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If you’re buying a car with an eye to selling it down the track, it’s important to keep an eye on your model’s resale value. Different cars depreciate at different rates, so it’s worth analysing what yours might be worth a few years down the track.
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) releases its Automotive Insights Report (AIR) each month, which breaks down key used car sales trends, including the retained value of vehicles. These figures are based on average sales data from both private sellers and dealerships and are split into age brackets of 2-4 years and 5-7 years.
You can find out the cars with the best resale value in Australia in Savvy’s breakdown of the AIR from February 2024 right here.
Passenger car retained value: 2-4 years old
February’s data revealed that Toyota’s 86 was the model that held the most value among all passenger vehicles in Australia between two and four years old, with its resale value representing an increase of almost 7% on its original sale price.
The fastback coupe sports car is joined by a pair of hatchbacks in the Honda Jazz (105.1%) and another Toyota model in the Yaris (104.6%) as the only vehicles with an average used sale price beyond their RRP.
For reference, AADA states in its AIR that the average retained value of passenger vehicles between two and four years old in February 2024 sat at 85.5%.
Elsewhere, the Kia Picanto (99.4%) and Ford Mustang (97.8%) rounded out the top five for retained value in this age bracket, while Toyota took up two further places in the top ten with the Corolla (96.0%) and Camry (94.7%).
| Model | Avg. retained value % |
|---|---|
|
Toyota 86 |
106.9 |
|
Honda Jazz |
105.1 |
|
Toyota Yaris |
104.6 |
|
Kia Picanto |
99.4 |
|
Ford Mustang |
97.8 |
|
Honda Civic |
96.0 |
|
Toyota Corolla |
96.0 |
|
Mini Hatch |
94.9 |
|
Suzuki Swift |
94.8 |
|
Toyota Camry |
94.7 |
SUV retained value: 2-4 years old
When it comes to the retained values of SUVs between two and four years old, the Suzuki Jimny stands head and shoulders above the rest with a resale value of 28.9% more than its original retail price.
The popular all-terrain 4×4 sits over 20% ahead of the next-best resale value car, the Toyota LandCruiser (107.4%), and more than 25% ahead of the third-placed Yaris Cross (103.3%).
These three were joined by the Land Rover Defender (100.7%), Toyota RAV4 (100.7%) and Nissan Patrol (100.1%) as SUVs that outsold their market price on average.
Appearances by the Fortuner (94.7%), C-HR (93.9%) and LandCruiser Prado (91.2%) meant that six of the top ten for retained value in this segment belonged to Toyota.
| Model | Avg. retained value % |
|---|---|
|
Suzuki Jimny |
128.9 |
|
Toyota LandCruiser |
107.4 |
|
Toyota Yaris Cross |
103.3 |
|
Land Rover Defender |
100.7 |
|
Toyota RAV4 |
100.7 |
|
Nissan Patrol |
100.1 |
|
Toyota Fortuner |
94.7 |
|
Toyota C-HR |
93.9 |
|
Jeep Wrangler |
92.2 |
|
Toyota LandCruiser Prado |
91.2 |
Passenger car retained value: 5-7 years old
The Mitsubishi Mirage was the clear standout for retained value among passenger vehicles between the ages of five and seven years old, with average used car sales placing it at 106.5% of its original cost.
This puts it well ahead of the average retained value for passenger vehicles in February recorded in the AIR, which sat at 71.5%.
The Toyota Yaris (94.8%), Honda Jazz (88.0%) and Kia Picanto (86.7%) held their places in the top five, sitting in second, fourth and fifth, respectively.
Moving into the top three was the Toyota Prius C (93.5%), which was one of three vehicles to retain a resale value above 90% among passenger cars in this age bracket, while the 86 dropped to seventh (85.4%) despite topping the charts among two to four-year-old models.
| Model | Avg. retained value % |
|---|---|
|
Mitsubishi Mirage |
106.5 |
|
Toyota Yaris |
94.8 |
|
Toyota Prius C |
93.5 |
|
Honda Jazz |
88.0 |
|
Kia Picanto |
86.7 |
|
Mazda2 |
85.9 |
|
Toyota 86 |
85.4 |
|
Ford Mustang |
84.5 |
|
Honda Civic |
81.4 |
|
Suzuki Swift |
80.5 |
SUV retained value: 5-7 years old
The LandCruiser remains in strong demand among used car buyers, retaining comfortably the most value of all SUVs between five and seven years old at 91.5%.
This is well above the February average for the age bracket of 64.4%, the lowest among all recorded segments across the month.
The MG ZS (86.3%) and Suzuki Ignis (86.0%) both appeared in the top three for retained value despite not making the top ten among two to four-year-old models, while the Jeep Wrangler (84.1%) and Nissan Patrol (82.1%) remained around the mark.
Additionally, despite making up six of the top ten best resale value cars in the younger age bracket, only three Toyota models appear here, with the Fortuner (79.7%) and LandCruiser Prado (75.8%) making the list.
There’s also no sign of the immensely popular Jimny, which was only released in 2019 in its current people-pleasing iteration.
| Model | Avg. retained value % |
|---|---|
|
Toyota LandCruiser |
91.5 |
|
MG ZS |
86.3 |
|
Suzuki Ignis |
86.0 |
|
Jeep Wrangler |
84.1 |
|
Nissan Patrol |
82.1 |
|
Hyundai Kona |
79.9 |
|
Toyota Fortuner |
79.7 |
|
Mazda CX-3 |
77.5 |
|
Suzuki Grand Vitara |
77.4 |
|
Toyota LandCruiser Prado |
75.8 |
How can I maximise the resale value of my car?
There are several tips you may wish to consider before selling your car to help maximise the amount you get in return for it. These can include:
- Maintain a consistent service history: regularly following the manufacturer's recommended service schedule is crucial. This demonstrates to potential buyers that the car has been well-maintained and cared for. Also, keep a record of all service appointments, parts replaced, and any repairs done to add transparency for the buyer.
- Address wear and tear: consider addressing minor scratches, dents or worn upholstery and ensure all features and components are functioning correctly. Addressing any minor mechanical issues promptly can help avoid potential red flags for buyers.
- Keep it clean: maintaining a clean interior and exterior showcases the car's overall condition and creates a positive first impression for interested parties. Avoid smoking in the vehicle, as this will be a major put-off for most buyers.
- Stick to factory parts (if applicable): while replacements might be necessary, prioritise using genuine manufacturer parts whenever possible, especially for major repairs. This can assure buyers that the car retains its original quality and functionality. Avoid DIY jobs, as these can do more harm than good.
- Consider mileage: generally, cars with lower mileage tend to hold their value better. If possible, avoid unnecessary short trips and strive for fuel-efficient driving habits.
- Think about replacing your tyres: if your car is well-loved and hasn’t had its tyres replaced in a while, buying new ones just before selling can increase the amount you may be able to receive for it.
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