Do you want a value-retaining car? Buy one of these Volkswagens or Japanese

Of ANWB has compiled a list of the most valuable cars of the last five years. The organization calculated this by comparing the residual value of cars that were available new in the Netherlands five years ago to the new price.

The ANWB assumes a mileage of 75,000 after five years. A distinction is also made between the residual price upon sale and the residual price upon trade-in. The latter amount is logically lower. The residual amount upon trade-in is also used to calculate the residual value. The outcome of this is expressed as a percentage. This shows what percentage of the value has been retained after five years.

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Japanese excel

The research shows that a number of Japanese cars are very stable in value. This will undoubtedly have to do with the excellent reputation Japanese brands have for reliability. The lead is shared by the Toyota Yaris and the Suzuki Ignis, both of which have a value retention of 73 percent. For the Yaris you will receive 15,200 euros of the new price of 20,820 euros back after 5 years, with the Ignis this is 12,400 euros of the 17,055 euros.

In place 3 and 4 you will again find a Suzuki and a Toyota. The Suzuki Swift has retained 72 percent of its value after 5 years, for the Toyota Prius + (also known as Prius Wagon) a percentage of 70 percent applies. Also in place 7 and 9 we find cars made in Japan: the Honda Jazz retained 69 percent of its value in 5 years and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 67 percent.

Volkswagen is also doing well

In addition to the Japanese, three Volkswagens also prove to hold their value nicely. The Volkswagen Polo is in fifth position with a value retention of 70 percent after 5 years. You also write off relatively little on the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Volkswagen T-Roc. The SUVs retained 69 and 67 percent of their value respectively.

The only car on the list that is not from Japan or Wolfsburg is the Kia Picanto. The Korean city car retained 68 percent of its value.

The full list

1. Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVTi hybrid - 73 percent value retention
2. Suzuki Ignis 1.2 - 73 percent value retention
3. Suzuki Swift 1.2 - 72 percent value retention
4. Toyota Prius+ 1.8 hybrid - 70 percent value retention
5. Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI - 70 percent value retention
6. Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI - 69 percent value retention
7. Honda Jazz 1.3 - 69 percent value retention
8. Kia Picanto 1.0 MPI - 68 percent value retention
9. Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 PHEV 4WD- 67 percent value retention
10. Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 TSI - 67 percent value retention

Used cars have become more expensive

The value retention of cars is relatively high compared to previous studies. This is because the prices of new cars have risen enormously in a short period of time. Take a look at the Volkswagen Polo, for example. In 2018 you could still order the compact hatchback from 18,835 euros, today you pay at least 26,890 euros for the Polo.

For this reason, people drive longer in their cars and are more likely to buy a used car instead of a new one. This ensures that fewer young used second-hand cars come onto the market and demand exceeds supply. As a result, used cars have become more expensive and so depreciation has generally decreased.