Cars that don't seem to lose value

"highmodulus" (highmodulus)
09/22/2013 at 16:52 • Filed to: Depreciation Proof Cars

Having been on the hunt for a nice jalop used car, I have noticed something interesting- certain cars don't seem to lose much if any value from new.

For example, you want a nice Subaru WRX STi Hatchback- well break out the spending pants, cause its probably only a few grand south of new, even with 25k miles on it (most of them sideways).

DISCUSSION (38)

dogisbadob > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:01

Hondas don't really depreciate either.

How much are you looking to spend?

Victorious Secret > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:07

Canadian right?

Yea, goddamn Canada.

scoob > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:07

Why not a bugeye Impreza?

highmodulus > dogisbadob
09/22/2013 at 17:09

Around $20-27k, DD-duties, jalop worthy and something different (already punched the E46 and E90 M3's). Nothing with notable engine killing flaws (like the IMS issues on early Caymans and 996 911s).

highmodulus > scoob
09/22/2013 at 17:11

Hard to find one that hasn't been "tastefully modded" or seen the wrong side of a Cobb Accessport. Same thing with Evo's.

Alex87f > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:13

It's probably a bit early to tell, but the BRZ / GT-86 twins seem to be holding value quite well.

They go for about 29k€ new, without options. With good negotiating skills, you can leave the showroom with a 26k€ hole in your pocket.

They've been around for a year and a half, and it's still very complicated to find a used one for less than 23-24k€. Too bad because I'd put 17-18k€ in one. I guess I'll have to wait!

highmodulus > Alex87f
09/22/2013 at 17:15

That reflects my experience— especially with the BRZ Limited

Dualpoints > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:15

The best way to beat this is to be very very patient, and be ready to pounce with a cash offer. Car dealers know what they have and ask full price. Private owners can be way off, with some overestimating the value of their precious car. But every so often a private owner is ill-informed, or highly motivated to sell and the price is lower than typical market value. I've seen people who were so worn down and disgusted from dealing with idiots calling from Craigslist they finally sell their car for thousands less than it could bring, just to stop the pain. A friend got a Cayman S this way, really cheap. The seller had been inundated with morons. He threw in the towel after a guy wasted hours on the phone asking a million questions, demanding photos by email, and tying up the seller on a weekend by arriving an hour late for the appointment. After all that, he whined and negotiated until they agreed on a price, contingent on a successful test drive. Moron started the Cayman and exploded "You never said it was a manual! I can't drive a stick shift!". My friend was the next caller...

highmodulus > Victorious Secret
09/22/2013 at 17:16

Nope- Virginian. Although I grew up in New Hampshire, which is as cold as Canada. . .

drunkenup2 > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:19

Cobra Terminators

Makoyouidiot > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:24

Kinja'd!!!

See also: Subaru Baja.

Leadbull > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:29

The Mezger IMS problems are really overrated.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:37

What about an R32? They are fairly Hoon-able, but don't suffer from the mod scene as much.

dogisbadob > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:42

Mazda 5? It's available with a manual transmission, and the mini-minivan is itself enough to be 'different' especially with a stick (but only on the base model, unless you're in Canada, where you can also get a Mercedes B-class 6-speed turbo)

Hyundai Elantra Touring (previous-gen Elantra wagon). It's a manual transmission wagon! Totally Jalop worthy

The HHR SS might also qualify, as would the Saturn Astra XR. Both have gobs of utility and manual transmission availability. The Astra is even available with a huge panoramic sunroof, probably the smallest and cheapest car to offer one. It's also different and jalop-worthy (this is what I'd get if I could afford a new-ish car)

I also like the 2003-2006 Matrix XRS and Vibe GT. 8000-rpm 2ZZ, 6-speed manual, very versatile, and it's a Toyota!

Your budget could also get you a Magnum SRT8 or an early CTS-V.

Volvo V50 T5 manual. I still think that ANY post-malaise wagon is by default 'different' over here, and the Volvo shouldn't be too bad in reliability since it's a Mazda 3/Focus (Mk2 Focus that we didn't get, but that's OK, since we did get the 3)

Union of Smog Techs of CA > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 17:54

Nissan, Versa. Cant find one for blue book. Car cost $9999.000 new and crazy people are selling them for $7000 with 80k miles.

Suuuubaru > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 18:19

If I had that much money I'd probably get a 90s Lincoln town car to drive through pot holes, then spend the rest on something stupid. Like a 944.

But if snow isnt a problem, and you can get over the image, why not a c4 or c5 vette. Dirt cheap, plenty of parts, huge support groups, and sporty enough for autocross or spirited drives

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 18:49

Does this suffice as a jalop-enough ride?

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

If not, does this work? http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

shpuker > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 18:55

Diesel pickups with fairly base packages, STI's and WRX's, EVO's, current gen Mustangs. All seem to hold value pretty well.

twinturbobmw > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 19:07

Here's an article from the FP from earlier this year about the least depreciated cars of the last ten years.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Crocket Bernet > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 19:15

So true, so icey.

offroadkarter > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 19:36

cars that are desirable hold resale better, simple as that. Terminator cobras have been between the 17 to 25,000 range for the past 5 years.

highmodulus > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
09/22/2013 at 19:40

I think you found the only IS250 with a manual- nice. Never thought much about them- because, its a Lexus. Other than the F Sport, not the first Jalop car that comes to mind. This one is on the wrong coat too. Nice find though.

And not so much on the X5. I did own a 35i equipped X3 for a couple of years- nice, great power train but pretty "eh" overall.

highmodulus > twinturbobmw
09/22/2013 at 19:50

Interesting- some of the results don't hold up from what I have seen- TDI's are pretty affordable as of late, I think the supply is much better from VW/Audi coming off lease now. Mini's can be had cheap at Carmax- but not for me. The G8's/GTOs seem to be falling lately- but I think the GTO is good value for money now. R8's without the V10 are dropping now, the new engine/transmission really hurt these.

Confirmed : Fit makes sense- they were cheap to begin with, and last of the "good" old Honda. Wrangler, Yep. Raptor, Yep. 1M- horded by collectors, small run, future classic (love them). Ford GT, yeah obviously. Enzo- umm, really this is news?

highmodulus > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
09/22/2013 at 19:52

Good call- like those too. A bit thin on the ground. I have found a few, but with crazy owners who seem to think these are $$$ collectors cars.

highmodulus > Leadbull
09/22/2013 at 19:54

Depends on your risk tolerance. The settled Class Action suit was rather telling in this regard. Watching the Rennlist/Pelican discussions made me very cautious about owning one out of warranty coverage.

Leadbull > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 20:10

It's a small risk. The few cars that had issues have most likely been repaired or taken off the road by now. This is one case where I'd rather buy a highish mileage car, though. Because you're right... a risk is still a risk no matter how small.

MitsubiShe > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 22:03

Used Evos are always dicey. :(

marshknute > shpuker
09/22/2013 at 22:12

I found myself looking at AWD sedans this past summer for about $9K, and stumbled upon this article. It's ironic that 12 years later, the E46 330xi, B5 S4, and WRX all cost the same on the used market.

I ultimately bought a 330xi over a WRX because I couldn't ignore the major difference in refinement and interior quality. The Subie holds its value too well for its own good.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 22:14

I mean they are and they aren't. They're basically a TT underneath. So there's that. But I do understand that it's a Golf too. It really goes both ways. But worth it usually, if nothin else then for the sound.

GRawesome > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 22:42

Jeep Wranglers.
Sold my 13 yr old wrangler for half what I paid for it. Guess it helps that they don't change much design wise, a lay person probable couldn't tell a 97 from an 07. The only ones not really worth much are the 80's square headlight era cars. Still not old enough to be classics, they're just old.

BadMatt > highmodulus
09/22/2013 at 23:11

Look at the 2011 BMW 1M... It sells as high as when it was new!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > highmodulus
09/23/2013 at 01:28

Well, there were 3 stick IS250's within 100 miles of Redmond, WA (my home) so I assume it's not the only one! :P
still, I think it's worth a look if you can find one

Alex87f > highmodulus
09/23/2013 at 04:16

True — on the other end of the spectrum, the cheapest ones seem to be the red GT-86's, especially with the -IMHO quite horrid- red steering wheel and shift knob.

highmodulus > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
09/23/2013 at 08:44

I agree- looks nice with a stick. Have you driven one?

highmodulus > BadMatt
09/23/2013 at 08:48

Yep- but in fairness it was a single year, low production, high performance variant. And awesome in Valencia Orange. Note most that were not special ordered from an understanding dealer were sold at least $5k over MSRP.

I would say the Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca is similar in that regard- probably not going to lose much value.

highmodulus > GRawesome
09/23/2013 at 08:51

Always a strong market for those, and supply is constrained as people wreck them, or covert them to 100% offroad duty ect. They had a couple turn-key off road versions at my local Jeep dealer- they made my inner 13 year old want to break out the checkbook for sure.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > highmodulus
09/23/2013 at 09:43

Unfortunately not... I have driven the older IS once, though (with a stick, that is) and it wasn't a bad car. so if there's one near you, maybe it's worth a look?

highmodulus > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
09/23/2013 at 09:52

Think so- will keep an eye out.