Every buyer wants a reliable car that can be resold for a good price. Most drivers believe that a car’s resale value depends solely on the odometer readings. However, it is mainly controlled by crucial factors like durability, fuel efficiency, and versatility. Therefore, you can say that some models retain value over others. This brings us to the question: What cars keep their value?
Top Cars That Retain Their Value
If you want a car with good resale prices, you have to know what cars keep their value newer. We have compiled a list of durable vehicles you can resell for a good price. This list features top-class car models applicable in various use cases. Let’s check them out.
1. Porsche 911
While luxury cars are known for losing value quickly, the 911 is one of the few that offer minimal depreciation. The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car offered with a rear-sitting engine.
This car runs on a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six cylinder engine. The gasoline engine generates an impressive 379 horsepower for the base Carrera trim. For more power, you can opt for the Turbo S and GTS models that produce 443 and 473 horsepower, respectively.
The vehicle is offered as a coupe or a convertible. You also get to choose between the rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive layout. The eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard, but you can opt for a seven-speed manual for more control. With a top speed of about 193 mph, these drivetrain systems can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 3.2 seconds.
You get a mix of modern switchgear and a driver-focused layout for the interior. The cabin features a large infotainment display with various connectivity options. You also get to enjoy lots of driver assistance and comfort features. The best part is that all trims come with a complete sports car package.
The Porsche 911 is estimated to lose only 15% of its value after five years. This is because it is built with reliability and still delivers unmatched driving dynamics across models with reliable quality. The starting price of the 2024 model is about $107,550.
2. Volvo XC60
The XC60 is a durable SUV and a top choice for buyers looking for what cars keep their value. Along with the perks of a standard AWD layout, the Volvo is among the affordable SUVs with the best interior. This mid-size luxury SUV boasts the signature Scandinavian design simplicity. The five-seater interior is spacious, featuring two seat rows and a sophisticated cabin, all designed with high-end materials. Volvo XC60 drivers also get to benefit from the best safety and driver-assistance technology.
The base trim runs on a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine that produces up to 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. If you want more power, you can opt for the supercharged T8 trim, which delivers up to 455 horsepower and 532 pound-feet of torque. An electric motor augments this T8 engine. Both engines are propped on an eight-speed automatic transmission configured to an AWD layout.
In addition, you get to enjoy top-level gas mileage with a drivetrain setup to take you through harsh road conditions. With its price ranging between $47,000 and $63,000, The recent Volvo XC60 models have been estimated to retain about 60% of their value in the first five years.
3. Lexus ES350
What cars keep their value? We’ve provided some options to pick from. The ES350 is a top choice if you seek an affordable sedan with a sleek interior. It is among common sedans for day-to-day activities. Lexus’ ES lineup features generations of handsome mid-size sedans with a great engine. The base engine for recent models is a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 gasoline-powered engine that delivers up to 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque.
The ES350 is famous for delivering a comfortable and responsive driving experience. Its drivetrain setup is an FWD that collects power from an eight-speed automatic transmission. You also get to enjoy the improved 12.3-inch infotainment display, among other exciting features on the cabin. Lexus added lots of top-class safety and driver assistance features, which are hefty in their price range.
The interior is a spacious, comfortable five-seater offering great leg and headroom. This car also features Lexus’ signature Mark Levinson sound system as an option. The 2024 Lexus ES350 starts at about $43,190, maintaining a solid reputation for durability. Cars from this series are in great demand and retain at least 63% of their value over five years.
4. Land Rover Defender
The Defender lineup has offered a series of versatile vehicles for almost eight decades. The most recent generation of Defenders still delivers hardcore off-road attributes that make it a fan favorite. This version also sports a modern luxury interior with a classic SUV build.
The series is much sought after for its power, versatility, and practicality. The base model runs on a powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces a whopping 296 horsepower. For more power, you can opt for the turbocharged V6, delivering 395 horsepower, or the supercharged V8, amassing up to 518 horsepower.
All engine trims are propped on an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel-drive layout comes standard to facilitate off-roading on all trims. You may not find the rugged build attractive, but the powertrain setup, interior, and body all express its remarkable durability. Additionally, you get an impressive level of luxury for the interior, boasting the latest tech and safety features.
The sticker price of the 2024 Land Rover Defender ranges between $57,875 and $120,075, depending on the trim and options. The car offers impressive second-hand value. Hence, expect the price for a used one to be around $50,000, depending on the condition.
5. BMW M2
If you’re looking for what cars keep their value and want one that offers a little of everything, the recent BMW M2 is your best bet. This sports coupe delivers an exhilarating driving experience. It is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featured in the M3 and M4. This trim generates up to 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
You can choose between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission, both of which offer remarkable acceleration. All Motorsport-cars are offered with an RWD drivetrain. The automatic M2 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of about 177 mph. You also get to enjoy lots of tech and safety features like Traction Control and Lane-departure warning.
The car features BMW’s suspension and additional chassis enhancements to ensure excellent handling. The M2 features a sporty build delivering top-class aerodynamics for sport-car lovers. The 2024 M2 is priced at about $64,195 and is estimated to retain at least 69% of its value after the first five years. It is also one of the best choices for users considering a sale after long-term use.
6. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
If you’re looking for what cars keep their value? The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG should be a top choice for you. Like the Defender, this luxury SUV seamlessly blends opulence with ruggedness. The base trim features a powerful twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine. It produces up to 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This engine facilitates its off-road capacity along with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD layout.
Vehicles featured in the G-Class are known to climb steep roads, especially the AMG versions equipped with a specific suspension tuning for a more comfortable ride. Although G-wagons are built to look rugged, they feature top-class luxury features in the interior. They also offer passengers a smooth, comfortable ride.
The spacious interior has ample head and legroom for front and rear passengers. The cabin is rich, featuring a modern design with high-end materials. Furthermore, drivers get to benefit from a wide range of driver-assisting features from Mercedes. With a starting price of $180,150, the G63 AMG is estimated to lose just 23 percent of its value after five years.
7. Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is a mid-size luxury SUV with a competitive maintenance cost. Acura is Honda’s luxury counterpart, so you know what to expect in the interior. The interior competes with top luxury models like Mercedes GLC and BMW X3. You also get to enjoy top-notch road practicality in a sporty package.
The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC engine featuring direct injection and i-VTEC® valve-train. The engine produces a respectable 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It is mounted on a ten-speed automatic transmission and configured to an AWD layout as standard. This setup can thrive in harsh conditions and goes from zero to 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds.
The interior features high-end materials and is equipped with tech and features that are easily accessible on the dashboard. The front seats have power adjustment and temperature control. You can access most features via the 10.2-inch touchscreen that offers phone connectivity and can control the optional 12-speaker premium sound system.
With a starting price of about $44,350, this car is expected to lose only 33% of its value after the first five years. Durability and reliability, among other features, are crucial to this impressive value retention.
8. Lexus IS500 F Sport
The Lexus IS500 is a sporty sedan with a reputation for reliability. The RWD configuration of this car is good for drifting and delivers an exciting driving experience.
The latest generation is the F Sport model, featuring a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine amplified by stacked quad exhaust tips. This setup delivers up to 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque to the eight-speed automatic transmission. It is configured to a RWD layout that accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The engine performs impressively, with a top speed of about 150 mph.
You get a premium, comfortable experience featuring power front seats for the interior. You also get dual-zone climate control and top-level materials. Despite the compact build, the car still offers tangible head and legroom for both seat rows.
The pricing starts at about $58,270 for the 2024 model, with an estimated value retention of about 71% for the first five years. Many reviewers say the car features Toyota’s reliability with European luxury perks. This contributes immensely to its value retention.
9. Audi S5 Sportback
Audi’s S5 is the perfect vehicle for hatchback lovers looking for what cars keep their value. It is a sporty hatchback boasting a luxury interior. The S5 is packed with excellent safety and driver-assist features and a super-connective 10.1-inch infotainment screen. The car is famous for its durability and fuel efficiency despite its powerful engine.
A turbocharged gasoline-powered 3.0-liter V6 engine powers the S5. An eight-speed automatic transmission transfers power from this engine to an AWD layout, delivering a responsive driving experience. The drivetrain setup produces up to 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Audi delivered the hatchback S5 with a muscular build featuring a roomy interior and an average cargo space.
The latest Audi S5 Sportback costs about $56,800, with an estimated value retention of about 65% after the first five years.
10. Porsche Panamera
The Panamera is the second Porsche on our list of what cars keep their value. It is popular for delivering world-class performance with a luxury interior. The base model runs on a turbocharged 2.0-liter V6 engine that produces up to 325 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. You can go for the Turbo S E-Hybrid, featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers up to 690 horsepower and 641 pound-feet of torque.
Both engine trims transfer power via the same PDK eight-speed automatic transmission. You get the option of a RWD and AWD layout.
The Panamera is an iconic four-door hatchback that has received lots of positive reviews from car lovers. The interior features high-end materials and tools like those of other Mercedes, BMW, and Audi in the same segment. You can enjoy the leather-trimmed seats and a long list of tech tools and configurations.
The base model starts at about $92,400, while the more powerful model goes for well over $200,000. Both Porsche Panamera trims have an estimated value retention of about 55% after the first five years. It is yet another luxury car that retains value after long-term use.
Let’s Wrap Up…
Depreciation is one of the scariest aspects of owning a vehicle. Hence, getting to know what cars keep their value when is crucial to getting the most out of your purchase. The cars we have highlighted are reliable models. You resell all of them for good prices. This also means that if you are looking to get a used one, you should be willing to part with a good amount of money,
