Buying Guides
Cars That Hold Their Value Best In The UK: What To Buy And Why
6 min read
|
CarVerified Team
Depreciation is often the biggest cost of owning a car. Here's what makes some cars hold their value better, which types tend to do best, and how to protect your car's value.
For most drivers, depreciation (the value a car loses over time) costs more than fuel, insurance or servicing. Choosing a car that holds its value means you get more back when you sell or part-exchange.
What makes a car hold its value?
•
Demand outstripping supply: cars people want, with limited numbers for sale, stay expensive.
•
Reliability reputation: buyers pay more for brands known for lasting well.
•
Low running costs: economical, cheap-to-insure cars stay popular.
•
Low starting price: budget cars have less value to lose in the first place.
•
Desirability: iconic models and enthusiast cars often stay in demand.
•
Colour and spec: popular colours and well-equipped trims are easier to sell.
Types of car that tend to hold value well
•
Toyota and Lexus hybrids: a strong reputation for reliability keeps demand high. See our guides to the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Corolla.
•
Dacia models: cheap to buy new, so they lose less in pounds. See the Dacia Sandero, Duster and Bigster.
•
Iconic 4x4s: the Land Rover Defender and Suzuki Jimny often stay in demand.
•
Sports and enthusiast cars: models like the Porsche 911 and Mazda MX-5 have loyal buyers.
•
Small, economical city cars: always in demand from new drivers. See the best first cars.
Values change with the market, so use these as general patterns rather than guarantees.
FOR DEALERS - FREE TO JOIN
Still running your stock from a spreadsheet?
Stop using spreadsheets: record stock, costs and profit per car in one free dashboard, and list the same cars on your live public page.
Stock, costs and profit per car in one place - no spreadsheet needed
Free public stock page - your cars, prices, mileage and photos
Add a car by reg - DVLA details filled in for you
No card needed. Paid plans only if you need more.
Cars that often lose value faster
•
Large luxury saloons and premium SUVs, which are expensive new and costly to run
•
Some electric cars, where fast-changing technology and price cuts on new models can push used prices down
•
Models with a poor reliability reputation, or ones being discontinued
How to protect your car’s value
1.
Keep a full service history, ideally with stamps and receipts.
2.
Keep the mileage reasonable for the car’s age.
3.
Fix small dents, scratches and kerbed wheels before selling.
4.
Keep all keys, the V5C, the manuals and any spare parts.
5.
Avoid heavy modifications, which narrow the buyers who want the car.
History affects value too
A car’s history can change its value as much as its model. A recorded write-off, a mileage discrepancy or outstanding finance will all lower what a car is worth, so check before you buy, both to avoid overpaying and to know what you’ll be able to sell it for. Our car depreciation calculator can help you estimate future value.
Check the car you are looking at
Start with a free check of the registration at carverified.co.uk to confirm the car matches the advert. For finance, write-off and mileage markers, see what each report includes on the pricing page or in the sample report, and take our free used car checklist to the viewing.
FAQ
Which car brand holds its value best in the UK? Toyota, Lexus, Porsche and Land Rover are often cited, along with Dacia for losing the least in pounds. It varies by model and over time.
Do electric cars hold their value? Some do, but on average used EV prices have been more volatile, partly because of price cuts on new models.
How much does a car depreciate in the first year? It varies a lot by model. Many new cars lose a large share of their value in the first three years, which is why nearly new cars can be good value.
Does colour affect resale value? It can. Popular colours like grey, black, white and blue are usually easier to sell than unusual ones.

Free tools for this guide

Car Depreciation Calculator
Estimate how much a car will be worth in future years.
Use the free tool →
Used Car Checklist
A tick-off checklist for buying from a dealer or private seller - petrol, diesel, hybrid or EV.
Use the free tool →
Car Finance Calculator
Estimate monthly payments for a car loan, HP or PCP.
Use the free tool →
See all car tools →

Buying a used car?

Check the vehicle history before you buy: MOT history, mileage, outstanding finance, write-offs and theft records.
CarVerified Silver Plus (£5.99) covers write-off, stolen and outstanding finance checks.
Start with the free check - upgrade only if you want the full report.
Viewing a car? Use our free used car checklist →
FOR DEALERS - FREE TO JOIN
Are you a car dealer without a website?
Record your stock, costs and profit in one place and list it on a live public page - free, live in minutes.
Free public stock page - your cars, prices, mileage and photos
Add a car by reg - DVLA details filled in for you
Buyer enquiries land straight in your dashboard
Stock, costs and profit per car in one place - no spreadsheet needed
Invoices included (up to 5 a month free)
Analytics on the Professional plan: sell-through, stock ageing and margin
No card needed. Paid plans only if you need more.
Related Guides
Table of Contents
1.
What makes a car hold its value?
2.
Types of car that tend to hold value well
3.
Cars that often lose value faster
4.
How to protect your car's value
5.
History affects value too
6.
Check the car you are looking at
7.
FAQ
Related Guides
Learn more about buying and checking used vehicles.
Buying Guides
Ex Fleet Cars UK Buying Guide: Are Company Cars Worth Buying?
Learn whether ex fleet cars are worth buying in the UK. Discover the benefits, risks, mileage concerns and important checks to complete before purchasing a former company vehicle.
14 min read
•
CarVerified
Buying Guides
V5C Logbook Check UK: What Buyers Need To Know Before Buying A Used Car
Learn what the V5C logbook is, what information it contains, how to check it before buying a used car and why it should be combined with a complete vehicle history check.
14 min read
•
CarVerified
Buying Guides
Buying A Used Car UK: Private Seller vs Dealer Pros, Cons And Risks
Compare buying a used car from a private seller versus a dealer in the UK. Learn the advantages, risks, legal protection and checks you should complete before purchasing.
14 min read
•
CarVerified