ABC News reporter Rebecca Jarvis released a report identifying the used cars that offer the highest resale value for teen buyers and other consumers.
Choosing a vehicle that retains its value helps buyers save money over time by reducing the total cost of ownership. This is particularly critical for first-time buyers who may have limited budgets and need a reliable vehicle that can be sold for a fair price later.
Toyota showed significant dominance in the market, occupying 50% [1] of the spots on the list of vehicles with the best resale value. The report suggests that some reliable used cars can be purchased for under $20,000 [6].
However, the report highlights a stark contrast in how different engine types hold their value. On average, all vehicle types lose 45.6% [3] of their value after five years. Hybrid vehicles perform better than the average, losing 40.7% [2] of their value over the same five-year period.
Electric vehicles face the steepest decline. These cars lose 58.8% [2] of their value after five years. Despite this long-term trend, some data shows a slight short-term fluctuation, with electric vehicle values rising by 1.2% — approximately £220 — at the three-year mark [4].
Jarvis said the findings are intended to help consumers navigate the used car market to avoid steep financial losses. By prioritizing brands and models with proven longevity, buyers can mitigate the impact of depreciation.
“Toyota occupied half of the spots on the list of vehicles with the best resale value”
The data suggests a significant gap in value retention between traditional internal combustion or hybrid engines and electric vehicles. While EVs are marketed as the future of transport, their current secondary market is volatile, making them a riskier financial asset for buyers focused on resale value compared to established brands like Toyota.
