Depreciation is one of the hidden costs of owning a car, but some vehicles defy the trend by retaining exceptional value over time. These five models stand out for their reliability, broad market appeal, and brand loyalty, making them smart investments even after five years on the road.
Whether you’re shopping new or used, choosing a vehicle that maintains its resale value can save you thousands in the long run. These aren’t just popular cars, they’re durable, cost-effective, and built to last. Here are five five-year-old cars that consistently sell for top dollar in the resale market.
5 Five-Year-Old Cars That Sell for Top Dollar
1. Toyota Tacoma: The Long-Haul Champion
The Toyota Tacoma leads the pack when it comes to value retention. After five years, it holds up to 70% of its original value, thanks to its rugged build, off-road prowess, and unwavering reliability. It’s not uncommon to see Tacomas with over 200,000 miles still commanding premium resale prices.
Toyota’s strategic production keeps supply low and demand high, especially in outdoor and utility-heavy regions. Its loyal fanbase and aftermarket support further boost its appeal. For buyers seeking durability and strong resale, the Tacoma offers unmatched value in the midsize truck category. It’s as much an investment as it is transportation.
2. Jeep Wrangler: Iconic and Indestructible
The Jeep Wrangler is a rare SUV that breaks the usual depreciation mold, keeping over 60% of its value after five years. Its boxy, timeless design rarely changes, which helps even older models remain in style. Rugged off-road capabilities and a die-hard fan base make it a top performer in resale.
Whether used for beach cruising or mountain climbing, the Wrangler’s utility shines. It’s also easy to modify and maintain, which adds to its long-term appeal. Buyers love its fun factor, and sellers love its resale strength. If you want adventure and value retention, the Wrangler hits the mark.
3. Porsche 911: Luxury with Lasting Value
In a segment known for high depreciation, the Porsche 911 stands out by retaining nearly 60% of its value after five years. This performance icon blends classic styling, top-tier engineering, and brand prestige to command strong demand even in the used market.
The 911 is also one of the few luxury sports cars known for everyday reliability, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and practical buyers alike. Older models, especially limited editions, can even appreciate in value. Thanks to its timeless appeal and usability, the 911 is a rare case of luxury that holds its ground financially.
4. Subaru Crosstrek: Budget SUV, Premium Resale
The Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV with big staying power. It holds about 60% of its value after five years, thanks to a strong reputation for reliability and versatility. Standard all-wheel drive and impressive fuel efficiency make it a favorite in regions with harsh weather.
Subaru’s fanbase appreciates the Crosstrek’s balance of affordability and capability, making it a consistent performer on the resale market. It’s ideal for commuters, small families, and adventurers alike.
Combined with low maintenance costs and excellent safety ratings, the Crosstrek proves that practical, modestly priced vehicles can be smart long-term investments.
5. Honda Civic: Reliable and Resale-Ready
The Honda Civic continues to be one of the best-value compact cars on the market. Holding over 55% of its original value after five years, it’s a testament to Honda’s reliability and engineering excellence.
Civics appeal to a wide range of drivers, from students to professionals, thanks to their stylish design, fuel efficiency, and proven longevity.
With proper maintenance, Civics regularly exceed 200,000 miles, which makes them highly sought after in the used market. Safety ratings and low running costs add to the appeal. For a compact car that checks all the boxes and stays valuable, the Civic is a top pick.
Choosing a car that holds its value doesn’t just save money; it’s a smart strategy for long-term ownership. Vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler, and Honda Civic prove that durability, strong brand reputation, and broad appeal are key to depreciation resistance.
Whether you’re reselling after a few years or holding on for the long haul, these vehicles reward owners with lower ownership costs and better returns. If you’re looking to buy a five-year-old vehicle that still commands top dollar, these five options deliver exceptional value both on and off the lot.
5 Five-Year-Old Cars That Lose Half Their Value
While some vehicles maintain impressive resale value, others lose more than half their worth within just five years. These cars might boast luxury features, high-tech gadgets, or early innovation, but factors like poor reliability, expensive maintenance, and market shifts can drag their resale prices down.
For budget-conscious buyers, avoiding vehicles with steep depreciation is crucial. The following models may seem appealing up front, but often become financial burdens over time. Here are five cars that lose value quickly, costing their owners far more than just the sticker price.
1. BMW 7 Series: Prestige That Fades Fast
The BMW 7 Series is the pinnacle of luxury sedans, but its resale value tells a different story. Within five years, it can lose up to 70% of its original value. Advanced tech, comfort features, and performance capabilities make it alluring, but aging models bring costly repairs and complex maintenance.
The shrinking luxury sedan market and frequent redesigns also make older 7 Series models feel outdated. High upkeep costs and declining consumer interest drive down demand. While it may impress on day one, the 7 Series proves that premium vehicles can also be some of the worst long-term investments.
2. Nissan Leaf: Electric Pioneer, Poor Resale
Once a trailblazer in the EV world, the Nissan Leaf now suffers from rapid depreciation, losing over 65% of its value after five years. Early models had limited range and outdated battery technology, making them less appealing as the EV market evolved.
Newer competitors offer significantly better performance and range, pushing used Leafs further down the resale ladder. Government incentives also drove down new Leaf prices, further undercutting used models.
Though efficient for city driving, the Leaf doesn’t inspire long-term confidence in buyers. For EV shoppers concerned about value retention, the Leaf falls short despite its eco-friendly appeal.
3. Chrysler 300: Big Sedan, Bigger Drop
The Chrysler 300 is bold, spacious, and once a symbol of American luxury, but its value plummets fast. It loses about 65% of its worth within five years, thanks to an outdated design and dwindling market interest in large sedans. While it offers a comfortable ride and V6 or V8 options, its old platform and lack of innovation turn off modern buyers.
Chrysler’s spotty reliability reputation doesn’t help, especially for resale. With shrinking demand and higher ownership costs, the 300 has become a tough sell in the used market. It’s a prime example of a once-loved model left behind by trends.
4. Chevrolet Impala: A Legacy Lost
Once a household name, the Chevrolet Impala now struggles to maintain relevance and resale value. After five years, it depreciates by over 65%. Consumer tastes shifted toward SUVs and crossovers, leaving full-size sedans like the Impala behind.
GM’s discontinuation of the model in 2020 didn’t help it lacked the cult following needed to stay valuable post-production. The Impala was practical and roomy but lacked distinctive style, innovation, or loyal fanfare.
Its association with fleet use and rentals further hurt its image. In today’s resale market, even well-maintained Impalas are priced low, reflecting their diminished role in modern automotive preferences.
5. Jaguar XF: Flashy but Financially Fragile
The Jaguar XF, though sleek and luxurious, loses more than 70% of its value within five years. Despite strong engines and British styling, it’s plagued by Jaguar’s long-standing reliability concerns and high maintenance costs.
The XF is also overshadowed by German rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which offer better resale support and broader brand appeal. Jaguar’s limited dealership presence makes service less convenient, another drawback for used buyers.
In a market where resale value is tied to trust and longevity, the XF comes up short. While stylish, it’s not a financially wise choice for buyers focused on long-term value.
Not all vehicles age gracefully; some lose their value so quickly that they become burdens rather than assets. Models like the BMW 7 Series, Nissan Leaf, and Jaguar XF may shine on the showroom floor, but high upkeep costs, outdated tech, and shifting market preferences drag their resale down.
For budget-minded buyers, avoiding steep depreciation is key to smarter car ownership. These five vehicles highlight the importance of looking beyond initial features and thinking ahead. If you want to protect your investment, choose wisely because, in the long run, depreciation can be the most expensive part of car ownership.
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