Your car is going to depreciate as soon as you drive it off the lot. Unfortunately, that’s just a reality of life. While it’s true that every car loses some of its value over time, some depreciate at a much higher rate than others. If you are someone concerned about resale value, it is important to know what cars (and brands) will retain their value the most, and which will take a nose dive. Here are the 10 worst car brands for resale value.
You May Want to Pass on the Worst Car Brands for Resale Value
1. Chrysler
Chrysler has long struggled with holding value on the resale market. Limited model variety and inconsistent reliability scores have made it a tough sell for used car buyers. Even the well-known Chrysler 300 depreciates significantly faster than many competitors in the full-size sedan segment. Buyers are wary of long-term ownership costs, which hurts its used market demand. If you’re planning to resell in a few years, a Chrysler could cost you more than you expect.
2. Fiat
Fiat might win style points, but it loses big in resale value. With a limited dealer network, subpar reliability ratings, and niche appeal, Fiat vehicles often sit on used car lots longer than average. The Fiat 500, once trendy, is now known for its steep depreciation curve. Buyers are cautious about long-term performance and parts availability. All that charm comes at the price of rapid value loss.
3. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi once had a strong following, but over time, its reputation has faded, and so has its resale value. Limited innovation, aging models, and weaker safety ratings contribute to the drop in consumer interest. While the initial sticker price may be attractive, the brand’s vehicles typically depreciate faster than rivals. The Mirage and Outlander are two examples where value plummets quickly after purchase. You may save money upfront, but you’ll pay for it later.
4. Jaguar
I wouldn’t recommend buying a Jaguar to anyone for a number of reasons, but its resale value is definitely one. For used car buyers, there are concerns about reliability and high maintenance costs (and rightfully so). Not to mention, some of the most popular models, like the F-Pace, see some of the steepest drops in value within just a few years. Don’t buy a Jag unless you really love the car or you plan to drive it into the ground.
5. Land Rover
Land Rovers exude luxury and off-road capability, but they lose value faster than most high-end vehicles. These SUVs are expensive to repair and maintain, and their spotty reliability ratings don’t help. Used car buyers are cautious, fearing big-ticket repairs and complex electronics. Even recent models depreciate at a rate that can shock new owners. It’s a premium vehicle with a not-so-premium resale profile.
6. Buick
Despite efforts to modernize its image, Buick still struggles to attract younger buyers, which affects its resale performance. The brand is often associated with older drivers, limiting its appeal in the used market. Sedans like the LaCrosse and Regal, in particular, suffer sharp depreciation. Even Buick’s well-reviewed SUVs can’t escape the brand’s resale woes. Reselling a Buick can feel like trying to unload last year’s technology in a smartphone-obsessed world.
7. Lincoln
Lincoln may have improved in quality and design over the years, but resale value hasn’t caught up. Many buyers still view Lincoln as an old-school luxury brand with limited modern appeal. The resale market is flooded with alternatives from BMW, Audi, and Lexus that hold value better. Vehicles like the MKZ and Nautilus depreciate quickly due to low demand. It’s a tough market when brand prestige doesn’t hold weight in resale decisions.
8. Chevrolet (Sedans and Smaller Cars)
Chevy trucks hold decent value, but their smaller cars? Not so much. Sedans like the Malibu and compact cars like the Spark depreciate fast, thanks to intense competition and waning interest in non-SUV models. Used buyers often bypass these for more reliable or stylish alternatives. Even incentives on new Chevys can’t offset the hit you’ll take at trade-in. When the market speaks, Chevy’s lower-tier models tend to drop fast.
9. Nissan
Nissan’s reputation for reliability has taken a hit in recent years, and resale values reflect that. Models like the Altima and Sentra often show up on depreciation lists, especially due to CVT transmission concerns. The brand has struggled to keep pace with competitors in terms of innovation and design. Many buyers are wary of long-term ownership, which affects resale demand. While they’re easy to find on the used lot, they’re harder to sell for a good return.
10. Mini
Mini cars are quirky and fun, but they depreciate faster than you’d think. The brand’s niche appeal, combined with costly repairs and limited space, deters many used car buyers. Minis are known for their charm but not their longevity, and their resale suffers as a result. Even popular models like the Mini Cooper don’t hold their value well after a few years. Cute doesn’t always mean cost-effective.
Resale Value Matters—Choose Wisely Before You Buy
These are some of the worst car brands for resale value. If you want to eventually trade your vehicle in for a new one a few years down the road, it’s important to research the model and brand before making a purchase. And do yourself a favor, avoid these brands.
Have you owned a car that lost value faster than you expected? Which brand surprised you the most? Share your resale win or regret in the comments below!
Read More
9 Times Car Brands Were Accused of Greenwashing and Still Boosted Sales
6 Car Brands With a History of Bribing Safety Regulators Overseas
The post 10 Worst Car Brands for Resale Value (You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner) appeared first on Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money.
