With new cars costing more than $50,000 on average, buyers want to be sure their vehicles will last and retain as much value as possible.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the average age of a car on U.S. roads is nearly 13 years, meaning people are keeping their vehicles longer than ever.
According to ISeeCars.com, strong demand for used cars since the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in lower depreciation for several models. That has benefited shoppers who paid top dollar for new versions of those cars in recent years.
“This recent reduction in 5-year depreciation rates suggests rising used car demand and/or insufficient supply over the past 12 months,” ISeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer said in a statement.
“We’re not back to pandemic levels, but with used cars retaining more value in every major vehicle segment, there’s clearly been a shift in overall used car value,” Brauer continued. “Likely factors include ongoing new car price hikes and drops in consumer confidence, both of which are driving more used car demand.”
An average car in the United States loses 41.8% of its value, or $16,571, within the first five years of ownership, according to the group.
The USA TODAY Cars team reviewed ISeeCars’ list of the top vehicles with the lowest depreciation rates over the past five years and compiled information about those cars for prospective buyers.
Sports Cars Lead the List
1. Porsche 718 Cayman2026 starting price: $75,400Average 5-year depreciation: 9.6%Average loss from starting price: $6,988
2. Porsche 9112026 starting price: $135,500Average 5-year depreciation: 11.1%Average loss from starting price: $15,533
3. Chevrolet Corvette2026 starting price: $71,000Average 5-year depreciation: 18.7%Average loss from starting price: $13,365
Trucks and Mainstream Models
4. Toyota Tacoma2026 starting price: $32,545Average 5-year depreciation: 19.9%Average loss from starting price: $6,426
5. Toyota Tundra2026 starting price: $41,260Average 5-year depreciation: 21.2%Average loss from starting price: $8,746
6. Honda Civic2026 starting price: $24,695Average 5-year depreciation: 22.9%Average loss from starting price: $5,828
More Models That Hold Their Value
7. Subaru BRZ2026 starting price: $35,860Average 5-year depreciation: 23.7%Average loss from starting price: $8,489
8. Toyota GR Supra2026 starting price: $58,300Average 5-year depreciation: 24%Average loss from starting price: $13,963
9. Toyota RAV4Starting price: $31,900Average 5-year depreciation: 25.2%Average loss from starting price: $7,731
10. Toyota Corolla HatchbackStarting price: $24,580Average 5-year depreciation: 25.5%Average loss from starting price: $6,220
Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at [email protected].
Reporting by Keith Laing, USA TODAY / USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
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