10 vehicles under $50k that hold their value the worst

Chevrolet Impala

The 2013 Chevrolet Impala runs on some very old bones—in the form of a platform that dates back to the 1980s. Although GM has refreshed it a few times over the years, even those who aren't automotive enthusiasts will spot this as an odd holdover, and a model that's been minted past its time, quietly filling rental-car fleets and agency lots. Pushing the value of the ancient-looking 2013 model (to just a quarter of its MSRP after five years) is the knowledge that an all-new 2014 Impala is on the way this spring.

Nissan Armada
MSRP: $40,865
Worth this percent of its original value after 5 years: 27 (2012 data)

The Nissan Armada hasn't changed in any significant way since 2004, and even though there aren't a lot of fresh designs in this class of large SUVs it shows. Truck shoppers who intend to tow heavy loads, carry a large family, and occasionally tread off-road might not wince too much at the Armada's EPA fuel economy ratings (as low as 12 mpg city, 18 highway), but its low projected resale value is part and parcel.

Suzuki Grand Vitara
MSRP: $20,464
Worth this percent of its original value after 5 years: 28

While the crossover segment in general has surged, and they're the single segment of the market with the best resale value, the 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara might just be the exception. Factor in that Suzuki is no longer selling new cars or trucks here in the U.S. after what's here now for the 2013 model year (the company will stay to sell motorcycles, ATVs, and the like), and this is going to be a tough vehicle to sell in five years.

Nissan Titan
MSRP: $32,065
Worth this percent of its original value after 5 years: 30 (2012 data)

The Nissan Titan full-size pickup suffers from some of the same issues that affect the Armada SUV. It's thirstier than other V-8 trucks, and there's no fuel-efficient alternative; likewise, it simply hasn't been refreshed or updated in a substantial way in many years. That adds up to a vehicle that will be worth a lower percentage of its original price than other full-size trucks when it's on the used market in a few years.

Ford Expedition
MSRP: $ 41,600 (XLT 2WD)
Worth this percent of its original value after 5 years: 30

The market for vehicles like the Ford Expedition simply isn't what it was a number of years ago. And although the 2013 Expedition's lack of modern infotainment features might not hurt it too much on the used-car market, the dated design, and the rather thrifty, behind-the-times look and feel of the cabin definitely will. So will its low fuel economy ratings, of 14 mpg city, 20 highway at best.

Jeep Compass
MSRP: $20,490
Worth this percent of its original value after 5 years: 33

Compact crossovers are hot, but the Compass is a model that's only ever been lukewarm at best. A refresh a couple of years ago brought a mini-Grand Cherokee look that's gone over a bit better, although the proportions simply don't go over as well as they do for most vehicles in this segmenr—or for the closely related Jeep Patriot. For this reason—as well as the reason that Jeep has chosen to introduce another round of improvements in the 2014 Compass—don't expect to get very much when it comes time to trade.

GMC Yukon XL 1500
MSRP: $45,650 (SLE 2WD)
Worth this percent of its original value after 5 years: 33

Here's a case where 'professional grade' doesn't do as well as the bowtie; the 2013 Yukon XL won't command as well in resale as its Chevrolet Suburban or Cadillac Escalade ESV platform-mates. Also factoring in is the knowledge that the Yukon will seem dated even in three years. With refreshed full-size 2014 GM pickups (Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Yukon 1500) already in the works this year, there are updated (and more fuel-efficient) versions of the Yukon lineup waiting in the wings for introduction by early next year.