Which New Cars Have Almost Zero Depreciation?

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Most new vehicles lose value the moment they leave the dealership. Conventional wisdom says a new car can lose 20% to 30% of its value within the first few years of ownership. But that’s not always the case.

In today’s market, certain vehicles have become so desirable that they barely depreciate at all. In some cases, lightly used examples sell for as much—or even more—than their original purchase price. According to a recent iSeeCars study, several vehicles continue to defy traditional depreciation trends thanks to strong demand, limited supply, and excellent reputations.

These vehicles generally fall into four distinct categories.

Toyota Hybrids Lead the Way

Few vehicles have enjoyed stronger demand in recent years than Toyota’s hybrid lineup. Long wait times, limited inventory, and exceptional fuel economy have made these models some of the hottest commodities on the market.

The Toyota Sienna Hybrid is one of the most striking examples. First-year depreciation is virtually nonexistent, and even after three years, values remain remarkably strong. Five years into ownership, depreciation is only about 28%, far below the industry average.

The same trend applies to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. In many markets, new models still require lengthy wait times, allowing lightly used examples to command premium prices. Five-year depreciation sits at roughly 25%, making it one of the strongest performers in the industry.

Other Toyota hybrids with outstanding resale value include the Corolla Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, and Prius, all of which lose only about 25% to 30% of their value over five years.

Toyota Trucks and Truck-Based SUVs Hold Their Value

Toyota’s dominance doesn’t stop with hybrids.

The 4Runner remains one of the strongest resale performers on the market. Its reputation for durability and off-road capability has created intense demand, particularly for used examples. It’s not uncommon to find two- or three-year-old 4Runners selling for prices close to their original MSRP.

Toyota’s pickup trucks perform similarly. Both the Tacoma and Tundra lose only about 20% of their value over the first five years of ownership. In the Tacoma’s case, resale values have been so strong that it has consistently ranked among the slowest-depreciating vehicles in America.

It’s no coincidence that Toyota dominates depreciation studies. The brand’s combination of reliability, strong demand, and long-term ownership appeal continues to pay dividends for owners.

Sports Cars Are Surprisingly Strong Investments

Performance cars aren’t usually associated with strong resale values, but several enthusiast favorites buck that trend.

The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ retain value exceptionally well, losing only around 23% of their value over five years. Their affordability, engaging driving dynamics, and limited supply have helped keep used prices elevated.

The Toyota Supra also performs remarkably well, while the Ford Mustang continues to benefit from rising new-car prices that support strong used values. The Honda Civic Type R is another standout, with demand often exceeding supply and used examples frequently selling at prices near—or above—their original sticker prices.

Then there’s Porsche.

According to the study, the Porsche 911 and 718 models have some of the lowest depreciation rates in the entire automotive market, losing only around 10% of their value over five years. For buyers who can afford them, that’s an astonishing level of value retention.

The Chevrolet Corvette also deserves mention, depreciating only about 18% over five years. That’s an impressive figure for a high-performance sports car.

Affordable Cars Are More Valuable Than Ever

Perhaps the biggest surprise is how well basic economy cars are holding their value.

As vehicle prices continue to rise, affordable transportation has become increasingly scarce. Demand for reliable vehicles priced under $30,000 remains extremely strong, which has dramatically boosted used-car values.

The Toyota Corolla is a perfect example. Even five-year-old models lose only about 25% of their value, while lightly used examples often sell for prices close to new ones.

The Honda Civic performs even better, with roughly 22% depreciation over five years. Both vehicles continue to command strong prices well beyond the 10-year mark when properly maintained.

Other affordable models with excellent resale value include:

Subaru Impreza

Subaru Crosstrek

Honda HR-V

Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota Prius

Hyundai Venue

Nissan Versa

Most of these vehicles lose less than 30% of their value during their first five years on the road.

What This Means for Buyers

The long-standing advice that buying a new car is always a bad financial decision no longer applies across the board.

Historically, vehicles were expected to lose significant value within the first few years of ownership. Today, however, many high-demand models depreciate so slowly that buying used often makes little financial sense. If a two-year-old vehicle costs nearly as much as a new one, the new vehicle becomes the smarter purchase.

According to iSeeCars, the average vehicle loses roughly 45% of its value over five years. Every model highlighted here performs dramatically better than that benchmark.

The Biggest Depreciation Losers

At the opposite end of the spectrum are electric vehicles and luxury vehicles.

These segments typically suffer the steepest depreciation, often losing close to 60% of their value within five years. Rapid technological advancement, higher repair costs, battery concerns, and lower used-car demand all contribute to weaker resale values.

For buyers focused on long-term value retention, that’s an important factor to consider before signing on the dotted line.

Bottom Line

If your goal is to minimize depreciation, the formula is surprisingly simple: buy a Toyota hybrid, a Toyota truck, a desirable sports car, or a proven affordable compact vehicle.

In a market where many cars still lose value rapidly, these models continue to stand out as some of the safest automotive purchases you can make.

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