Many new-car buyers have heard the common expression, “penny-wise and pound-foolish.” As it relates to new-car shopping, you can save money buying a less expensive new car, but later find out it depreciates faster than a similar, more expensive car that holds its value better. The money you save on a new-car purchase can be more than made up for by the greater depreciation five years later. Understanding what a vehicle will be worth when going to sell or trade it in can make the difference of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run. To help new-car buyers shop smart, Kelley Blue Book today announces the 2020 model-year brand, category and top 10 winners of the annual Best Resale Value Awards, recognizing vehicles for their projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership period.
Understanding what a vehicle will be worth when going to sell or trade it in can make the difference of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run. To help new-car buyers shop smart, Kelley Blue Book today announces the 2020 model-year brand, category and top 10 winners of the annual Best Resale Value Awards, recognizing vehicles for their projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership period.
“Kelley Blue Book’s analysts are impressed at the residual values of our Best Resale Value: Brand winners, Subaru and Porsche, and new-car shoppers would be wise to consider a vehicle from one of those two brands to get the most bang for their buck in the long term,” said Eric Ibara, director of residual values for Kelley Blue Book. “Once again, this year’s Top 10 models are dominated by trucks, except for the all-new and much-hyped 2020 Chevrolet Corvette appearing on this year’s list. Without the imminent prospect of significantly higher gas prices, the used-car demand for trucks continues to be an ongoing, multi-year trend, directly impacting new cars.”
The Corvette earned two nods: Best Resell Value: Sports Car, and Best Resell Value: Top 10 Cars.
Many new-car buyers do not realize that depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership. An average 2020 model-year vehicle will only retain about 37% of its original value after a five-year ownership period, meaning that a $35,000 new car today will only be worth somewhere close to $12,950 after five years. In comparison, all vehicles in Kelley Blue Book’s Top 10 for Best Resale Value are projected to retain more than 50% of their MSRP. This year’s top model, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma, is expected to be worth 61% of its MSRP after five years.
Resale value for new vehicles can vary greatly. Vehicles with average or below-average resale values generally are plentiful in the marketplace and easy to find, but certain vehicles are projected to hold their value better than others. While much of a vehicle’s resale value is based on supply and demand, as well as current and projected future market conditions, vehicles that retain their value best typically are discounted the least and tend to generate high levels of consumer interest.
Now in its 18th year, Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide. Kelley Blue Book® Residual Values are established by experienced automotive analysts that review the output from statistical models built upon millions of transactions. Vehicles that earn the highest five-year residual values, expressed as a percentage of their original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), are selected for these prestigious awards. Low-volume vehicles are excluded from award consideration, except in the electric, luxury and sports car categories.
Residual values reflect projected future auction values for vehicles in average condition with 75,000 miles at the end of a five-year lease or ownership period. Kelley Blue Book’s residual values are used by manufacturers, banks, financial institutions and the automotive leasing industry. For more information about Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards, visit https://www.kbb.com/articles/best-cars/best-resale-value-cars-trucks-suvs/.
