Which car brand holds its value best?
Find out which car brands hold their value best, how depreciation works & more. Learn car brands that hold value & make the best choice for your next vehicle
)
)
Understanding car value and brands
When searching for your next car, understanding what car brand holds its value the best is essential, whether you want to make a smart financial decision or just look forward to frequent upgrades.
Depreciation – the decline in a car’s value over time – plays a major role in determining how well it will retain its value several years down the line.
Certain brands have earned a reputation for having models with slower-than-average depreciation rates, so consider buying from one of these brands if you want to be financially savvy.
In summary:
Brands with strong reliability, desirability and reputation hold their value best
Market demand matters: popular body types like SUVs depreciate the least
Keep resale value high by maintaining your car and taking care of cosmetic damage
)
What car brand holds its value the best?
Volkswagen
)
Volkswagen started as a company with the aim of building cars for the masses, and it continues to stand by those values well over eight decades later.
The German brand is known for building very reliable, durable and economical models, and it has one of the widest selections of any manufacturer.
Between VW and its sister companies, including SEAT, Skoda and Audi, its cars are sold in virtually every country around the world.
Volkswagen also bridges the gap between budget-friendly manufacturers and premium marques, so it’s a popular pick for anyone after quality and style without paying a high premium.
Its Golf family hatchback makes regular appearances in the top ten list of best-selling cars, as do many of its crossovers and SUVs, like the T-Roc and Tiguan.
Toyota
)
Toyota is the manufacturer that sells the most cars globally, and the Japanese automaker has made a name for itself as an extremely reliable company.
Its extensive range of models includes many SUVs and pick-ups that have been depended on for perilous adventures in the deepest valleys and tallest mountains.
Many Brits prefer the brand’s extremely economical hybrid models, with Toyota having a more mainstream battery experience than most other brands out there.
Besides proving their longevity, Toyota models retain their value because they’re backed by serious warranty coverage – up to ten years in many cases.
Many of its smaller cars, like the Yaris and Yaris Cross, retain a lot of their value after a few years, maybe because small car drivers value their exceptional hybrid fuel economy.
Subaru
)
A less obvious choice, Subaru’s cars are renowned for being extremely durable and able to tackle most likely scenarios.
Part of the appeal is that all models (except the sporty BRZ coupé) have four-wheel drive, so you won’t be limited to SUVs and crossovers.
Another reason why Subaru’s cars hold onto their value is because every model built in the past decade has received a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, which is no mean feat.
Subarus are rugged and utilitarian, but thanks to its history in motorsport, the brand has a loyal following of driving enthusiasts.
Some models worth considering if you’re after a great-value car with lower-than-average depreciation include the Outback estate and the Forester SUV.
Land Rover
)
Land Rover is a real success story, having transformed from producing capable off-roaders to selling some of the most premium cars around (though they continue to be excellent off-roaders).
Today, it has three separate ranges – the Defender, the Discovery and the Range Rover. Range Rover carries the most appeal, and there are four separate models each with an increasingly more premium feel.
It’s worth mentioning that while Land Rover has had its fair share of reliability concerns, the company is generally pretty quick to react.
Above all else, key to Land Rover tackling its depreciation rates has been that these are the must-have cars for celebrities all over the world, so who wouldn’t want to be seen in one?
The company’s newest and most luxurious models, such as the full-size Range Rover and the mighty Defender, generally retain a reasonable amount of their value.
Porsche
 "Porsche 911 (992)")
Porsche is actually part of the Volkswagen Group, though its cars are less closely linked to those models because this is a manufacturer of some serious performance cars.
Although they command a higher-than-average price tag, Porsche cars are known for their craftsmanship, and the attention to detail is clear through the use of high-quality, soft-touch materials and the latest car tech.
Because these are a class above the rest, Porsche cars have a sense of exclusivity, which helps them retain a considerable amount of value as they age.
They also bridge the gap perfectly between road cars and sports cars, so drivers can benefit from the thrill of fast acceleration and responsive handling in a package that’s suitable for the family.
If you’re after a Porsche that will hold on to a lot of its value, the iconic 911’s classic design allows it to do just this. For something more usable, the premium Panamera and Cayenne models are great picks.
What makes a brand hold its value?
There’s a long list of factors that play a role in how much a car will hold its value or how much it’s likely to depreciate over the time you own it.
These include:
The brand's reputation: are they known for being reliable, good value, or hard-wearing?
Is your car desirable, an interesting or rare specification/trim level, or is it a special edition?
Is your car low mileage? Higher mileage models usually sell for less
Have you kept up with maintenance, as well as visual flaws such as windscreen chips or alloy scuffs?
Have you got a model that's in line with market demand? SUVs and electric cars in particular are having a moment
Is your car from a lifestyle brand or one with a loyal following? Land Rover, BMW and Mini are good examples
Have you got a premium brand model? Luxury car brands retain more resale value on average
Have you been keeping an eye on trends? If you want to maximise resale value, sell your car when the brand is popular
Find your next car at cinch
Thankfully, cinch’s highly trained technicians have already checked your car from head to toe – or sunroof to alloy – and our high-res imagery shows you exactly what you’re getting.
You’ll also benefit from a 14-day money-back guarantee, at least six months’ MOT and a free 90-day warranty.
)