10 best and worst cars for depreciation Which cars hold their value the best? According to Consumer Reports’ depreciation ratings, several affordably priced models--such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, Mini Cooper, and youth-oriented Scion models--hold their value better than higher-priced sports and luxury models. And while all of the top 10 models have either Japanese or European nameplates, nine of the bottom 10 are domestic models. Contributing to their high depreciation is the fact that many are older models, commonly used by fleets and rental companies, and often heavily discounted. 1. Toyota Prius Ongoing demand for this thrifty gas/electric hybrid and excellent reliability give the Prius the best depreciation rating among all currently sold models. In addition, many owners are hanging onto them, so good luck trying to find a used Prius. $22,000. Read more.
That's exactly what I tell people when they ask, "what's used Prius selling for?" Yeah, right. Good luck getting mine away from me.
Good article. I'd have thought more SUVs and less minivans would be on the depreciation list, since they seem so much more expensive to start with.
One of the best financial investments I ever made was to buy a car! Seriously. At the top of the list (though not currently available, of course) should be: 2002 or 2003 Rav4EV. In 2002, I paid about $30k for this car. Now with close to 40k miles, I can sell it in under 20 minutes for $55k If I worked at it, I'm sure I could do better. This car has appreciated ever day I've owned it. But remember: Nobody really wants battery cars! :lol: Ah man... sad to see that there isn't a single "American" car in the top ten, and nothing BUT American cars in the bottom ten.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Oct 24 2006, 11:03 PM) [snapback]337819[/snapback]</div> So smug you are with that Rav4EV!!! I would be too!!! I am jealous!! But again, Nobody wants a battery car!! HA!!
Four years ago I had a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette that I paid $25,000 for. Three years later I sold ther car for $34,000.00. Today, I am seeing that same car go for the high $30's to low $40's. But hey were are not talkings collector cars here.
I can truly appreciate the depreciation issue. I owned an '05 Prius with 10,000 miles on it and traded it in for an '06 in April mainly to take advantage of the $3150 tax credit. Although I paid about $23,500 for the '05, I received a trade-in credit of $22,00 towards the '06. Although the '06 cost $3800 more since it was a higher package, after you deduct the tax credit, I was able to buy the '06 Prilus for about $800 in trade. Find another vehicle where you can do that!
Is this the same Consumer Reports that earlier this year said the Prius wasn't worth the additional cost of a hybrid, in part because of greater-than-normal depreciation??? (Rhetorical question) "Additional cost," of course, as compared to the Corolla and not to anything similar in size, body style, and features. But then what is similar? (Another rhetorical question)
