How to choose a car that will have a high resale value: 5 signs from experts

Some cars lose value extremely quickly. According to research by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), most new cars lose 20% of their value in the first year, and by the fifth year of use, this figure rises sharply to 60% of their original value.

Of course, there are models that will be a profitable investment. KBB predicts a much higher resale value for such models as Ford Bronco, Toyota Prius, Subaru Crosstrek, etc. Experts told us how not to lose money and choose a car that can be resold profitably.

Brand reliability

Everyone who has ever bought a used car knows that it is a kind of lottery. The biggest fear is buying a car with mechanical or electrical problems.

"Cars from brands known for their reliability and low maintenance costs, such as Lexus or Subaru, tend to have higher resale values," said Rob Dillan, founder of EVhype, an electric car information website.

In addition, he said, models such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are known for their durability and reliability, so they are always favorites on the secondary market.

Fuel efficiency

Most used car buyers think about fuel economy. Vehicles with higher fuel efficiency ratings tend to depreciate more slowly than those with low fuel economy.

Attention to detail

If you want to maximize resale value and potential buyers, it's best to stick with safe, popular colors.

"In the aftermarket, buyers traditionally favor neutral colors such as black, white, and silver," Dillan said.

Modern safety features

A car must be safe. This is the primary condition when choosing a car. John Lin, co-founder of JB Motor Works from Philadelphia, reminded that cars with the highest crash test and safety ratings remain in demand.

Modern features and digital improvements, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which use cameras, sensors and software to provide drivers with safety information, can also increase the resale value of a car.

Latest technologies

We live in a world of smartphones, streaming, and artificial intelligence, so it's no surprise that today's buyers want the latest technology in their cars.

"When car manufacturers keep up with technology, their vehicles retain resale value and will continue to attract buyers in years to come," said Gretchen Seidel, automotive expert at Seidel & Co.

And, of course, you should pay attention to the mileage, regular maintenance, including engine and electronics maintenance.

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