Cars That Hold Their Value: Best Models for Resale in 2026

Depreciation is the single biggest cost of owning a car. It dwarfs fuel, insurance, and maintenance combined. A typical new car loses 40% to 60% of its value in the first three years. But some models lose far less, and a small number actually hold their value so well that buying one is almost like putting money into a savings account. We analysed real UK resale values to find the 20 models that retain the most value after three years of ownership.

Understanding which cars hold their value is not just useful for new car buyers. If you are buying used, a car with strong residual values will cost you less in total ownership because it will be worth more when you come to sell it. The difference can be enormous: a car that retains 65% of its value versus one that retains 40% could save you £5,000 or more over a three-year ownership cycle on a £25,000 purchase.

Several factors determine how well a car holds its value. The most important is supply and demand. If a car is in high demand but limited supply, buyers compete for used examples and prices stay high. The Land Rover Defender is a perfect example: long waiting lists for new models mean used examples sell for close to, and sometimes above, the original price.

Reliability reputation plays a major role too. Toyota, Porsche, and Honda have spent decades building reputations for bulletproof engineering. Buyers trust these brands, which means they are willing to pay more for a used example. Our reliability rankings show this clearly in MOT pass rate data.

Desirability is the third factor. Some cars are simply more wanted than others. Sports cars, iconic designs, and models with cult followings (like the Suzuki Jimny or Mini Cooper S) hold their value because people want them for emotional as well as practical reasons. A beige Vauxhall Insignia might be perfectly competent, but nobody is queuing up to buy a used one.

Here are the 20 models that retain the highest percentage of their original price after three years and average mileage (22,000 miles), based on current UK market data:

If you are choosing a brand rather than a specific model, some manufacturers consistently outperform others on residual values.

Toyota leads the mainstream market. Across the range, from the Aygo to the Land Cruiser, Toyota models retain 50% to 74% of their value after three years. The combination of reliability, hybrid technology, and brand trust is unbeatable.

Porsche is the premium leader. Every model in the range holds its value better than rivals from BMW, Mercedes, or Audi. The 911 is the standout, but even the Macan and Cayenne SUVs depreciate less than competitors.

Land Rover has improved dramatically. The new Defender is exceptional, and the Range Rover Sport and Evoque both hold their value better than they used to. Reliability concerns still exist, but desirability is carrying residuals.

Mercedes-Benz holds value better than BMW and Audi across most of the range. The G-Class and AMG models are the strongest performers, but even mainstream models like the A-Class and C-Class depreciate less than equivalents from rival German brands.

Suzuki is the budget champion. The Jimny, Swift, and Vitara all hold their value better than competitors from Dacia, Hyundai, or Kia in percentage terms. Low purchase prices combined with a reputation for reliability keep demand strong.

At the other end of the scale, certain types of car depreciate rapidly. Large executive saloons like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and Mercedes E-Class can lose 50% to 60% of their value in three years. Ex-fleet cars flood the used market, pushing prices down. A £45,000 BMW 530i might be worth just £18,000 after three years.

High-specification diesel models are also depreciating heavily. The anti-diesel sentiment, combined with Clean Air Zone concerns, means diesel versions of popular models can be worth £2,000 to £3,000 less than the equivalent petrol. This is particularly noticeable with larger diesel SUVs and executive cars.

Early electric vehicles with older battery technology are another depreciation risk. Models with ranges under 200 miles, or without access to rapid charging networks, are losing value quickly as newer EVs with better range and technology come to market. Read our full guide on cars that lose value fastest for more detail.

If retaining value matters to you, follow these principles:

Choose popular colours. White, black, grey, and blue hold value best. Unusual colours like orange, brown, or bright green can knock £500 to £1,500 off resale value.

Stick to mid-range specifications. Base models sell for less on the used market, but top-spec models lose the most money in absolute terms. The middle trim level typically offers the best balance.

Opt for petrol or hybrid over diesel. Unless you drive very high mileage, the petrol or hybrid version of any model will hold its value better.

Buy brands with strong reputations. Toyota, Porsche, Honda, and Suzuki consistently top residual value charts. You are paying for that reputation upfront, but you get it back when you sell.

Keep mileage in check. Every 10,000 miles above the average of around 7,400 per year reduces resale value by roughly 3% to 5%. Low-mileage cars command a significant premium.

Maintain full service history. A complete service record (preferably main dealer for premium cars) can add £1,000 or more to resale value versus an incomplete history.

Mileage is one of the most significant factors in used car pricing. Our MOT data shows the average UK car covers approximately 7,400 miles per year. Cars with below-average mileage command a premium, while high-mileage examples sell for less, even if they are mechanically sound.

The impact varies by model. A Toyota or Honda with 60,000 miles is still seen as a solid buy because the reliability reputation means buyers trust it will keep going. A 60,000-mile BMW or Audi faces more scepticism, as buyers factor in the potential cost of repairing complex systems.

You can verify any car's mileage history using our free car checker. Enter the reg plate and we will show the complete MOT mileage record, flagging any discrepancies or signs of clocking. For a used car purchase, this is one of the most important checks you can do.

For the full picture on a potential purchase, including whether the car has outstanding finance, has been stolen, or has been written off, use our full history check. Buying a car with hidden history problems will destroy your resale value, no matter how well the model normally holds its worth.