Slide of
What Car? has just released its latest survey looking at which cars retain the least and most value over three years.
The study of more than 7000 cars reveals electric and hybrid models retain most value over three years and 30,000 miles, with diesels depreciating the fastest. What Car? found alternative fuel vehicles retain 47% of their value on average after three years and 30,000 miles, while petrol models were found to retain 43% and diesels just 40%.
Depreciation is a large but largely hidden cost of owning a car. Some of the bottom performers lose 80% of their value in just three years.
“The worst depreciating table is a reminder that new car buyers need to do their homework before signing on the dotted line,” said What Car? editor Steve Huntingford. “Securing the best deal possible on a new car helps offset the money it will lose.”
The other side of the coin is that some of the biggest depreciating cars are still decent cars and can make excellent used purchases at three years of age. So let’s take a look at the data – we start with the best (least) depreciating cars you can buy today - after that, we'll look at the worst (most) depreciators:
- Slide of
10: Mercedes-Benz GLA Urban Edition GLA 180
New price: £25,105
Value after 3 years: £15,875
Value lost: £9,230
Retained value: 63.2%
The A-Class derived GLA is aimed at families and rates practicality over performance. It comes as no surprise that a Mercedes is able to hold over 60 per cent of its original value, though interior quality is not on par with that of the Audi Q3.
Equally disappointing is the ride comfort, but the GLA is living proof that good looks and a desirable badge is sometimes all you need to uphold resale values.
- Slide of
9: Toyota RAV4 Icon 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid
New price: £29,645
Value after 3 years: £18,750
Value lost: £10,895
Retained value: 63.3%
The RAV4 has long been a popular choice in the UK market, and a new model has just arrived. We’re predicting strong residuals. The RAV4 is fairly ordinary to drive, but its strong points lie elsewhere. For a start it’s well equipped and expected to be incredibly reliable (as Toyotas generally are).
But its real selling points are costs. Yes, it’s a little pricier to buy than some other large SUVs, but you should make that back down the line through its strong resale value. If you’re a company car driver, the RAV4 should work out to be one of the cheapest large SUVs on company car tax, too.
- Slide of
8: Alpine A110 Pure
New price: £46,905
Value after 3 years: £30,000
Value lost: £16,905
Retained value: 64.0%
The Alpine A110 is one of the most entertaining and rewarding sports cars you can buy – at any price. It’s ultra-light weight means that, despite its relatively small engine, its performance won't disappoint, while at the same time making it feel even nimbler and delectable to drive than a Porsche Cayman.
The fact it retains its value is just icing on the cake of an enticing package.
- Slide of
7: Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 2.5 PDK
New price: £61,825
Value after 3 years: £39,825
Value lost: £22,027
Retained value: 64.4%
Let’s not beat around the bush: £61,825 is a lot of money for the entry-level Porsche. However, the GTS version does make more financial sense that you might at first think. The premium over the 718 Cayman S is around £8000 but, as is the way with GTS models, it would cost more to option the additional parts yourself. And what’s more, you wouldn’t get the small power increase or the more progressive power curve on an optioned-up S.
Factor in that the GTS is also one of the best handling sports cars for less than £100,000 and it’s hard to conclude anything other than that it's is all the sports car you’d ever need.
- Slide of
6: Audi Q8 S line 55 TFSI Quattro
New price: £64,770
Value after 3 years: £41,875
Value lost: £22,895
Retained value: 64.7%
There are more practical and cheaper luxury SUVs, but if you want that coupé–SUV look, the classy, spacious and refined Audi Q8 will not disappoint. We predict its image and overall desirability will help it to conserve its value.
- Slide of
5: Audi E-tron 55 quattro
New price: £71,490
Value after 3 years: £46,650
Value lost: £24,840
Retained value: 65.3%
Audi’s new electric-powered SUV has yet to hit UK roads, but we’re already predicting strong residual values. This car pairs a 95kWh battery pack with a pair of electric motors that can produce up to 402bhp and an official range of 248 miles. But while the range is good and performance strong, the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X are both faster and can run for longer before a recharge.
- Slide of
4: Porsche Macan PDK
New price: £47,229
Value after 3 years: £31,200
Value lost: £16,029
Retained value: 66.1%
The Macan has all the pace and handling you'd want from a sporty SUV, but there are roomier options. It has punchy performance, a high-quality interior, and has superb handling for an SUV. On the downside it doesn’t have enough rear-seat space, certain important safety kit optional, and is expensive to buy and run. But it’s a Porsche, and like most Porsches, it retains its value well.
- Slide of
3: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo 4 E-Hybrid
New price: £83,368
Value after 3 years: £56,225
Value lost: £27,143
Retained value: 67.4%
There’s no doubt the 4 E-Hybrid isn't quite as crisp or engaging to drive as its conventionally powered brethren, but for some, the benefits of its hybrid drivetrain will outweigh a lack of on the limit performance.
For those who live a short distance from work, the idea of all-electric commuting is compelling, and as we’ve shown, figures of 80mpg can be achieved. As for company car buyers, a startlingly low-rate of benefit-in-kind is hard to ignore, if you're lucky enough to have a Panamera on your company's list.
- Slide of
2: Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
New price: £67,208
Value after 3 years: £46,600
Value lost: £20,608
Retained value: 69.3%
This plug-in hybrid version of the Cayenne matches a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor. You can accelerate (softly) up to 84mph on electric power alone, and drive for up to 27 miles before the petrol engine joins in. It’s an impressive collaboration, offering zero-emissions driving in the city while still fulfilling Porsche’s sporting brief elsewhere. In short, it has fine handling and strong performance in a very practical package.
- Slide of
1: Range Rover Evoque R-Dynamic S P250
New price: £41,350
Value after 3 years: £28,900
Value lost: £12,450
Retained value: 69.9%
And the least depreciating car is… the new Range Rover Evoque. The first Evoque was a smash-hit in the UK and globally for Land Rover, with 800,000 examples sold. We’re predicting the slick new second-generation that will hit the UK roads soon will follow in its footsteps – with its desirability ensuring strong residuals.
The new model is a fine car on many levels. It’s good to drive, really posh inside and is even fairly practical by class standards. It’s one of the more expensive cars in the class, but its ultra-slow depreciation means you should get a lot of that investment back when you sell – and monthly PCP finance costs are also surprisingly competitive.
So that’s the best car you can buy for retaining its value, but what are the worst? Let’s take a look at the 10 worst (most) depreciating cars:
- Slide of
10: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Longitude Plus 2.0 JTD-M
New price: £22,225
Value after 3 years: £6775
Value lost: £15,450
Retained value: 30.5%
This Giulietta model has been on the market a long time, and is now outclassed by nearly all its competitors. It is at least a stylish alternative to the VW Golf, but it's nowhere near as rounded, though it’s well-priced and equipped. But it’s let down by poor rear-seat space, dubious cabin quality, and poor ride comfort.
- Slide of
9: BMW 4 Series Convertible Sport Professional Media 420d
New price: £44,520
Value after 3 years: £13,175
Value lost: £31,345
Retained value: 29.6%
The current 4 Series is now long-in-the-tooth, and despite the allure of the BMW badge retained values are dipping accordingly. The BMW 4 Series Convertible is a comfortable and well-equipped open-top car with a broad range of abilities, but it’s not our class pick.
Though it has a class-leading infotainment system, it’s let down by limited rear space, a small boot with the roof down, and it’s not as luxurious as rivals.
- Slide of
8: Hyundai i40 SE Nav 1.6 CRDi
New price: £23,995
Value after 3 years: £7100
Value lost: £16,895
Retained value: 29.6%
Good looks and a relatively cheap price are the two major highlights of the i40. Other than that, there isn’t much to write home about. Available with a relatively frugal and aptly performing 1.6 diesel engine, the i40 isn’t amazing to drive nor incredibly comfortable to sit in. For most in the market for a practical family car, a Volkswagen Golf or Skoda Octavia would be preferable, for those looking for a comfortable, well equipped executive saloon, the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series are worth the extra money.
The i40 therefore struggles to find a niche and is subsequently down on the resale value front.
- Slide of
7: Jaguar XJ Luxury LWB 3.0 V6 Diesel
New price: £65,360
Value after 3 years: £18,775
Value lost: £46,585
Retained value: 28.7%
The XJ has many qualities, but this generation’s now been on sale for nearly nine years, and it’s since been outclassed in most areas by newer models from its German rivals. The Jaguar XJ will appeal to keen luxury car drivers, but in key areas such as build quality, space and running costs it trails behind the class leaders.
- Slide of
6: Peugeot 308 SW Active 1.5 Blue HDi 100
New price: £21,890
Value after 3 years: £6150
Value lost: £15,740
Retained value: 28.1%
The Peugeot 308 SW has some efficient engines and a large boot, but it’s disappointing to drive and rear space is tight. It has some tough, newer competitors and this leads to lower residual values down the road.
- Slide of
5: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer SRi Nav 1.6 CDTi 136 Auto
New price: £27,430
Value after 3 years: £7650
Value lost: £19,780
Retained value: 27.9%
Ultimately, the Astra is a really competent estate car that's relaxing to drive and easy to live with. It’s just a shame that PCP costs aren’t a bit better and that a few practicality niggles let the side down, which is why we’d still rate a Skoda Octavia or even a VW Golf Estate over the Astra, if only just. And it lacks in the image stakes, with lower desirability leading to a poor residual performance.
- Slide of
4: Maserati Quattroporte V6 Diesel
New price: £74,265
Value after 3 years: £20,575
Value lost: £53,690
Retained value: 27.7%
Quattroportes have always suffered from poor depreciation and this generation model is no different. With 273bhp on tap and 0-60mph dealt with in a tad over six seconds, this 4-door Italian luxury saloon is no slouch. Equipment and interior quality are good too and when paired with devilishly good looks, the Quattroporte makes for a tempting purchase.
However it's now outdated, and owners will struggle to shift them when the time comes to sell.
- Slide of
3: Fiat Tipo Easy Plus 1.6 Multijet DDCT
New price: £20,505
Value after 3 years: £5625
Value lost: £14,880
Retained value: 27.4%
Here marks the first, and by no means last, appearance of a Fiat on this list. Having traditionally struggled with depreciation as a company for years, Fiat’s Golf and Focus rival is no different. However, with good looks, decent interior space and plenty of equipment, the Tipo has all the foundations of a real giant killer. But poor interior quality and mediocre handling lets it down.
The 1.6 diesel is frugal enough, achieving 61 mpg, and performance is bearable, and the automatic gearbox is surprisingly reasonable. But like the Astra, the Tipo doesn’t have the bona fide reputation of the Golf or Focus, meaning resale values are low.
- Slide of
2: Fiat Doblo XL Combi Active 1.6 Multijet 120
New price: £25,438
Value after 3 years: £6650
Value lost: £18,788
Retained value: 26.1%
This generation of the Doblo has been on the market for nearly 10 years now and is really showing its age, and it's hard to recommend this van-derived MPV against more modern and sophisticated rivals. None of this does anything for its residual value.
- Slide of
1: Renault Zoe Dynamique Nav 65kW Q90 40kWh
New price: £29,270
Value after 3 years: £6900
Value lost: £22,370
Retained value: 23.6%
Relatively practical, nippy, well equipped and stylish. All words that have been used to describe the all-electric Zoe. So why the severe drop in depreciation?
Well firstly, Renault doesn’t have the credibility as a maker of electric cars as Nissan, and secondly, the battery leasing faff inherent in the Zoe puts many people off purchasing a second-hand Zoe.
- Slide of
Notes and other findings
1. Survey only includes cars with list prices less than £100,000.
2. What Car? found alternative fuel vehicles retain 47% of their value on average after three years and 30,000 miles, while petrol models were found to retain 43% and diesels just 40%.
3. Together with valuations specialist cap hpi, What Car? analysed more than 7000 different makes, models and trim configurations, to name Britain’s least and worst depreciating cars, with an overall retained value industry average of 42.1% across all makes and models after three years from new.
Close
