Cars That Keep Their Value
By the time it’s five years old, the average vehicle’s value has dropped by about 66 percent. The editors of Kelley Blue Book compile an annual list of those vehicles that best hold their value, based on supply and demand as well as current and projected future market conditions.
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The 2011 brand for overall best resale value is Subaru, which are expected to be worth 39 percent of their purchase price after five years of ownership. The best resale make for luxury cars is BMW, with 37.1 percent expected value retention after five years.
As for the standouts among specific models, click ahead to view Kelley Blue Book’s winners in every category, from subcompact on up to full-size pickup and over to luxury.
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2011 Honda CR-V
Category: Compact Utility Vehicle
MSRP: $22,475
Projected Resale Value after 5 years: $9,328.85
Retained Value: 46.8%
Why it’s Popular: The CR-V compact utility vehicle was one of the first of its kind and has retained attributes that made it popular: the high riding height and cargo capacity with the stability of all-wheel drive.
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2011 BMW Xdrive35d
Category: Hybrid/ Alt. Energy Utility Vehicle
MSRP: $52,175
Projected Resale Value after 5 years: $23,598
Retained Value: 46.0%
Why They’re Popular: The all-wheel drive X5 and its Advanced Diesel fuel-efficient version the Xdrive35d (which gets up to 36 MPG) began as BMW’s crossover “sports activity vehicle,” to indicate a blend of performance, handling and practicality. The engines are updated and the eight-speed automatic trans is also new for 2011.
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2011 Audi A5
Category: Luxury Car
MSRP: $37,375
Projected Resale Value after 5 years: $15,330
Retained Value: 42.7%
Why it’s popular: The Audi A5’s, recent addition of all wheel drive won over even the skeptics, its performance is powerful, and looks-wise, it’s just one sleek coupe.
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2011 Subaru Impreza WRX
Category: Sports Car MSRP: $18,220 Projected Resale Value after 5 years: $5,948.30 Retained Value: 42.7%
Why it’s Popular: The Impreza may not be the most economical among its competitors, but this compact car has all-wheel drive, making it versatile for all weather conditions, and tech features like Bluetooth, a removable TomTom GPS unit, and iPod integration.
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2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Category: Mid-Size Utility Vehicle
MSRP: $26,100
Projected Resale Value after 5 years: $10,962
Retained Value: 42.0%
Why it’s Popular: The rugged Toyota FJ Cruiser has a slightly retro look (it’s descended from the much-loved Toyota Land Cruiser) and with 32-inch tires, a steep approach and departure angles, it’s well equipped for off-roading.
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2011 Subaru Outback
Category: Wagon
MSRP: $23,920
Projected Resale Value after 5 years: $8,582.15
Retained Value: 41.3%
Why it’s Popular: This wagon scores high for fuel economy and safety, and the Outback’s more rugged features include off-roading ability and slightly raised rear seats that, lend an SUV feel to the car.
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2011 MINI Cooper
Category: Compact Car
MSRP: $20,100
Projected Resale Value after 5 years: $7,954
Retained Value: 40.6%
Why it’s Popular: Distinctive style and high performance (users give it 4.7 out of 5 stars for both performance and style), are the duo that helped make the MINI Cooper take the compact car category.
Click here to read the entire list of Cars With the Best Resale Value
