Retaining the value of your vehicle is important because it enables you to get the best return on your investment when selling or trading it in.
Various factors influence vehicle retention values such as the brand’s reputation, durability, reliability, fuel efficiency, technological advancements, market demand for specific vehicle types and more.

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How you’ve looked after your car over the years impacts not only its overall ownership costs, but also the price you’ll receive if you decide to sell. Even the rarest of marques won’t fetch as much money if they’ve been neglected.
Learning how to value your car accurately is a must if you’re planning to sell.
Why do cars lose their value?
Experts say every car depreciates in value by an average 30% as soon as it’s driven away from the showroom simply because it’s now second-hand, which is unavoidable. However, choosing the right model and looking after it properly will help retain your car’s value for longer.
A study by CAP Automotive suggests used car values can vary significantly due to depreciation. During their first year, they can lose on average between 15% and 30% of their worth. How they’re treated and the number of miles on the clock are contributory factors.
Over three years, the value can decrease by 50% or more, with an average medium-sized family vehicle losing around £12,000 from new. Based on doing 12,000 miles per year, the fuel will have cost £4,000. The survey concludes that choosing a car that retains its value makes more sense financially than going solely for fuel efficiency.
What factors influence vehicle value retention?
The reputation of the brand is a major factor, as cars known to be highly desirable and reliable usually depreciate slower. Examples of brands with a good reputation that hold their value include Audi, Vauxhall, Land Rover and BMW. Unless you own a recognised classic car with rarity or prestige value, updated designs and models tend to hold their value better than older vehicles of the same type.
A car’s durability and how well you look after it is also a factor. If it’s well-maintained, such as having regular services and oil changes, its value will depreciate slower than a similar model that hasn’t been cared for. Using genuine parts, rather than second-hand or generic alternatives, will also help a car keep its value.
Fuel efficiency is a factor, as vehicles that are cheaper to run will always be more popular than those with higher costs, unless they’re special collectible models.
Technological advancements have an impact, as they make older cars seem outdated in some owners’ eyes. Models that redesign very frequently will see the older ones depreciate more quickly.
Battery life also impacts the value, especially in electric cars. Batteries that degrade faster, reducing their performance and range, will make the vehicle lose value rapidly, as they can be expensive to replace. For example, the cost of a new battery for a Honda E costs around £3,000, compared with £13,000 for a Tesla.
We’ve compared the value of many different cars to find the ones that best retain their value…
Land Rover Defender
The British-made Land Rover Defender comes near the top of the list of cars that depreciate more slowly. Famous for its off-road capabilities, versatility and durability, the Defender is a good investment because of its timeless design and the brand’s symbolic value, according to enthusiasts.
Studies show it’s the third most famous car marque in the UK, with its high-spec factory-fitted options adding to its popularity.
Audi A3
The Audi A3 is also a high performer when it comes to retaining value, particularly because it’s a famous brand in the luxury car sector. Known for its reliability, the A3 boasts a median ten-year price that’s strong for a smaller luxury car.
In 2024, studies show the 2023 Audi A3 is the best model in terms of year-on-year value, as buyers on the used car market are still paying 73% of the original price. A popular hatchback known for its performance, technology and design, it is also a fuel-efficient choice.
Vauxhall Astra
Vauxhall is a well-known British car brand, popular for producing models that are affordable, practical and reliable, while also offering a high performance. Data from the DVLA suggests Vauxhall is the most popular British marque, with more than 3.15 million vans and cars on the road.
Its slow depreciation is attributed to having a striking and timeless design, offering comfort and high performance on all road surfaces. It also boasts a large boot and a well-equipped interior with good quality cabin materials.
BMW 3 Series
Studies show that while the larger BMW models depreciate in value at an average rate, the BMW 3 series tends to retain its price for longer. Studies show a 2022 model is considered particularly good value for money, as it’s still sold for 65% of the original price on the second-hand car market.
Enthusiasts cite its high quality, lower running costs and affordable price as the main reasons it’s preferred over the larger luxury models by the German manufacturer.
Check value of vehicle
Have you ever asked yourself what the current value of my vehicle might be? There are plenty of websites where you can find the resale value, such as Auto Trader, where you can enter your registration and mileage for a free valuation.
If you’re wondering how to find the value of a vehicle without entering your personal details anywhere online, check through the many online trade and private auction sites to get an idea of what similar models sell for.