In today’s sky-high auto market, savvy car buyers are looking beyond the shiny features and horsepower to something that could hit them where it hurts: depreciation.
A new study from iSeeCars ¹ has thrown a spotlight on the cars and trucks that are bucking the trend by holding onto their value like a dog with a bone.
Electric Vehicles: Not So Shockingly Depreciative
While EVs are zipping up the popularity charts, they’re also racing to the bottom of the resale value leaderboard. The study reveals that over a five-year period, electric cars drop in value by a whopping 49.1 percent.
That’s a lot of bucks for the bang—or lack thereof.
Hybrids & Trucks: The Tortoises In the Race
On the flip side, hybrids and trucks are taking it slow and steady, with depreciation rates of 37.4 and 34.8 percent, respectively. It seems like consumers are still sweet on hybrids, with their mix of fuel efficiency and the familiar comfort of a gas tank.
The Resale Value Hall of Fame
Let’s roll out the red carpet for the stars of the resale value show. The Porsche 911 leads the pack with an average five-year depreciation of just 9.3 percent. Following not too far behind are the Porsche 718 Cayman, Toyota Tacoma, and the Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited, all with depreciation rates impressively below the average.
And let’s not forget the everyday heroes like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, proving that practicality pays off. Here’s the honor roll of cars that are sticking to their worth:
- Porsche 911 (coupe) – Average five-year depreciation: 9.3%
- Porsche 718 Cayman – Average five-year depreciation: 17.6%
- Toyota Tacoma – Average five-year depreciation: 20.4%
- Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited – Average five-year depreciation: 20.8%
- Honda Civic (sedan/hatchback) – Average five-year depreciation: 21.5%
- Subaru BRZ – Average five-year depreciation: 23.4%
- Chevrolet Camaro – Average five-year depreciation: 24.2%
- Toyota C-HR – Average five-year depreciation: 24.4%
- Subaru Crosstrek – Average five-year depreciation: 24.5%
- Toyota Corolla – Average five-year depreciation: 24.5%
The Pandemic Effect: Fun Cars Are In
Karl Brauer from iSeeCars points out that sports cars have seen a surge in demand since the pandemic, and it looks like they’re still the apple of the buyer’s eye in the post-pandemic world.
Maybe it’s all those dreams of the open road while we were cooped up at home?
The Silver Lining for Used Car Shoppers
If you’re hunting for a deal in the used car market, those cars with the “worst” resale value might just be your best friends. After all, one person’s depreciation is another person’s discount.
So, whether you’re looking to invest in a new ride that won’t plummet in value or snag a bargain on a pre-loved set of wheels, this study’s got some intel you won’t want to ignore.
With insights into the factors that help a vehicle retain its worth—like limited supply, enduring popularity, and a strong reputation for reliability—iSeeCars.com’s research is a treasure trove for anyone aiming to make an informed car-buying decision.
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Sources
- iseecars.com/cars-that-hold-their-value-study
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.