Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Top Ten Cars with Best Residual Value

BMWs top the list of cars with the best residual value, while factors such as supply and demand and luxury features have an impact on the vehicle's worth down the road.

by Staff
July 21, 2005
2 min to read


Though typically not one of the major factors for consumers when purchasing a new vehicle, residual value is an important part of the car-buying process. According to Forbes, some cars retain as much as 60 percent of their value after five years, however many can drop to as little as 20 percent of the original value in the same span. Here is a list of the 10 cars with the best residual value: 1. BMW 6 Series 2. BMW 7 Series 3. Honda Accord Hybrid 4. Infiniti G35 Coupe 5. Lexus GX 470 (SUV) 6. Mercedes-Benz SL500 7. Mini Cooper 8. Porsche 911 9. Scion tC 10. Toyota Prius All of these cars should maintain 50-55 percent of their current value, according to the report. Many dealers take note of depreciation, so when a buyer comes in buying a car such as these, dealers call it “buying right.” As in any market, supply and demand have a large impact in how a car will be priced down the road. If there is high demand, chances are the car will hold on to much of its value. The opposite is true as well. Some of the keys to buying right are in the package that is purchased. The report recommends sticking with more conventional colors like black, white or silver. Add-ons such as power windows, cruise control and alloy or premium wheels not only add value later on, but the absence of those can subtract from the residual worth, according to the report. Other items like keyless entry, leather interior and an engine upgrade (if possible) may not have a negative effect if left out of the purchase, but they will definitely improve the value when included.

More Small Fleet

Cover of the "Top 50 Green Fleets" report presented by Automotive Fleet and Inspiration Fleet, featuring an aerial nighttime photo of a lit highway interchange with looping ramps.
SponsoredJuly 16, 2026

The Top 50 Green Fleets

The List Is in: The Top 50 Green Fleets

Read More →
 Drivers in a safety meeting at Wheelz Up
Small Fleetby Amy HercherJuly 14, 2026

Developing Budget-Friendly Driver Safety Programs

From driver training and safety meetings to one-on-one coaching and incentive programs, several small fleets share how they have developed a safety culture with their drivers using low- to no-cost resources.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 9, 2026

Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections

AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SafetyFebruary 4, 2026

Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries

There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 14, 2026

It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report

What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.

Read More →
Wreaths Across America graphic highlighting the role of small fleets in delivering wreaths to honor veterans, featuring wreath icons and the American flag.
Small Fleetby Lauren FletcherDecember 8, 2025

Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America

Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A stressed person covers their face, illustrating that 65% of small fleet managers handle all operations alone, according to a Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) survey.
Small Fleetby StaffNovember 12, 2025

VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone

A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.

Read More →
Safe Driving on Halloween over spooky fall road
Safetyby StaffOctober 20, 2025

Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night

This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.

Read More →
VMS Co-CEO David Prusinski highlights the company’s AI-powered virtual fleet manager designed to improve uptime and reduce operating costs for fleets.
Green Fleetby Lauren FletcherOctober 6, 2025

AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski

VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of tire tracks and winter scenes.
Small FleetMay 24, 2025

Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!

Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.

Read More →