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The cars with the worst resale value can be a financial burden for their owners in the long run. It means that when it comes time to sell or trade-in your vehicle, you won't get much of a return on your investment. Knowing which vehicles have the worst resale value can help you make an informed decision when buying or leasing a car.

Some cars have consistently worse resale values than others. For instance, minivans and pickup trucks tend to hold their value less than the average vehicle, while luxury cars retain more of their original price tag. Other factors that can affect a vehicle's resale value include its age, mileage, condition, model year and make.

Let's take a deeper look at what resale value means and which vehicles hold their value over the years.

What factors affect resale value?

When it comes to predicting a vehicle's resale value, there are many factors at play. Generally, cars that retain their value over time have good fuel economy and low repair frequency. More modern models tend to keep their value better than older ones, while luxury models are generally more desirable in the second-hand market.

Other factors such as a vehicle's make and model, age, mileage, condition and features can also affect its resale value. For instance, cars with higher trim levels often have better future values because of their increased amenities. Likewise, vehicles that are well-maintained tend to hold their value better than those in disrepair.

What are some cars with low resale values in the UK?

When it comes to cars with the worst resale value, there are a few models that stand out. The following are some of the vehicles with the lowest residual values in Britain:

What car depreciates in value the most?

When it comes to cars that depreciate the most, luxury vehicles tend to be at the top of the list. According to a report from What Car?, some of the worst performers when it comes to depreciation include Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A7 Sportback and BMW 5 Series. The study also found that electric vehicles were among the worst depreciators, with the Tesla Model S losing nearly half its value within three years.

What car brand loses the most value?

When it comes to car brands that lose the most value over time, luxury vehicles tend to be at the top of the list. Brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW are known for having low resale values due to their high price tags and tendency to depreciate quickly.

Other luxury brands like Jaguar, Porsche and Lexus also have some of the worst residual values, as do electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf. An analysis from What Car? found that these cars can lose up to half of their original value within three years of being sold.

What car holds its value the best over its life?

When it comes to cars that hold their value over time, Japanese brands tend to be the best performers in terms of residual values. Vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic and Nissan Qashqai are known for their reliability and fuel efficiency, which help them retain a greater portion of their original value over the years.

Other cars that hold their value well include the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia and Ford Focus. These vehicles tend to be popular choices in the second-hand market due to their low repair frequency and fuel economy. In addition, luxury models such as the Audi A5, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes CLA are known for maintaining a good residual value over time.

Ultimately, doing your research before buying a car can help you get the most out of your investment. Knowing which cars hold their value better than others and understanding how factors such as age and condition can affect them will help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing or leasing a vehicle.

If you're looking to buy a car but need to know the ins and outs of its history, get a check from mycarcheck. We can help you get peace of mind that you're buying a car that will last.