12 Cars Worth More Today Than They Were Last Year

Published Categorized as Cars No Comments on 12 Cars Worth More Today Than They Were Last Year
Green BMW drives along coastal road
Green BMW drives along coastal road

Most cars lose value as they get older, but the used-car market does not always follow that familiar pattern. Some models become more expensive because demand rises, available inventory tightens, or buyers begin favoring a particular type of vehicle.

Electric cars have recently benefited from renewed interest, while certain luxury sedans, compact crossovers, and family SUVs have also recorded surprising price increases. These changes show that depreciation is not always a straight downward line, even for vehicles that are only a few years old.

The following 12 cars recorded some of the largest year-over-year increases in average used prices in iSeeCars’ June 2026 study. The research compared one- to five-year-old used vehicles listed in June 2025 and June 2026. Each model below includes its average price and the amount it gained over the year. These figures describe market-wide price changes, not guaranteed profits for individual owners.

1. Tesla Model X

Average used price: $60,950 | Increase: $9,066 | Year-over-year change: 17.5%

The Tesla Model X recorded the largest price increase in the June 2026 comparison. Its average used price reached $60,950, up $9,066 from the previous year. That 17.5% gain is particularly striking for a premium electric SUV, especially when the broader used-car market was moving in the opposite direction.

The Model X has several characteristics that separate it from conventional family SUVs. Its available three-row layout provides room for additional passengers, while its electric powertrain delivers the immediate acceleration associated with Tesla vehicles. The distinctive falcon-wing rear doors also give it a design that remains recognizable even among expensive luxury crossovers.

Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X

Its price movement reflects the improving position of used electric vehicles. Buyers who want an EV with more passenger space and performance may see the Model X as an alternative to large gasoline-powered luxury SUVs. The model also offers access to Tesla’s charging network and software-focused features, which remain important considerations for some shoppers.

However, a higher average price does not make every used Model X a bargain. Battery condition, mileage, warranty coverage, suspension wear, and the operation of its powered doors should all be checked. Its substantial purchase price also means that unexpected repairs can become expensive. The market increase is significant, but buyers still need to evaluate each vehicle individually.

2. BMW X2

Average used price: $33,956 | Increase: $5,035 | Year-over-year change: 17.4%

The BMW X2 came close to matching the Model X, recording a 17.4% increase in average used prices. Its June 2026 average reached $33,956, which was $5,035 higher than the figure recorded a year earlier. The result placed it near the top of the study despite being a gasoline-powered compact luxury crossover.

The X2 occupies an interesting position in BMW’s lineup. It provides the elevated seating position and practical layout associated with an SUV while retaining a smaller footprint than the brand’s larger X models. Its styling is also more distinctive than that of many conventional compact crossovers, giving it an identity that appeals to buyers who want something different.

BMW X2
BMW X2

Part of its appeal comes from its size. Drivers who spend much of their time in cities may prefer a vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver without giving up a premium interior or the driving character associated with BMW. It also offers an alternative to shoppers who find larger luxury SUVs unnecessarily expensive.

The X2’s increase shows that used-car appreciation is not restricted to electric vehicles. Still, shoppers should compare generations, engines, trims, and equipment before paying more. Maintenance records and mechanical condition matter just as much as the average market price. A neglected example may not justify the same asking price as a carefully maintained one.

3. MINI Countryman

Average used price: $30,535 | Increase: $4,231 | Year-over-year change: 16.1%

The MINI Countryman recorded a 16.1% increase in average used prices, bringing its June 2026 average to $30,535. That represented a $4,231 gain compared with June 2025. Its performance is notable because the Countryman is neither a high-performance luxury car nor a fully electric vehicle in every version.

The Countryman serves as the practical member of the MINI family. It keeps the brand’s recognizable design language but offers more passenger and cargo room than the smaller Cooper models. Its crossover shape makes it easier to use as a daily vehicle, particularly for buyers who need additional flexibility without wanting a large SUV.

MINI Countryman
MINI Countryman

That combination gives the Countryman a specific appeal in the used market. Some shoppers want a compact vehicle that feels more distinctive than the typical collection of mainstream crossovers. Others are drawn to MINI’s premium positioning and the model’s relatively manageable dimensions. It can offer a different ownership experience without requiring the space or expense of a full-size SUV.

Its price increase suggests that buyers are still willing to pay more for compact crossovers with recognizable styling and useful interiors. However, prices vary by generation, engine, and equipment. Buyers should examine service records, inspect the powertrain, and compare similar examples before deciding whether a particular Countryman is worth its asking price.

4. Ford Mustang Convertible

Average used price: $32,524 | Increase: $4,025 | Year-over-year change: 14.1%

The Ford Mustang convertible recorded a 14.1% increase in average used prices, reaching $32,524 in June 2026. Its average value rose by $4,025 over the year, putting it ahead of several newer and more expensive vehicles in the study.

The Mustang convertible appeals to a different type of buyer from the SUVs and electric sedans on this list. Its open-top configuration, familiar styling, and performance-oriented character make it an option for drivers who want more than ordinary transportation. It also carries a name that has remained closely associated with American performance cars for decades.

Ford Mustang Convertible
Ford Mustang Convertible

Convertibles make up a smaller share of the vehicle market than traditional sedans and SUVs, making certain combinations of engines, transmissions, colors, and features more difficult to find. For buyers seeking a specific configuration, the limited supply of well-maintained examples can help keep asking prices higher.

The Mustang’s identity also gives it an advantage among enthusiasts. It is recognizable, has a long history, and offers a driving experience that differs from that of a typical family vehicle. Those qualities can help sustain interest in used examples even as the market changes.

However, not every Mustang convertible will appreciate equally. Engine choice, mileage, modifications, accident history, and roof condition all influence value. Buyers should pay particular attention to the convertible mechanism and inspect the vehicle for signs of water intrusion or neglected maintenance.

5. Tesla Model 3

Average used price: $28,520 | Increase: $3,388 | Year-over-year change: 13.5%

The Tesla Model 3 recorded a 13.5% increase in average used prices, reaching $28,520 in June 2026. Its $3,388 gain is significant because the Model 3 is one of the more accessible ways to enter the electric-car market. It also demonstrates that the recovery in used EV prices extends beyond expensive flagship vehicles.

The Model 3 combines a relatively compact sedan body with an electric powertrain, strong acceleration, and a minimalist cabin. Its size makes it suitable for commuting and everyday driving, while its available range and charging options can make it practical for longer journeys. Different versions offer different performance and equipment levels, giving used buyers several configurations to consider.

Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3

Affordability is an important part of its appeal. A used Model 3 can provide access to electric driving at a lower purchase price than a new premium EV. Buyers who want to reduce gasoline expenses may also see it as an alternative to a conventional compact sedan, provided they have convenient charging access.

The Model 3’s price increase coincided with a broader recovery in used EV values. Average prices for pre-owned electric vehicles climbed 7.4% year over year in June, even as the wider used-car market experienced a decline.

Even so, battery health and remaining warranty coverage deserve close attention. Buyers should also check mileage, charging performance, accident history, and the availability of features on the specific model year. A higher average price does not remove the need for a thorough inspection.

6. Alfa Romeo Giulia

Average used price: $30,320 | Increase: $3,591 | Year-over-year change: 13.4%

The Alfa Romeo Giulia recorded a 13.4% increase in average used prices, reaching $30,320 in June 2026. Its $3,591 gain placed it among the strongest performers in the study and made it one of the few traditional premium sports sedans to record such a large increase.

The Giulia is known for its Italian styling and emphasis on driving enjoyment. Rather than focusing exclusively on rear-seat space or soft ride comfort, it offers a more engaging character for drivers who enjoy responsive handling. Its design also helps it stand apart from the more familiar luxury sedans competing in the same category.

Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alfa Romeo Giulia

That distinctiveness may be part of its used-market appeal. Buyers who want something different from the usual German premium brands may consider the Giulia because of its appearance and driving personality. The model also offers a more specialized alternative to the growing number of luxury crossovers.

Its price increase is particularly interesting at a time when sedans receive less attention than SUVs. While many shoppers have moved toward taller vehicles, there remains an audience for well-equipped four-door cars with performance-oriented engineering.

Potential buyers should approach the Giulia with careful research. Maintenance history, previous repairs, electronic systems, and the condition of the engine and transmission are important. A well-maintained example may be attractive, but buyers should not assume that a rising average price guarantees low ownership costs.

7. Tesla Model S

Average used price: $52,787 | Increase: $6,116 | Year-over-year change: 13.1%

The Tesla Model S recorded a 13.1% increase in average used prices, bringing its June 2026 average to $52,787. Its $6,116 gain was one of the largest dollar increases in the study, reflecting the continued demand for Tesla’s premium electric sedan.

The Model S has a different role from the more affordable Model 3. It offers a larger and more upscale package, with strong acceleration, a spacious cabin, and long-range configurations. Its position as one of Tesla’s flagship vehicles also gives it a recognizable identity in the electric-car market.

Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S

Buyers considering a used Model S may be attracted by its combination of performance and technology. It offers an alternative to premium gasoline sedans while providing the quiet operation and immediate torque associated with electric power. For shoppers who want a high-performance EV without paying the price of a brand-new luxury model, a used example can be worth considering.

The wider improvement in used EV prices has helped the Model S. The June study found that average electric-car prices increased even as the broader used-car market declined. That contrast suggests that demand for certain EVs has strengthened relative to conventional vehicles.

However, the Model S is not inexpensive to maintain if major components need attention. Battery condition, suspension, electronics, tires, and warranty coverage should be reviewed carefully. Its average price increase is a market statistic, not a promise that every used Model S will hold its value.

8. Honda Pilot

Average used price: $37,301 | Increase: $4,172 | Year-over-year change: 12.6%

The Honda Pilot recorded a 12.6% increase in average used prices, reaching $37,301 in June 2026. Its $4,172 gain makes it one of the strongest-performing mainstream family SUVs in the comparison.

The Pilot has long served buyers who need more passenger space than a compact crossover can provide. Its three-row layout, practical cabin, and family-focused design make it suitable for households that regularly carry several passengers. It also offers the versatility expected from a midsize SUV, with room for luggage and everyday cargo.

Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot

The model’s appeal is based on usefulness rather than novelty. Families may need additional seating for children, relatives, or carpooling, while drivers who travel frequently can benefit from the larger interior. That practical role helps the Pilot reach a wider group of used-car shoppers than a specialized performance vehicle.

Its price increase is also notable because the Pilot is a conventional gasoline-powered SUV. It shows that demand for established family vehicles can remain strong even when electric cars receive much of the attention in the used market.

Buyers should compare different model years and trims because features and prices can vary significantly. Service records, accident history, mileage, and the condition of the transmission and suspension should all be considered. A well-maintained Pilot may justify a higher asking price, but the vehicle’s actual condition remains the most important factor.

9. Tesla Model Y

Average used price: $32,916 | Increase: $3,529 | Year-over-year change: 12.0%

The Tesla Model Y recorded a 12% increase in average used prices, reaching $32,916 in June 2026. Its $3,529 gain placed it among the 10 strongest performers in the study and reinforced the strength of Tesla’s used-car lineup.

The Model Y combines the electric powertrain and technology associated with Tesla’s sedans with a taller, more practical crossover body. Its additional cargo room and flexible interior make it attractive to households that want an EV capable of handling commuting, shopping, and family travel.

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y

Its popularity also gives it a broad audience in the used market. Buyers can compare it with gasoline-powered compact SUVs, particularly if they have access to convenient home or public charging. The crossover layout makes it more versatile for some households than a traditional sedan.

The Model Y’s price trend reflects the broader recovery in used EV values during the first half of 2026. While the used-car market saw declining prices, electric vehicles recorded an average year-over-year increase. The Model Y outperformed that average, suggesting stronger demand for certain well-known EV models.

Still, buyers should not focus on price trends alone. Battery condition, mileage, range, warranty coverage, and previous collision repairs all influence the value of an individual vehicle. Different model years can also have meaningful differences in equipment and design, so comparing like-for-like examples is essential.

10. Lexus ES 300h

Average used price: $43,057 | Increase: $4,365 | Year-over-year change: 11.3%

The Lexus ES 300h recorded an 11.3% increase in average used prices, reaching $43,057 in June 2026. Its $4,365 gain shows that hybrid luxury sedans can remain desirable even as consumer attention shifts toward SUVs and fully electric vehicles.

The ES 300h combines the comfort-focused character of the Lexus ES with a hybrid powertrain designed to improve fuel efficiency. It is aimed at buyers who want a refined sedan but also want to reduce gasoline consumption during everyday driving. The hybrid system works without requiring the owner to plug the vehicle into an external charger.

Lexus ES 300h
Lexus ES 300h

That arrangement is an important part of its appeal. Some drivers are interested in electrification but are not ready to depend on charging infrastructure or change their refueling habits. A conventional hybrid offers an intermediate option, combining a gasoline engine with electric assistance while retaining the familiar experience of visiting a gas station.

The ES 300h also benefits from the Lexus reputation for comfort and premium interior quality. Buyers looking for a quiet commuter or a comfortable long-distance sedan may find it more appealing than a smaller mainstream hybrid.

Its price increase suggests that demand for efficient luxury vehicles remained strong during the study period. However, buyers should inspect service records and hybrid-system condition, and compare mileage and equipment before purchasing. The average market gain does not guarantee the same result for every example.

11. INFINITI QX80

Average used price: $48,756 | Increase: $4,871 | Year-over-year change: 11.1%

The INFINITI QX80 recorded an 11.1% increase in average used prices, reaching $48,756 in June 2026. Its $4,871 gain placed it among the strongest-performing large luxury SUVs in the study.

The QX80 is designed for buyers who need a substantial vehicle with three rows of seating, a spacious cabin, and a commanding driving position. Its size makes it a different proposition from compact and midsize crossovers, particularly for families who regularly travel with several passengers.

INFINITI QX80
INFINITI QX80

Large SUVs continue to attract buyers who prioritize passenger capacity and interior space. The QX80 also offers a premium alternative to mainstream three-row vehicles, with a more upscale presentation and equipment aimed at luxury buyers. Its road presence is another part of its appeal.

The model’s price increase suggests that demand for full-size luxury SUVs can remain strong even when the wider used-car market is softening. Buyers in this segment may be less focused on finding the smallest or most economical vehicle and more interested in space, comfort, and capability.

However, the QX80’s size comes with higher potential ownership costs. Fuel consumption, tires, insurance, and maintenance can be more expensive than on smaller vehicles. A used example should also be checked for suspension wear, electronic faults, accident repairs, and a complete service history. The average price increase is encouraging for owners, but buyers still need to account for the cost of keeping one on the road.

12. Lexus ES 350

Average used price: $41,289 | Increase: $4,102 | Year-over-year change: 11.0%

The Lexus ES 350 recorded an 11% increase in average used prices, reaching $41,289 in June 2026. Its $4,102 gain makes it another premium sedan that appreciated despite the wider used-car market’s decline.

Unlike the ES 300h, the ES 350 uses a conventional gasoline powertrain. It is aimed at drivers who prioritize a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, and a refined everyday driving experience without choosing a hybrid system. Its spacious interior and premium finish also make it suitable for longer journeys.

Lexus ES 350
Lexus ES 350

The ES 350’s appeal comes from a straightforward luxury-sedan formula. It offers an upscale interior and a more relaxed driving character without requiring buyers to move into a larger or considerably more expensive luxury vehicle. That combination has helped the ES nameplate remain relevant among shoppers who still prefer traditional four-door cars.

Its appearance alongside the hybrid ES 300h is particularly interesting. Both versions recorded double-digit price increases in the June 2026 study, suggesting that demand for the ES continued across different powertrain choices. Buyers can choose between the conventional gasoline model and the more fuel-efficient hybrid based on their priorities.

As with any used luxury car, condition matters more than the nameplate alone. Buyers should review maintenance records, mileage, accident history, and equipment. A clean, well-maintained ES 350 may command a stronger price, but the reported 11% increase should not be treated as a guaranteed return for every owner.

Published
Aldino Fernandes

By Aldino Fernandes

Aldino Fernandes brings street-level passion and global perspective to the world of automotive journalism. At Dax Street, he covers everything from tuner culture and exotic builds to the latest automotive tech shaping the roads ahead. Known for his sharp takes and deep respect for car heritage, Aldino connects readers to the pulse of the scene—whether it’s underground races or high-performance showcases.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *