What cars earn ‘best resale value’?

I’m doing a short series on car buying since I’ve had a few reader questions recently about the car buying process. We’re also planning to purchase a new car in the next two years, so the research and info I’m sharing are also my own way of getting ready for our next big purchase. Look for more posts over the next several days.

Today, I’m sharing information compiled by Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), one of the most trusted resources on car buying. Not only can you find information about how much your car is worth depending on where you sell it, but you’ll also find data that’s based on your location-key whether you’re considering buying or selling.

The 2015 Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are in and the results may surprise you. If you’re in the market for a car or simply like to keep tabs on the car market this provides some great information.

Personally I’m happy to see that my husband’s car (Honda Fit) is listed. One of the reasons for his choice was how well Honda’s hold their value and how long they tend to last.

While my car is not on the list I see the car I have my eye on for the next family car-the Toyota Sienna. We were fortunate enough to drive the Sienna for several months and I still miss it! You can read more about why we love the Sienna here.

2015 Best Resale Value: Brand
Subaru

2015 Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand
Lexus

2015 Best Resale Value by Vehicle Category:

Subcompact Car:Honda Fit

Plug-in Vehicle: Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid

Compact Car: Subaru Impreza

Compact SUV/Crossover: Jeep Wrangler

Sporty Compact Car: Subaru WRX

Mid-size SUV/Crossover: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Mid-size Car: Subaru Legacy

Full-size SUV/Crossover: Chevrolet Suburban

Full-size Car: Dodge Charger

Luxury Company SUV/Crossover: Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Entry-level luxury car: Lexus RC 350

Luxury mid-size SUV/Crossover: Lexus GX 460

Luxury car: Lexus GS 350

Luxury full-size SUV/Crossover: Lexus LX 570

High-end luxury car: Lexus LS 460

Hybrid SUV/Crossover: Lexus RX 450h

Sports car: Chevrolet Camaro V6

Mid-size pickup truck: Toyota Tacoma

High performance car: Chevrolet Corvette

Full-size pickup truck: Toyota Tundra

Hybrid/Alternative energy car: Toyota Camry Hybrid

Minivan/Van: Toyota Sienna

2015 BEST RESALE VALUE: TOP 10 CARS

1. Chevrolet Colorado
2. Honda CR-V
3. Chevrolet Silverado
4. Jeep Wrangler
5. Ford F-150
6. Toyota Tacoma
7. GMC Canyon
8. Toyota Tundra
9. GMC Sierra
10. Toyota 4Runner

How does KBB decide which cars are the best value?

Kelley Blue Book reports projections based on current vehicle data, relevant auction transactions, sales data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition within vehicle segments, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book’s residual analysts. Residual values reflect projected future auction values for vehicles in average condition with 75,000 miles at the end of a five-year lease or ownership period. Kelley Blue Book’s residual values are used by manufacturers, banks, financial institutions and the automotive leasing industry.

For more information about Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards click here.

Is your car or the one you have your eye on on the top list? Does seeing the list effect your decision about what to buy?

Kelly