Trucks and sport-utility vehicles are once again the kings of the road in terms of new-vehicle sales, and apparently they’re likewise in big demand in the used market, as evidenced by how tenaciously they’re holding onto their original values. Nine out of the top 10 vehicles having the highest resale values after three years are either pickups or SUVs, according to the latest data compiled by the NADA Used Car Guide.
At that, the model NADA identifies as having the highest three-year value retention rate among 241 models tracked is a truck that’s no longer in production. That would be the retro-styled Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV, with the 2012 vintage currently retaining a staggering 91.5% of its original value.
As for the car suffering the worst resale value after three years on the road, look no further than the lowly two-seat Smart ForTwo minicar, which manages to hold onto just 32.5% of its initial cost after three years.
While cars having top resale values might not be the best picks for cash-strapped used-car shoppers, those looking for a new model should pay attention to them closely, as depreciation is typically one of the biggest long-term ownership costs. Predicting it accurately is akin to advanced soothsaying.
According to the NADA report, “Depreciation, and ultimately retained value, is determined by a variety of causes. Factors such as reputation for quality and dependability, fuel economy and performance, and vehicle design play critical roles in determining how well value is retained, as do new vehicle pricing, incentive levels and production volumes. “
We’re featuring the 15 models from the 2012 model year that retain the highest percentages of their original values in the accompanying slideshow. All boast three-year value retention rates of 60% or higher.
Toyota leads all automakers in terms of value retention, placing a stunning six models out of the top 10 vehicles overall. What’s more, six out of 14 Toyota models return the highest resale values in their respective segments after three years on the road, including the Tundra and Tacoma pickups, FJ Cruiser, Sequoia and 4Runner SUVs and the Sienna minivan. The next highest finishers, Subaru and Dodge, had two segment leaders each (Subaru Impreza and Legacy; Dodge Challenger and Charger).
“As we sorted through the data, we discovered many clear winners and losers,” says Jonathan Banks, executive analyst at NADA Used Car Guide. “Some consumers might think a luxury vehicle is best at retaining its value after three years, but our data tells us otherwise.” In that regard, Audi proved to be the best at holding onto resale values among luxury brands, placing three out of nine models highest in their segments, including the A3 subcompact, A7 midsize sedan and the compact Q5 crossover SUV, though their value retention rates missed landing among the top performing models, overall. Five upscale nameplates followed Audi, with each recording one first-place finish.
Read more of the original article at Forbes.com.
