value within one year, according to iSeeCars.com. But some cars lose less than 10 percent within that year. Here’s a list of the slowest depreciating cars over their first year of ownership, although the car sitting at the number one spot actually gained some value.
10. Honda CR-V (-9%)
First on the list is Honda’s popular crossover, the CR-V. Hitting 2015 with amay mild refresh that saw the car get a new transmission and an updated interior, its value dropped just nine percent in its first year of ownership. The CR-V starts at $24,200, and we recently pitted it against the Subaru Forester.
SEE ALSO: 2015 Honda CR-V vs 2015 Subaru Forester
9. Toyota FJ Cruiser (-8.7 %)
Toyota trucks have a reputation for maintaining high resale values, and the FJ Cruiser continues that trend. According to iSeeCars, it’s tied for ninth place, with its value dropping just 8.7 percent in one year. It’s a shame that the easily recognizable FJ will be riding off into the sunset for 2015, as it has a loyal and fanatic group of followers that keep it in high demand.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Review
9. Nissan Versa (-8.7 %)
Also tied for ninth place is the affordable Nissan Versa Sedan. This subcompact comes in at under $13,000 after destination and while it doesn’t come with many luxuries at that price, it only lost 8.7 percent of its value in one year.
7. Scion xB (-8.2 %)
The Scion xB loses just 8.2 percent of its value in one year, giving this typically reliable compact another solid reason for purchase. Starting at under $20,000 after destination, the xB uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 158-hp and is good for 24 MPG combined.
6. Mercedes G-Class (-8 %)
The big Mercedes-Benz G-Class sits in the number six spot as it depreciates just 8 percent in one year. With a starting price of $116,325, the G class comes with a 5.5-liter V8 that makes 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Although it loses just eight percent in one year, that means it actually is worth about $9,300 less after twelve months, which is a pretty significant amount of money.
5. Nissan Frontier (-7.9 %)
The first rugged pickup hits our list at number five, but it is a bit of a surprise seeing the Nissan Frontier here. The small pickup loses just 7.9 percent of its value in one year. The Frontier starts at $18,875, and has the option of either a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine under the hood.
4. Jeep Wrangler (-7.1 %)
Depreciating just 7.1 percent in one year, the Jeep Wrangler continues to be a resale value king. Offered in two or four-doors as the Wrangler Unlimited, the iconic Jeep comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 285 hp.
3. Toyota Tacoma (-6.9)
Another Toyota makes the list, this time its the well known Tacoma. The compact pickup is available with a four or six-cylinder engine, and starts at just $21,850 after destination. After one year, the Toyota loses just 6.9 percent of its value. We recently compared the Tacoma to the new Chevrolet Colorado and found the that the next generation Tacoma can’t come soon enough.
SEE ALSO: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2015 Toyota Tacoma
2. Subaru Impreza (-3 %)
The only compact car that comes standard with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza has a leg up on many of its competitors. Helping to plead its case is the low depreciation hit it takes after just one year. Owners can expect their Impreza to lose only 3 percent of its value during that time. For 2015 the Impreza is now available with the brands EyeSight safety technology that gives the compact cool features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
SEE ALSO: 2015 Subaru Impreza Review
1. Land Rover Range Rover (+3.3 %)
Who would have guessed that a Range Rover would have topped this list? Luxury cars are typically known for depreciating quickly, but that isn’t the case with the new Range Rover, which actually appreciated in value over one year by 3.3 percent. The Range Rover is available with two supercharged engines, a V6 motor that makes 340-hp or a V8 unit that makes 510. Regardless of which one you get, the car is loaded with luxury.
Sami has an unquenchable thirst for car knowledge and has been at AutoGuide for the past six years. He has a degree in journalism and media studies from the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto and has won multiple journalism awards from the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada. Sami is also on the jury for the World Car Awards.
More by Sami Haj-Assaad
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My '06 Tacoma is worth the same today as what I paid for it 3.5 years ago. My 23 year old Civic is worth more now than I paid for it 8 years ago. Granted, I've put a fair amount of work into it and taken care of it over that time, but if you're truly focused on not losing money through the purchase and use of a car you aren't even considering a new car.
I'd prefer to see these numbers after three years. One year depreciation values, while fun to look at, can be affected by many factors such as the economy, the price of new models, and availability/shortages.