One thing many people in the market for a new car don’t think about when making a final purchase is the vehicle’s estimated residual value. Residual value is how much a car will likely be worth once its usefulness to you has been fulfilled. In other words, it relates to the amount you can get for the car when you are ready to sell it or trade it in for a newer model. Based on estimates provided by Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds, these are our top ten car choices for retaining their value:
2016 Scion iA
Although the Scion iA is a new car, experts estimate it will hold its value well in addition to delivering impressive fuel economy of up to 48 mpg. It is predicted to be worth 46% of the retail price after three years and 31% after five.
2016 Lexus GS
This mid-size luxury sedan comes with scores of safety features, including Pre-Collision System (PCS) and pedestrian detection. It looks like an even sweeter deal with the knowledge you can sell it after three years for 50.5% of what you paid for it and after five for 35.5%.
2016 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has stood the test of time as a good value in terms of price and reliability, which is why it retains a high value after it leaves the dealership lot. After three years, you can expect it to sell at 52.4% of its price when new and 40.5% after five years.
2016 Honda Fit
In recent years, the Honda Fit with ample head and leg room has topped residual value lists and led the subcompact car division. After three years, it retains 53.3% of its value and, after five years, it can sell for 37% of its original price.
2016 Subaru Legacy
With all-wheel drive and desired technological features like driver’s assist and a high-end entertainment system, it isn’t hard to see why the Legacy is popular choice when new. It also holds up well both mechanically and in value with a 54.3% resale value after three years and 39.3% after five.
2016 Lexus ES 300h
Topping the top residual value list for hybrid vehicles stands the ES 300h, which is worth 55% of its original price after three years and 39% after five years. With its excellent fuel efficiency, smooth handling, and beefed-up visual appeal, it’s a smart choice for buyers.
2016 Subaru Impreza
This compact and affordable car featuring all-wheel drive and “gearless” automatic transmission will likely be a sought-after gem on used car lots in the future. It is predicted to be worth 57.4% of the original sticker price after three years and 43.4% after five years.
2016 Cadillac ATS-V
With performance worthy of a race track, luxury features, and loads of aesthetic appeal, the ATS-V won’t find a shortage of admirers. What most people won’t know at first glance, however, is its high residual value – 59.5% at three years and 43.5% at five years.
2016 Chevrolet Camaro
With a residual value of 61% after three years and 49% after five years, the Camaro makes a respectable showing. This makes the iconic American muscle car a strong choice from not only a performance perspective but also financial one.
2016 Subaru WRX
This sporty little car features all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine putting out 268 horsepower, giving it spitfire appeal in a compact package. After three years, this Subaru WRX should be worth 65.2% of its original retail price and 50.8% after five years.
