Cars are huge investments, which is why trading in your old car for a new one can be a big help financially. But, how do you choose a vehicle you know will keep its value when it’s time to trade it in?
What increases the value of your trade-in?
Durability is a major factor that contributes to the overall value of your trade-in value. Cars that have the reputation for staying together and running longer will be sold for more money. If your vehicle is durable then a buyer of used cars will be more likely to invest in that vehicle and dealerships will be more willing to give you good value for your trade-in.
Another factor that can affect the value of your vehicle is the make of the car. Some automobile companies are not as financially stable as others, which can decrease the value your car will hold. If a company is doing poorly then people will not want to buy their vehicles, and the less interest in a vehicle, the lower the trade-in value at a dealership.
What makes are best?
Since the make of your car is important, it is important to know which vehicle makes have the lowest value depreciation. You can check the rankings of resale value on Kelley Blue Book. Here are some of the highest ranking vehicles on the market today:
- Toyota
Vehicles from Toyota were determined by Kelley Blue Book to have the best resale value for a non-luxury brand in 2019. In fact, the brand had 3 individual models appear on KBB's top 10 resale value list—the most of any individual manufacturer. Toyota also has a reputation for dependability, no matter which model you buy from the brand. - Porsche
For those looking for more high-end cars, Porsche is the way to go. Awarded with the best luxury brand resale value in 2019 (beating out Lexus again), Porsche offers stylish cars, derived from a history of high performance, the also feature luxurious touches and finishes.
What categories of vehicles are best?
While the make of your car is important, it is also true that certain types of vehicles hold their value better than others as well. The most valuable types of vehicles include:
- Trucks
When it comes to durability, trucks are some of the best vehicles. Because of their durability and popularity, trucks hold their value better than almost any other kind of vehicle. The truck (and #1 overall vehicle) with the highest resale value was the Toyota Tacoma. KBB estimates that it retains around 62% of its value after 5 years. - SUVs
Three different SUVs were found on this year's top 10 list of best models for resale value. Trucks filled the other 7 spots. Durability is key to figuring out which models will hold value, and SUVs tend to stick around for a long time. These types of vehicles are also helped out by changes in market demand. Buyers are increasingly favoring SUVs, particularly smaller compact versions. That high demand, in turn, drives up the resale value. The highest ranking SUV was the Jeep Wrangler. KBB estimates that it retains around 58% of its value even after 5 years.
