When buying a car, most people think about style, performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. But there’s another key factor that smart buyers consider: depreciation.
The average new car loses about 50% of its value in five years. Some vehicles hold their worth better than others, especially when they have a strong reputation for reliability, low maintenance costs, or a dedicated resale market.
On the flip side, some cars lose value faster than you can say “trade-in.” In this article, we’ll break down five vehicles that hold their value exceptionally well after five years, and five that depreciate hard and fast. Whether you’re buying new or used, these insights could save you thousands.
Also Read: 10 Best Hybrid Cars of 2025 That Balance Fuel Efficiency, Reliability, and Everyday Comfort
Cars That Retain Value After 5 Years
1. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has earned its reputation as a reliable, rugged, and long-lasting midsize pickup. Year after year, resale studies place the Tacoma at or near the top of the list in value retention. What makes it stand out is its loyal customer base, excellent off-road capability, and rock-solid durability.
These trucks regularly rack up over 200,000 miles and still fetch good money on the used market. Combine that with a strong aftermarket for accessories, and you’ve got a truck that holds its price like few others.
Another reason for Tacoma’s resale strength is its relative scarcity in certain markets. Toyota keeps supply tight, and demand often exceeds availability. Even older models with basic features and high mileage tend to sell quickly and retain 60–70% of their original price after five years.
This kind of depreciation resistance is almost unheard of in the truck segment. It’s not just a good vehicle—it’s a smart investment for people who want both utility and value.
Add to that its low cost of ownership, great fuel economy for a truck, and a reputation for minimal mechanical issues, and it’s no wonder the Tacoma is a consistent best-seller.
From daily drivers to weekend adventurers, people hold onto their Tacomas, and when they do sell, they do it at a premium. If you want a vehicle that retains value without losing utility, the Tacoma is one of the best bets out there.
2. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is iconic. Love it or hate it, the Wrangler holds a unique position in the automotive world—and that includes its surprising ability to retain value.
The Wrangler consistently defies the usual depreciation rules thanks to its rugged styling, off-road capabilities, and cult-like following. After five years, it retains an average of over 60% of its original value, which is incredible for a vehicle with such niche appeal.
Part of what drives this is the Wrangler’s timeless design. Unlike many cars that get complete redesigns every few years, the Wrangler sticks close to its roots, which means older models don’t feel outdated. Buyers looking for used Wranglers often find even 10-year-old models appealing.
Plus, they’re relatively simple machines, which makes them easier to maintain and modify—something that Wrangler fans love to do.
Finally, the Wrangler’s resale value is boosted by its off-road capability and enduring popularity in all climates.
Whether you’re cruising down a beach, climbing a mountain trail, or commuting in a snowy city, the Wrangler just works. It’s fun, functional, and it doesn’t lose value like most SUVs. If you’re looking for a rugged vehicle that pays off at resale time, you can’t go wrong with a Wrangler.
3. Porsche 911
Luxury sports cars are notorious for rapid depreciation, but the Porsche 911 is a big exception. This legendary vehicle manages to be both a high-performance machine and a rock star in terms of resale value.
A 911 typically retains nearly 60% of its original price after five years, and even higher in certain trims or limited editions. In fact, some models—especially air-cooled versions from the 90s—have appreciated over time.
The 911’s value retention comes from its build quality, engineering, and timeless design. Porsche doesn’t chase trends. The 911 has looked relatively similar for decades, and that continuity creates lasting demand.
Combine that with a reputation for reliability (rare for a sports car), and you get a vehicle that buyers are always looking for on the used market. A well-maintained 911 can last a lifetime and still feel modern, even a decade after it rolls off the line.
Another major factor is the brand itself. Porsche is aspirational, yet the 911 is known for being usable as a daily driver. It’s one of the few supercars that’s comfortable, practical, and doesn’t scare off buyers with sky-high maintenance bills.
As a result, it has excellent resale, making it one of the most financially sound luxury sports cars you can buy.
4. Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek might not seem flashy, but it quietly delivers excellent resale value. With a loyal customer base, rugged utility, and outstanding reliability, this subcompact SUV keeps about 60% of its value after five years.
That’s especially impressive considering how crowded the small SUV market has become. Buyers know that when they purchase a Crosstrek, they’re getting a reliable ride that can handle anything from urban commuting to weekend adventures.
One of the key reasons for its value retention is Subaru’s reputation. The brand is known for producing vehicles that are safe, durable, and simple to maintain.
The Crosstrek, in particular, is built on a platform that emphasizes fuel efficiency and practicality while still offering standard all-wheel drive—a big selling point in regions with snow and rain. And because Subarus have a long history of lasting over 200,000 miles, used Crosstrek models are always in demand.
Moreover, the Crosstrek hits a sweet spot in terms of affordability and capability. It’s cheaper than most SUVs but more capable than many crossovers.
That makes it a go-to for outdoor enthusiasts, students, and small families alike. With high owner satisfaction ratings and low depreciation, it’s one of the most balanced choices in its segment.
5. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a perennial favorite—and with good reason. It’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and holds its value like a champ. After five years, Civics often retain more than 55% of their original value.
That’s no small feat for a compact sedan in a market where many small cars lose value quickly. Honda’s legendary engineering and low cost of ownership make the Civic a standout when it comes to long-term value.
Unlike many compact cars, the Civic appeals to a wide audience. It’s sporty enough to attract younger drivers, yet practical and efficient enough for commuters and families.
Its broad appeal means there’s always a market for used Civics, which keeps resale prices strong. Plus, the Civic has earned top marks for safety and reliability over the years, and it consistently performs well in crash tests.
What truly sets the Civic apart is its durability. These cars are known to last well past 200,000 miles with minimal issues.
That reputation gives buyers confidence when shopping for used models, which in turn strengthens resale value. Whether you’re buying new or used, the Civic remains one of the smartest investments in the compact car world.
Cars That Drop Like a Rock
1. BMW 7 Series
Luxury sedans often face steep depreciation, but the BMW 7 Series takes it to the extreme. After five years, this flagship sedan can lose up to 70% of its original value.
Despite its technological sophistication and performance capabilities, the 7 Series simply doesn’t hold its worth. Part of the reason is that the luxury sedan market is shrinking, and buyers in that segment often prefer to buy new.
The 7 Series is loaded with features—advanced suspension systems, top-tier infotainment, driver assistance tech—but all those bells and whistles come with sky-high maintenance and repair costs.
As the car ages, those costs climb even higher, which scares off used buyers. People want a luxury experience without the luxury-level upkeep, and the 7 Series doesn’t deliver that balance.
Another issue is that BMW often refreshes the 7 Series with new designs or engine updates, making older models feel outdated quickly.
In the luxury segment, perception is everything, and even a well-maintained older 7 Series doesn’t hold much prestige in a world that craves the latest and greatest. It’s a beautiful car, no doubt—but from a value standpoint, it’s a steep investment that rarely pays off long term.
2. Nissan Leaf
While electric vehicles are growing in popularity, not all of them hold their value well, and the Nissan Leaf is one of the worst offenders.
After five years, it can lose more than 65% of its original price. Despite being a pioneer in the EV space, the Leaf has struggled with resale value due to limited range, outdated battery technology in older models, and a market flooded with better EV alternatives.
Early models of the Leaf had ranges of under 100 miles, which quickly became obsolete as newer EVs like the Tesla Model 3 pushed past 250 miles per charge.
That rapid evolution in EV tech hurt the Leaf’s resale prospects. Buyers are more inclined to go for newer EVs with longer range and better charging infrastructure, even if they cost more up front.
Another factor is that federal tax incentives and local rebates have skewed the value equation. New Leafs have often been heavily discounted due to government incentives, which means used ones must be priced even lower to attract buyers. It’s a good city car, but if you’re looking to protect your investment, the Leaf isn’t it.
3. Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is big, bold, and comfortable—but it’s also a textbook example of how not to retain value. After five years, the 300 loses around 65% of its original MSRP.
It has a decent V6 and an optional HEMI V8, but neither engine choice is enough to overcome its poor resale track record. The full-size sedan market has been in decline for years, and that shift has left the 300 behind.
One of the biggest issues is its outdated platform. While competitors like Dodge have evolved or found new audiences, the 300 has mostly stood still.
The interior and tech features feel behind the curve, and the exterior hasn’t changed significantly in a decade. It’s not a bad car—it’s just one that feels left behind, and that reflects in its resale.
Additionally, Chrysler doesn’t have the strongest brand loyalty or reliability ratings. When people shop used, they’re looking for peace of mind, and the 300 doesn’t inspire it. Combined with high insurance costs and lower fuel efficiency, it’s easy to see why it drops like a rock in value.
4. Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala was once a household name—a full-size sedan loved for its roomy interior, smooth ride, and budget-friendly appeal. But in recent years, the Impala has fallen hard in the resale game.
After five years, this once-proud model can lose over 65% of its value. Even before GM discontinued it in 2020, the Impala struggled to compete with modern sedans and the rising dominance of crossovers and SUVs.
One major contributor to its depreciation is the shift in consumer preference. As families and commuters moved toward crossovers for their blend of utility and fuel economy, full-size sedans like the Impala became increasingly irrelevant.
GM’s decision to pull the plug only made things worse—while some discontinued models gain value due to rarity, the Impala did not enjoy that legacy status. Instead, it became symbolic of an outdated segment that many consumers have moved past.
Additionally, the Impala lacked the innovation and branding power of its rivals. It was roomy and affordable, sure, but it didn’t offer standout technology or styling to build a loyal fan base.
It was the kind of car rental companies bought in bulk, and that reputation still clings to it. As a result, even gently used Impalas on the market today are often priced significantly lower than similar vehicles with better name recognition and reliability ratings.
5. Jaguar XF
Luxury sedans already face rapid depreciation, but the Jaguar XF is among the worst performers in the segment. Within five years, an XF can lose more than 70% of its original value.
Despite sleek styling, British flair, and strong performance options, it simply doesn’t compete well in terms of long-term ownership value.
Jaguar’s longstanding reputation for inconsistent reliability and expensive maintenance haunts this model, and used buyers take notice.
The XF also suffers from being overshadowed by German rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Those vehicles have better resale histories, stronger dealer networks, and more refined technology suites.
Jaguar has tried to carve out its niche with distinctive styling and sporty handling, but in the real world, resale value is driven by perceived dependability and unfortunately, the XF falls short.
Then there’s the issue of branding and support. Jaguar dealerships are fewer in number compared to BMW or Audi, which means fewer service options and reduced convenience for potential buyers. That can be a dealbreaker on the used market.
When shoppers have to choose between a reliable Lexus or an XF with a checkered service record, the decision is obvious. Unless you’re scoring a killer deal, the Jaguar XF is not a car you buy if you’re worried about resale value.
Depreciation is one of the biggest hidden costs of car ownership. While every vehicle loses value over time, some hold up significantly better than others, and the differences can be thousands of dollars.
Whether you’re a practical buyer looking for long-term reliability or a driving enthusiast who wants your investment to hold some weight, it pays to research depreciation rates before signing on the dotted line.
Vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler, and Honda Civic prove that smart engineering and brand trust go a long way toward value retention.
Also Read: 10 Best Hybrid Cars of 2025 That Balance Fuel Efficiency, Reliability, and Everyday Comfort
Meanwhile, models like the BMW 7 Series, Nissan Leaf, and Jaguar XF show how luxury or innovation doesn’t always translate into long-term worth. It’s not just about what the car can do today, it’s about how it will perform on the resale lot years from now.
So the next time you’re shopping for a new or used vehicle, consider more than just the monthly payments or horsepower figures. Think long-term. Think resale. Because a car that keeps its value isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s a smart financial move.
