4 American Cars With the Highest Resale Value, According to Experts
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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The average car loses 30% of its value within two years and 55% within five years, according to Kelley Blue Book. Some American cars beat that average, retaining more of their value over time.
Car experts recommended these four models to retain their value best over time.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The monstrous Chevy Tahoe appeals to plenty of buyers on the secondary market. According to CarEdge, it has an 82.41% residual value after one year.
“Large families and ride-sharing operators are always on the lookout for clean Tahoes,” said Alex Black, chief marketing officer for vehicle history company EpicVIN.
Ford Mustang
Sports cars tend to depreciate quickly, but the iconic Ford Mustang manages to buck that trend.
“The Mustang has a surprisingly reasonable new purchase price, especially for the base version,” said Melanie Musson, an automotive expert with AutoInsurance.org. “It maintains its value far better than other sports cars.”
Chevrolet Camaro
The Camaro also resells well, preserving plenty of value for first owners.
Evaldas Zabitis, auto expert at carVertical, made the case for Camaros: “The last sixth-generation Camaro rolled off the production line in 2024, and muscle car fans are going crazy about these. The pandemic significantly slowed down the production of Camaros a few years ago, making it hard to catch up with the demand.”
Ford F-150
The Ford F-series has held its crown as the bestselling pickup truck in the U.S. for nearly half a century. So yes, they retain their value well.
“The F-150 consistently tops resale charts for a reason,” explained Leon Huang, CEO of auto component manufacturer RapidDirect. “A strong brand reputation, high demand in both new and used markets, and a proven track record for powertrain reliability all add to resale value.”
It also holds up well against the elements. “Ford’s investment in aluminum body panels also contributes to less rust and better structural longevity, which helps it hold value even in tough climates,” Huang said.
More From GOBankingRates
Sources
- Kelley Blue Book, “Car Depreciation Calculator.”
- CarEdge, “Chevrolet Tahoe Depreciation.”
- Alex Black, EpicVIN
- Melanie Musson, AutoInsurance.org
- Evaldas Zabitis, carVertical
- Leon Huang, RapidDirect
