The top 10 depreciation proof cars
Friday 20 July 2012
Depreciation can be a cruel mistress. Buy the wrong car and you can lose over half its value in just a few years, leaving you with nothing but vague ‘market forces’ to blame for your fleecing. If a steeply diminishing value is something you worry about when buying a new car, then check out our list of the most depreciation resistant cars on the market today.
Based on cars bought on a 09 plate that have covered 39,000 miles, the data has been supplied by car valuation experts Glass’ Guide who take the pulse of UK market by analysing the latest trends, maintaining close relationships with dealerships and continually assessing the effect of new car supply on used prices. So, if you’re after the safest place to put your cash on four wheels, look no further.
Audi Q7 3.6 FSI V6
Price new: £42,635
Value now: £28,000
It’s limited market supply, rather than rampant demand that has kept the price of Audi’s leviathan Q7 afloat. It’s a rare site, even on Auto Trader, with most buyers opting for the (slightly) improved running costs of the 3.0-litre diesel, or those wanting the full performance hit going for the 4.2-litre V8 version. V6 buyers are having the last laugh though, with their cars worth 65.7 per cent of its original value.
Land Rover Freelander 2 2.2 TD
Price new: £33,179
Value now: £21,850
Before the word ‘crossover’ had ever been conceived, the Land Rover Freelander represented the only choice for those looking for a premium, yet scaled down 4×4. With almost every rival now producing a similar car, Land Rover had to work hard to make this second generation stand out. It largely does, thanks to handsome looks, much improved interior quality and that Land Rover trait of true off-road ability. If the high residual value puts the Freelander out of reach as a second hand buy, the first generation model can be had from under £1,000. We can’t recommend it though, as they have well documented reliability issues and a poor safety rating.
Ford Focus RS Mk II
Price new: £24,730
Value now: £16,375
A combination of relatively limited supply and the kudos of the RS badge is why Ford’s last iteration of the soon-to-be iconic Focus RS has a spot in the top ten. Only 4,300 were sold in total, including 101 examples of the strictly limited RS500, and demand has kept used prices buoyant. After three years use the Focus RS will still be worth 66.2% of its original value. A few more years and we’ll probably see it going up in value.
Fiat 500 1.2 Sport
Price new: £9,410
Value now: £6,275
Being a sucker for the latest trends might actually save you money for once, as Fiat’s city car of the moment – the 500 – makes an entry at number 8 on our list. In particular it’s the entry-level 1.2 engine which has proved its worth, thanks to a fun character and good fuel economy, without having to resort to a distinctly un-chic diesel engine. Buyers still want their car to look fast, though, with Sport trim being the most desirable.
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI
Price new: £21,675
Value now: £14,725
Ah yes, the perennial Volkswagen Golf – it’s perhaps no surprise that everyone’s favourite family hatchback has made an appearance here, as its high perceived quality and easy going nature appeal to the vast majority of motorists. Predictably, it’s the sensible-shoes 2.0-litre diesel model that holds its value best, with it having the best blend of performance, refinement and economy. Classless yet aspirational at the same time, the Golf makes for a premium purchase both new and used, though once you’re behind the wheel, you’ll be glad you paid that little bit extra.
Land Rover Discovery 4 2.7 TD
Price new: £33,008
Value now: £22,650
With used values of 4×4s suffering more heavily than usual over the last few years, the appearance of the Discovery at number 6 shows that you should never underestimate the desirability of the badge. With the current Discovery far-removed from its agricultural forbears and more comparable to the exclusive Range Rover, used prices – particularly for the slightly more economical 2.7-litre diesel – have remained high, with customers eager to have this premium 4×4 on their driveway.
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI
Price new: £20,100
Value now: £14,200
In times gone by a diesel Skoda would have been the kiss of death for your future trade-in value, but the resurgence of the brand, and its ‘budget Volkswagen’ market placement has turned the Octavia into a sought-after (desirable may be too strong a word) car. The 2.0-litre diesel version will have lost just £5,900 in its first three years, because it has that familiar recipe most used buyers are looking for: reliability, economy and practicality.
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro
Price new: £30,120
Value now: £22,475
Where larger 4×4s are becoming increasingly socially unacceptable and costly to run, the trend towards scaled down pseudo 4×4 versions has gathered momentum dramatically. Examples like the Audi Q5 have proved particularly appealing, as it is available with front-wheel drive and similarly downsized engines capable of returning the fuel economy of a conventional car. Combined with premium design, a superbly appointed interior and the snob-factor of the Audi badge; the ownership appeal is strong – so strong in fact that the Q5 retains a commendable 74.6 per cent of its value after three years.
Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI CR 4×4
Price new: £21,115
Value now: £16,050
So you want a high-riding off-roader but you need the wipe-down practicality and efficiency of a family hatchback. If only someone would merge the two. Oh wait, they have – the Skoda Yeti is amongst the best of the new breed of ‘crossovers’ which are proving popular with families. With a 2.0-litre diesel engine, four-wheel drive and an immensely practical cabin and load bay, the Yeti has all the grip, grunt and space you could possibly want from a family car, as well as that all important high driving position. And, as with other Skodas, it’s got an air of solidity and quality bestowed upon it by parent company Volkswagen. If you’re after a likeable family workhorse that won’t lose you a fortune come trade-in time, then look no further.
Toyota Land Cruiser V8 4.5 D4D
Price new: £54,510
Value now: £43,325
This UN-favourite desert basher may seem an odd vehicle to retain its value, but the Toyota Land Cruiser has been a consistent safe bet in the depreciation stakes. While all models perform well, it’s the full-fat 4.5-litre V8 diesel version that takes the top honours thanks to a limited used supply (it’s never been offered at a discount), a reputation for unbreakable engineering and a truly go-anywhere ability. It may be far too big and hard to manoeuvre, and more setup for K2 than the King’s Road, but the Land Cruiser V8 remains in demand. So much so in fact, that it is Britain’s most depreciation proof car.
Friday 20 July 2012
Based on cars bought on a 09 plate that have covered 39,000 miles, the data has been supplied by car valuation experts Glass’ Guide who take the pulse of UK market by analysing the latest trends, maintaining close relationships with dealerships and continually assessing the effect of new car supply on used prices. So, if you’re after the safest place to put your cash on four wheels, look no further.
Audi Q7 3.6 FSI V6
Price new: £42,635
Value now: £28,000
It’s limited market supply, rather than rampant demand that has kept the price of Audi’s leviathan Q7 afloat. It’s a rare site, even on Auto Trader, with most buyers opting for the (slightly) improved running costs of the 3.0-litre diesel, or those wanting the full performance hit going for the 4.2-litre V8 version. V6 buyers are having the last laugh though, with their cars worth 65.7 per cent of its original value.
Land Rover Freelander 2 2.2 TD
Price new: £33,179
Value now: £21,850
Before the word ‘crossover’ had ever been conceived, the Land Rover Freelander represented the only choice for those looking for a premium, yet scaled down 4×4. With almost every rival now producing a similar car, Land Rover had to work hard to make this second generation stand out. It largely does, thanks to handsome looks, much improved interior quality and that Land Rover trait of true off-road ability. If the high residual value puts the Freelander out of reach as a second hand buy, the first generation model can be had from under £1,000. We can’t recommend it though, as they have well documented reliability issues and a poor safety rating.
Ford Focus RS Mk II
Price new: £24,730
Value now: £16,375
A combination of relatively limited supply and the kudos of the RS badge is why Ford’s last iteration of the soon-to-be iconic Focus RS has a spot in the top ten. Only 4,300 were sold in total, including 101 examples of the strictly limited RS500, and demand has kept used prices buoyant. After three years use the Focus RS will still be worth 66.2% of its original value. A few more years and we’ll probably see it going up in value.
Fiat 500 1.2 Sport
Price new: £9,410
Value now: £6,275
Being a sucker for the latest trends might actually save you money for once, as Fiat’s city car of the moment – the 500 – makes an entry at number 8 on our list. In particular it’s the entry-level 1.2 engine which has proved its worth, thanks to a fun character and good fuel economy, without having to resort to a distinctly un-chic diesel engine. Buyers still want their car to look fast, though, with Sport trim being the most desirable.
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI
Price new: £21,675
Value now: £14,725
Ah yes, the perennial Volkswagen Golf – it’s perhaps no surprise that everyone’s favourite family hatchback has made an appearance here, as its high perceived quality and easy going nature appeal to the vast majority of motorists. Predictably, it’s the sensible-shoes 2.0-litre diesel model that holds its value best, with it having the best blend of performance, refinement and economy. Classless yet aspirational at the same time, the Golf makes for a premium purchase both new and used, though once you’re behind the wheel, you’ll be glad you paid that little bit extra.
Land Rover Discovery 4 2.7 TD
Price new: £33,008
Value now: £22,650
With used values of 4×4s suffering more heavily than usual over the last few years, the appearance of the Discovery at number 6 shows that you should never underestimate the desirability of the badge. With the current Discovery far-removed from its agricultural forbears and more comparable to the exclusive Range Rover, used prices – particularly for the slightly more economical 2.7-litre diesel – have remained high, with customers eager to have this premium 4×4 on their driveway.
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI
Price new: £20,100
Value now: £14,200
In times gone by a diesel Skoda would have been the kiss of death for your future trade-in value, but the resurgence of the brand, and its ‘budget Volkswagen’ market placement has turned the Octavia into a sought-after (desirable may be too strong a word) car. The 2.0-litre diesel version will have lost just £5,900 in its first three years, because it has that familiar recipe most used buyers are looking for: reliability, economy and practicality.
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro
Price new: £30,120
Value now: £22,475
Where larger 4×4s are becoming increasingly socially unacceptable and costly to run, the trend towards scaled down pseudo 4×4 versions has gathered momentum dramatically. Examples like the Audi Q5 have proved particularly appealing, as it is available with front-wheel drive and similarly downsized engines capable of returning the fuel economy of a conventional car. Combined with premium design, a superbly appointed interior and the snob-factor of the Audi badge; the ownership appeal is strong – so strong in fact that the Q5 retains a commendable 74.6 per cent of its value after three years.
Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI CR 4×4
Price new: £21,115
Value now: £16,050
So you want a high-riding off-roader but you need the wipe-down practicality and efficiency of a family hatchback. If only someone would merge the two. Oh wait, they have – the Skoda Yeti is amongst the best of the new breed of ‘crossovers’ which are proving popular with families. With a 2.0-litre diesel engine, four-wheel drive and an immensely practical cabin and load bay, the Yeti has all the grip, grunt and space you could possibly want from a family car, as well as that all important high driving position. And, as with other Skodas, it’s got an air of solidity and quality bestowed upon it by parent company Volkswagen. If you’re after a likeable family workhorse that won’t lose you a fortune come trade-in time, then look no further.
Toyota Land Cruiser V8 4.5 D4D
Price new: £54,510
Value now: £43,325
This UN-favourite desert basher may seem an odd vehicle to retain its value, but the Toyota Land Cruiser has been a consistent safe bet in the depreciation stakes. While all models perform well, it’s the full-fat 4.5-litre V8 diesel version that takes the top honours thanks to a limited used supply (it’s never been offered at a discount), a reputation for unbreakable engineering and a truly go-anywhere ability. It may be far too big and hard to manoeuvre, and more setup for K2 than the King’s Road, but the Land Cruiser V8 remains in demand. So much so in fact, that it is Britain’s most depreciation proof car.
1 comments:
Thanks for share these valuable cars such as the top 10. This all cars are my favorite cars such as Audi Q7 3.6 FSI V6, Land Rover Freelander 2 2.2 TD, Ford Focus RS Mk II, Fiat 500 1.2 Sport, Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI, Land Rover Discovery 4 2.7 TD and many more.
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