Which Cars Retain Value Best? 11 Models That Defy Depreciation

When you’re shopping for a new vehicle, one of the smartest financial moves is negotiating with a competitive trade-in that maximizes your purchasing power. The path to achieving this is straightforward: either sell your current car while it’s still relatively young, or invest in a model that holds value exceptionally well. While the average vehicle sheds approximately 38.8% of its value over five years, some cars are engineered differently—they depreciate at remarkably slower rates.

Research from iSeeCars.com reveals a compelling pattern: certain vehicles consistently outperform the market in value retention. The analysis identified 11 standout models that depreciated less than 25% over five years, significantly better than the automotive average. These cars represent the sweet spot where ownership doesn’t necessarily mean rapid financial erosion.

Why These Cars Hold Their Value

Several factors contribute to exceptional value retention. Brand reputation plays a critical role—manufacturers with strong reliability histories command more stable resale prices. Desirability matters too; vehicles with enduring appeal among buyers naturally maintain stronger market positions. Additionally, segment dynamics influence outcomes; certain categories like trucks and sports cars tend to depreciate more slowly than sedans.

The data shows that knowing which cars to buy can mean retaining thousands of dollars in equity over five years. For a vehicle depreciating at 24.5% versus the 38.8% average, the difference translates to substantial savings when trading in or selling privately.

Luxury Sports Cars: The Value Champions

At the pinnacle of value retention sits the Porsche 911 Coupe, with an extraordinarily low 9.3% depreciation rate over five years. Owners can expect their vehicle to retain approximately $18,094 more in value compared to MSRP erosion patterns. This exceptional performance reflects the 911’s status as an automotive icon with timeless appeal.

The Porsche 718 Cayman follows closely behind, depreciating just 17.6% while maintaining an average value difference of $13,372 from its original price. These luxury sports cars occupy a unique market segment where heritage, performance credentials, and scarcity sustain demand.

Practical Daily Drivers That Keep Their Worth

For everyday shoppers prioritizing value retention, Japanese manufacturers dominate the landscape. The Honda Civic (available in both sedan and hatchback configurations) depreciated only 21.5% over five years, preserving approximately $5,817 in average value per vehicle.

Toyota’s Corolla and C-HR models emerged as reliable value holders, each depreciating at 24.5% and 24.4% respectively. The Corolla maintained $5,800 in average value, while the C-HR retained $6,692. These vehicles embody Toyota’s reputation for dependability, which directly translates to stronger resale markets and predictable value retention.

The Subaru nameplate also demonstrated consistent performance, with the Crosstrek depreciating at 24.5% (retaining $7,214 in average value) and the BRZ at 23.4% (preserving $8,114). Subaru’s reputation for all-wheel drive capability and longevity supports stable secondhand pricing across its lineup.

Truck and SUV Favorites: Strong Value Retention

The truck segment showed impressive value staying power. Toyota’s Tacoma depreciated just 20.4% over five years while maintaining $8,359 in average value—a reflection of the used truck market’s persistent strength. The Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited also impressed, with a combined depreciation rate of 20.8% and retained value of $8,951.

American performance vehicles added another dimension to the value retention story. The Ford Mustang depreciated 24.5% while holding $10,035 in average value, while the Chevrolet Camaro followed at 24.2% with $10,161 preserved. Both muscle cars benefit from enthusiast demand and cultural significance that sustains their market appeal.

The Bottom Line on Value Retention

The analysis reveals that smart vehicle selection can meaningfully reduce the financial impact of ownership. Whether you prioritize luxury performance, practical reliability, or truck versatility, these 11 models demonstrate that depreciation doesn’t have to be devastating. By understanding which cars hold their value, buyers can make more informed decisions that protect their investment throughout the ownership cycle.

The distinction between a vehicle that depreciates at 9% versus 39% compounds significantly when it’s time to sell or trade. Over five years, that difference can amount to tens of thousands of dollars—making the initial choice of vehicle one of the most financially consequential automotive decisions you’ll make.

Data sourced from iSeeCars.com analysis and reflects market conditions from 2023.