Are you considering expanding your fleet with vehicles that retain their value even with high mileage?
That’s a smart move. You’re probably already familiar with the old rule: don’t keep a car for more than four or five years sell it while it still holds decent value, purchase a newer model, and you’ll always have a relatively new car without overspending.
It’s a sound system, and perhaps one you already follow but it’s primarily effective for private owners. As a car trader, however, you may need to focus on the other side of the spectrum: cars that are built for long-term ownership.
The most durable used vehicles usually come with high resale value, steady demand across European markets, and lower depreciation rates. Understanding the true value of high-mileage vehicles could be essential in maximizing profitability.
That’s why it’s important to explore which cars perform best in the high-mileage category and which are the most attractive for resale. Some automotive brands are known for their reliability and long-lasting performance. Toyota is legendary for its endurance and minimal maintenance needs.
Volkswagen has built a reputation for delivering consistent quality across a range of models. BMW is appreciated for its premium engineering, while Volvo is known for its durability and dependable performance over time.
Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with exceptional build quality and long life, while Audi offers high-performance vehicles with excellent maintenance potential.
Honda is consistently praised for engineering excellence and reliability, and Subaru for its long-lasting all-wheel drive systems and tough engines. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, also boasts an impressive track record for reliability maybe even best in class.
Even though traders often differ in their focus whether it’s on specific demographics, customer needs, or regions high-mileage cars that retain strong value are almost always a solid bet.
High mileage doesn’t always equate to lower quality. In fact, reliable cars with a good reputation tend to sell quickly, even if they have significant kilometres on the odometer.
Often, they perform better in the market than lower-mileage vehicles that are known for costly repairs or mechanical problems. High-maintenance cars usually appeal to brand loyalists or enthusiasts, but these aren’t the buyers that most dealers are targeting.
Porsche Cayman
Some cars consistently perform well on the high-mileage resale market. These include a blend of premium models for upscale buyers and widely popular mainstream vehicles.
For example, the Porsche Cayman is a luxury sports car that presents strong potential for traders. As Porsche’s entry-level model, it offers solid profit margins particularly in base configurations. Luxury vehicles typically depreciate steeply in their early years but tend to stabilize in value over time.
In markets like the Netherlands, pricing is often elevated due to taxation structures, while vehicles sourced from Germany usually come with a complete service history.
The Cayman holds exceptional market value, is favored by collectors and driving enthusiasts, and enjoys consistent demand in the luxury and performance segments.
Porsche took its first step into electrifying its sports car lineup last year with the debut of the 911 GTS Hybrid. However, that move seems relatively restrained compared to what’s coming for the 911’s smaller counterparts—the Boxster and Cayman.
These two-seaters are set to abandon internal combustion entirely, as recent spy shots have captured a pair of Cayman prototypes testing their electric drivetrains in and around the Nürburgring.
Our spy photographers have already caught the Boxster several times over the past couple of years, and they managed to get some blurry, long-distance images of the Cayman when it first ventured outside earlier this year. These new images, however, are much clearer and reveal two cars sporting distinct wheel designs.
Though the Cayman is transitioning to a fully electric powertrain, its overall shape remains closely aligned with the current ICE model. It still embodies the look of a traditional mid-engine baby supercar, with a front end that plunges toward the road and a smooth, fastback-style rear.
One of the standout qualities of the ICE 718s is their practicality, with trunks at both ends—and it’s expected that the EV versions will uphold that same functionality.
In the shots taken on the Nürburgring track itself, a small active spoiler can be seen deployed at the lower edge of the liftback hatch. Just beneath it, positioned centrally in the rear bumper, is the charging port for the battery, which is installed vertically behind the seats and will utilize 800-volt architecture.
The front end features active cooling vents similar to those on the 911 GTS Hybrid, while camouflaging on the rear quarter windows and lower side panels conceals an upswept window line and lower air intake design reminiscent of the Mission R concept.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is another solid performer, especially in Southern European countries like Spain and Italy. It comfortably operates well beyond 100,000 kilometres and remains popular with both private owners and commercial buyers.
While the E-Class remains a staple in Germany’s taxi fleet, there’s a growing market for ex-lease GLEs especially diesel versions, which tend to retain their value more effectively.
This SUV offers stable depreciation, strong interest from rental fleets and business clients, and reliable performance that supports its higher upfront cost.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class serves as a well-rounded mid-size luxury SUV positioned between the brand’s compact GLC and full-size GLS. It offers buyers a choice of four different engines, from a turbocharged inline-four to a twin-turbo V-8, not counting the two high-performance AMG models that are evaluated separately.
For the 2025 model year, Mercedes adds new customization options, including fresh Manufaktur aesthetic touches and a $12,250 Signature Interior package that introduces Maybach-like features such as headrest pillows, premium leather upholstery, and plush floor mats.
These enhancements help blur the line between mainstream Mercedes-Benz models and their ultra-luxury counterparts. While the GLE-class excels in comfort and high-end features, it doesn’t deliver the same level of sporty character or excitement found in rivals like the Genesis GV80 or Porsche Cayenne.
However, for buyers who value luxury and refinement over aggressive driving dynamics, the GLE-class remains a smart and attractive choice—so long as one keeps an eye on how quickly the price climbs with options.
For 2025, the GLE lineup introduces the GLE450 Coupe—a non-AMG version of the coupe body style, which had previously been limited to AMG trims. In addition to the new coupe variant, Mercedes expands the GLE’s customization offerings through Manufaktur paint and upholstery choices and introduces a standard fingerprint reader for added convenience.
The Manufaktur Signature Interior package enhances the cabin with premium materials and bespoke details, reinforcing the vehicle’s luxury credentials.
The 2025 GLE-class starts at $63,000 and tops out at $94,700 depending on the selected trim and options. The base GLE350, priced at $63,000, features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is also available in Exclusive and Pinnacle trims.
The GLE450 models start at $72,500 and climb in price with higher trims, while the GLE580—featuring a twin-turbo V-8—commands the highest price among non-AMG GLEs. After testing multiple configurations, the GLE350 emerges as the most balanced option.
Despite being the entry-level model, its 255-hp engine delivers satisfactory performance and the best fuel economy in the lineup. This allows buyers to allocate budget toward upgrading to the Pinnacle trim, which includes premium features such as a Burmester audio system, ventilated and massaging front seats, a head-up display, and even an in-cabin fragrance diffuser.
Under the hood, the GLE350 employs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 255 horsepower, paired with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (badged as 4Matic) and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The GLE450 upgrades to a 362-hp turbocharged inline-six with standard all-wheel drive, while both the GLE350 and GLE450 benefit from 48-volt hybrid assistance. There’s also the plug-in hybrid GLE450e, which combines a turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor to deliver 381 horsepower, though it is reviewed separately.
The GLE580 stands as the top-tier non-AMG variant, featuring a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and 48-volt hybrid system producing 504 horsepower. All GLE models can be equipped with a sophisticated air-suspension system that not only improves handling by leaning into corners but can also help free the vehicle from sand or mud by rhythmically adjusting ride height. The default suspension setup includes steel springs and anti-roll bars.
Performance-wise, the GLE350 4Matic accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, while the more powerful GLE450 does it in 5.3 seconds. According to Mercedes, the V-8-powered GLE580 can hit 60 mph in a brisk 4.3 seconds.
Despite these figures, the GLE’s focus remains on refinement rather than outright speed. In terms of fuel economy, the rear-wheel-drive GLE350 is the efficiency leader with EPA estimates of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Adding all-wheel drive reduces these figures by 2 mpg.
Surprisingly, the GLE450 achieves nearly identical fuel efficiency despite its greater power, while the GLE580 is the least efficient, rated at 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
In real-world testing, a GLE350 4Matic managed 25 mpg on a 75-mph highway route, and a GLE450 4Matic achieved 23 mpg. The GLE450 competes closely with the BMW X5 xDrive40i, though the BMW returned a stronger 28 mpg in the same test conditions.
Inside, the GLE-class delivers on its luxury promise with high-end materials such as leather, wood, and metal. Even the armrests and center console lid can be heated, providing extra comfort on cold days. The cabin is spacious and optionally includes a third row, though it’s best suited for children or small adults.
The dashboard features large, high-resolution displays and a range of advanced technologies. Cargo space is competitive, with room for 11 carry-on suitcases behind the second row and up to 26 with all seats folded.
This matches the BMW X5 but outperforms more style-focused SUVs like the Audi Q8. However, the GLE450 Coupe sacrifices some cargo capacity due to its sloping roofline.
On the tech front, the GLE boasts dual 12.3-inch displays that stretch across the dashboard and serve as the command center for Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system. MBUX supports voice control similar to Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant, allowing drivers to manage functions like climate control and media playback without lifting a finger.
A touchpad on the center console and touch-sensitive screen provide alternate control methods, though the interface can be confusing, making it better to navigate while parked. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, keeping drivers and passengers connected on the move.
Altogether, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class strikes a strong balance between luxury, technology, and versatility. It may not be the most dynamic SUV in its class, but for those prioritizing comfort, personalization, and high-end features, it remains a standout—just be prepared to budget carefully if you’re planning to add on all the premium extras.
Audi A3
Lastly, the Audi A3 continues to be a reliable option across various European countries. Diesel variants are particularly successful in markets like France and Germany.
Compared to other premium vehicles, the A3 has a lower entry cost, which makes it attractive to a broader range of customers.
It leads in the compact premium segment, is in high demand in urban areas, and stands out for its excellent fuel economy and low maintenance requirements.
By focusing on cars that combine strong reputations with lasting durability, traders can benefit from vehicles that are not only dependable but also retain their value well making them excellent investments in the long run.
The 2025 A3 sedan stands as Audi’s smallest offering in the North American market, but despite its compact footprint, this four-door car brings a surprisingly engaging driving experience that mirrors the character of the brand’s larger sports sedans.
Under the hood is a 201-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that, while not overwhelming in power, delivers smooth performance and responds eagerly when pushed. For those seeking greater performance, the S3—reviewed separately—offers a significant upgrade, adding 127 more horsepower and delivering sharper, more dynamic handling.
Regardless of the trim, every A3 model comes equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s signature all-wheel-drive system, ensuring confident traction in a variety of driving conditions.
Inside, the A3 offers a comfortable space for two adults, though fitting four passengers can feel cramped, especially in the rear seats. Its trunk space also falls short when compared to competitors like the Acura Integra and BMW 2-series Gran Coupe, making it slightly less practical for carrying larger loads. Still, the A3 shines when it comes to in-cabin technology.
A 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen are prominently placed on the dashboard, giving the driver an easy, high-tech interface to interact with. Audi has also packed the A3 with a suite of available driver-assistance features for those who want a more tech-supported driving experience.
However, for drivers who prefer to stay fully in control, Audi allows most of those digital aids to be turned off. That’s something we appreciate, as it lets the A3’s playful handling characteristics come to the forefront without unnecessary interference.
While its size and storage capacity may be modest, the A3 delivers a refined, fun-to-drive experience that stands out in the compact luxury sedan segment—especially if you value a good blend of performance and modern technology.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a highly popular model in Germany, and cars sourced from the German market are generally easy to resell due to the country’s reputation for diligent vehicle maintenance.
Diesel variants of the 3 Series, in particular, tend to hold their value better when they accumulate higher mileage.
This model consistently delivers strong resale value and appeals to both business and private buyers. Its broad range of engine options also enhances market flexibility, making it an attractive choice for a variety of customers.
The 2025 BMW 3 Series receives a series of subtle updates aimed at enhancing its appeal beyond the more extensive refresh it underwent in 2022. Now streamlined to just two core models—the entry-level 330i and the more powerful M340i—the lineup no longer includes the 330e plug-in hybrid, which has been dropped for the 2025 model year.
Despite this simplification, the 3 Series continues to stand out as a well-rounded luxury sedan, boasting a refined interior, solid build quality, and advanced technology that keeps it competitive in its class.
This year’s model introduces slight visual revisions to the exterior and interior, along with improvements under the skin. The M340i now benefits from a mild hybrid system, which provides quicker throttle response and marginally improved fuel efficiency, while also delivering a modest increase in horsepower.
BMW’s latest infotainment software debuts here, offering reorganized menu layouts that streamline user interaction and enhance overall usability.
Though the 3 Series continues to offer precise and polished handling, ride comfort remains a potential downside for some, as the suspension can feel overly firm on imperfect road surfaces.
Additionally, many of the advanced driver assistance systems that rivals often include as standard are still optional extras on the 3 Series, which could be a sticking point for shoppers prioritizing safety tech.
Still, the 3 Series remains a standout in the segment, thanks to its combination of dynamic performance, upscale cabin, and efficient, powerful engine choices. With a tastefully modern interior that provides ample space for passengers, the 2025 3 Series proves that BMW’s core sedan is still a benchmark for driving enjoyment in the luxury compact category.
Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is another top-performing model with strong demand across many European countries. As a high-volume seller, the Passat has built a reputation for reliability, making it one of the most trusted cars for high-mileage usage.
Notably, it was among the best-selling vehicles in Germany as of May 2024. Its proven dependability over long distances, coupled with cost-effective maintenance, has made it a favorite among fleet operators and private owners alike.
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat doesn’t deliver the same excitement as the more stylish and performance-driven family sedans it competes with. When placed beside the low-slung Hyundai Sonata or the sharp-looking Kia K5, the VW comes across as visually bland. While its interior maintains the same subdued tone, it is well-constructed and features agreeable materials.
The cabin also offers impressive space, especially for rear-seat passengers. This, combined with its wide array of standard driver-assistance features—such as “automated emergency braking” and “blind-spot monitoring”—makes it a practical pick for families.
The Passat’s four-cylinder engine runs smoothly, though it lags behind competitors like the Honda Accord in terms of speed, and it lacks options like all-wheel drive or a hybrid model, which many rivals offer. That said, the 2022 Passat stands out for its smooth ride and competitive pricing.
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is another timeless classic with widespread popularity across virtually all markets. It enjoys a strong reputation for reliability and performance, making it a favorite among various types of buyers.
Among the different variants, the GTI and R models tend to retain their value the best over time.
The Golf maintains a consistent sales record, offers a versatile platform that appeals to multiple market segments, and has a strong presence in the second-hand market, making it a dependable choice for both buyers and sellers.
For years, the Golf R has served as the flagship model of Volkswagen’s compact Golf lineup, building on the GTI’s iconic hot-hatch formula with a significant boost in power and cutting-edge technology.
At the heart of this transformation is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, now more muscular than ever, paired with all-wheel drive, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and standard adaptive suspension. It even offers an optional drift mode—all of which work together to deliver a driving experience that far surpasses what most hatchbacks can dream of offering.
Despite its performance upgrades, the Golf R still maintains the same practical, space-conscious design—complete with four doors and a useful cargo area—that has made the Golf a global favorite for the past five decades. (In the U.S., however, only the GTI and R trims remain available.)
For 2025, the Golf R receives a few key updates. Most notably, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine gains an extra 13 horsepower, bumping the total output to 328 horsepower. These powertrain enhancements come alongside some exterior styling revisions that had already been revealed.
But make no mistake—the essence of the Golf R remains unchanged. The 2025 model is every bit as capable of delivering thrilling, performance-oriented driving in a functional, everyday-friendly package. It continues to prove that you don’t need to sacrifice practicality for driving excitement.
Skoda Superb
The Skoda Superb presents a more budget-friendly alternative to its Volkswagen counterpart while still delivering a premium experience.
Its lower acquisition cost creates room for healthy profit margins, especially on ex-fleet units. In Germany, the estate versions are particularly favored due to their added practicality.
The Superb is a cost-effective premium option that is widely used by taxi and rental companies. Its spacious design also adds to its utility value, making it a practical and desirable vehicle for a variety of commercial and private uses.
This is the all-new Skoda Superb—the fourth-generation version of the Czech automaker’s flagship saloon, first introduced over two decades ago. Now bigger and more premium than ever, the latest Superb further cements its place at the top of Skoda’s lineup.
Amazingly, it’s grown even larger than its already sizeable predecessor, stretching 43mm longer and standing 12mm taller, resulting in even more interior space. This is particularly true if you go for the cavernous Skoda Superb Estate, which offers even greater practicality.
Visually, however, you’d struggle to distinguish it from the third-generation model at a glance. Subtle design changes include a redesigned octagonal grille and slimmer headlights, which are now optionally available in a “crystallinium” style—though what that means exactly is anyone’s guess. Skoda also boasts improved aerodynamic efficiency, highlighting the car’s refinement through meticulous detail changes.
The Superb was already a huge car, but now it borders on massive. According to Skoda, the new version delivers an extra 20 litres of boot capacity compared to the outgoing hatch, as well as a modest 11mm more headroom in the front and 6mm in the back. Small enhancements, but meaningful all the same.
One of the most notable updates is the tech offering. The cabin now features a 10-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 13-inch infotainment display.
A key addition is the new set of physical Smart Dials positioned beneath the screen—customisable rotary controls that manage features such as air conditioning, infotainment, and seat heating or ventilation. They’re intuitive, user-friendly, and a clever solution in an increasingly touchscreen-dominated world.
Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 benefits significantly from Volvo’s well-established reputation for safety, which positively influences its resale value.
While it has traditionally enjoyed popularity in Northern European markets, demand is also on the rise in Southern Europe.
Competing directly with German premium brands, the S60 is gaining traction, especially with its hybrid versions becoming increasingly popular.
Its safety-focused design, strong performance in corporate fleet markets, and a robust certified pre-owned program make it a solid option for traders looking for reliable resale opportunities.
Volvo’s compact S60 sport sedan brings a sleek, refined, and distinctly Scandinavian design to a market crowded with lookalike vehicles. While today’s cars benefit from advanced safety technologies and stricter crash-test standards, making driving safer than ever, Volvo—long synonymous with safety—has also shifted its focus to style, and the S60 embodies that balance.
The sedan exudes plenty of visual appeal, yet it faces a harsh reality: American consumers have overwhelmingly embraced SUVs, pushing traditional sedans like the S60 to the sidelines. As a result, the 2025 model year marks the end of the S60’s production.
The final version comes equipped with a standard 247-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is competent but unremarkable, or as a more powerful plug-in hybrid that delivers 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a commendable 41 miles of electric-only range.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla remains one of the top choices for high-mileage used cars. Toyotas, in general, are known for their durability and reliability.
(The author of this article drives a 2004 Toyota Avensis that has clocked over 350,000 kilometres, and is still going strong.)
Although the Corolla’s long-standing position as the world’s best-selling car may soon be overtaken by Tesla, its exceptional global popularity and strong resale value continue to hold firm.
With a global reputation that enhances its resale prospects, low maintenance costs, and high demand across various market segments, the Corolla is a dependable choice for both fleet and private resale.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a compact city car that excels in urban environments thanks to its excellent fuel efficiency. It is particularly popular as a first car among private buyers, making it a strong performer in the personal vehicle market.
For traders, the Yaris is attractive due to its low running costs and strong appeal in specific markets most notably in Spain, where Toyotas enjoy widespread popularity.
Hybrid versions of the Yaris command a premium, and the model is commonly used in urban taxi and rental services. Traders can also expect good margins on ex-rental units, making it a profitable option.
The price of the 2020 Toyota Yaris starts at $16,605 and goes up to $19,745 depending on the trim level and selected options. The L sedan begins at $16,605, while the standard L trim is priced slightly higher at $16,645.
Moving up, the LE sedan comes in at $17,605, and the regular LE trim is listed at $17,645. For hatchback buyers, the LE hatchback is priced at $18,705, with another LE hatchback trim option at $18,745.
The XLE sedan and XLE hatchback both start at $19,705, while the highest trim, the XLE, reaches up to $19,745. This positions the entire Yaris lineup within a price range that spans from $0 to $10k, $20k, and up to $30k, depending on configuration.
The base L sedan equipped with a manual transmission provides a decent amount of standard equipment that should satisfy most buyers. If you’d rather have the convenience of an automatic transmission, the L trim can also be equipped with a six-speed automatic for an additional $1100 over the manual model’s price.
The L with manual transmission comes with 15-inch steel wheels and includes exterior features such as daytime running lights and power-adjustable side mirrors.
Inside the cabin, it offers standard features like air conditioning, keyless entry and ignition, a manually adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and a rear seat with a 60/40 split-folding function. All versions of the Yaris come with “low-speed forward-collision warning” as standard, adding a useful layer of driver assistance.
