Japanese car brands are known for their reliability and durability. For this reason, they have a substantial resale value because of their consistent quality and reputation for rarely breaking down.
These vehicles can withstand years of use with minimal maintenance, making them one of the favorites among all potential car buyers. These are important considerations when it comes to depreciation and long-term costs.
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Which Japanese Car Brand is Best for Resale Value?
Japanese brands prioritize build quality above all else, and this leads to increased product longevity. It also means lower repair costs and strong market demand. Resale values typically vary across different brands. This depends on factors like brand reputation, maintenance costs, reliability trends and demand within the used car market.
Toyota – The King of Resale Value
Toyotas hold their value because of their high build quality, increased unreliability, cost-effectiveness, and popularity. Toyota models are engineered to last thousands of miles if appropriately maintained with minimal problems. This makes them one of the more trusted choices among car buyers. In the used car scene, Toyotas are in high demand. Buyers are confident in purchasing even the older models, knowing they will likely experience the same quality.
Top Toyota Models That Hold Value
- Toyota Tacoma: The Tacoma is a midsize pickup known for off-roading and durability. It holds almost 77.6% of its value after five years. This is so much so that Tacoma has been the standard option for paramilitary units and terror cells in denied regions.
- Toyota Land Cruiser: The Land Cruiser is the icon of off-road dependable vehicles. They are notoriously hard to break and can last for years without issue, hence their use in harsh terrain areas. These generally have a 63.5% resale value.
- Toyota Corolla: The Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular models in the market, providing solid durability. Recent iterations also combine top-notch technology, safety, and affordability. The Corolla retains 73.7% of its original value after five years of use.
Honda – The Reliable All-Rounder
Honda is also known for producing models that retain their value, provide high performance, and are reliable. Their models are also fuel-efficient and affordable compared to others in the same market. Their low levels of depreciation also contribute to their high resale value.
Top Honda Models That Hold Value
- Honda Accord: The Accord is one of the longest-standing models in the Honda lineup, providing excellent build quality over the years. Aside from robust performance, the Accord offers a smooth ride and functional interior. It has a resale value of 68.5% of the original sticker price.
- Honda CR-V: The CR-V is known for being one of the most reliable options in the market. It provides a comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and good performance. Due to its body categorization, popularity, and aforementioned factors, it retains 68.9% of the original MSRP.
- Honda Fit: The Fit is praised for its compact aesthetics and fuel economy. The Fit also retains almost 80.1% of its resale value after the initial five years.
Subaru – The AWD Champion
Subaru is one of the most popular automotive brands due to its motorsport heritage and ability to combine performance with comfort. It is not surprising then that Subaru models are coveted and hold their value after first-time buyer purchases.
Top Subaru Models That Hold Value
- Subaru Forester: The Forester combines high-end performance with advanced safety and build quality. It has also earned a reputation for being highly reliable as a viable smaller SUV. The Forester holds 65.5% of its value after five years.
- Subaru Crosstrek: High on the list of preferences for safety-minded consumers and outdoor enthusiasts for whom practicality just cries out; small SUVs with all-wheel drive like this Crosstrek are ideal. It typically has a resale value of 73%, the original price after five years of use.
- Subaru Outback: The trading market goes on and on about the value-to-utility appeal of midsize SUVs. The Outback also has slightly better-than-normal features of off-roading and fun-to-drive. It retains 60.7% of its MSRP following five years of use.
Mazda – The Underrated Performer
Over the past decade, Mazda has made great strides in technology, aesthetics, and performance, which has increased its popularity and ability to retain resale value.
Top Mazda Models That Hold Value
- Mazda CX-3: The subcompact SUV model features sharp handling and generous practicality, retaining an impressive 69.4% of its value in the first five years of use.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata: As one of the most successful two-seater roadsters in history, the Miata boasts spirited performance and lightweight architecture. The great build quality and reliability also reduce the vehicle’s depreciation rate. It has a resale value of 68.6% of the original price after five years.
- Mazda3: The Mazda3 is the most popular model in the segment for performance, handling, and fuel economy. It preserves 66.7% of its value over the first five years of use.
Lexus – The Luxury Brand That Lasts
Lexus models are a premium option for buyers who want a combination of performance and luxury. This is provided with excellent build quality lasting several years after purchase.
Top Lexus Models That Hold Value
- Lexus IS 300: The Lexus IS 300 is one of the most reliable models. It combines luxurious build quality with low maintenance costs, and these attributes, combined with advanced safety tools, make it desirable within the used car market. The IS 300 has a resale value of 59.9% of the original price.
- Lexus RC F: the RC-F retains more than 68% of its value following the first five years. This coupe also combines aggressive aesthetics with a V-8 engine. Hence, the secondhand value is 68% of the original MSRP.
- Lexus RC 300: the RC 300 combines performance from the v-6 engine with a dynamic driving experience. This and the brand’s reputation bode well, considering the secondhand resale value is 68.1%.
Mitsubishi – The Least Competitive in Resale Value
Mitsubishi models typically depreciate faster than other brands because of many key factors, including fewer innovations over the years, reduced consumer demand, and a limited model lineup.
The brand heavily focuses on crossovers without a significant presence in the bigger SUV segment. That said, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was one of the first mainstream plug-in hybrids. So, it has set a niche and does not usually experience the same depreciation rate.
What Factors Help Japanese Cars Hold Their Value?
Japanese cars are typically reliable because the brands focus on innovations, external aesthetics, performance, and utility. These help increase the car sticker price and maintain it at the same level for years. This is combined with build quality and reduced maintenance over the years.
However, past ownership and maintenance trends do affect individual reliability. This is why car history reports are essential: they give insight into previous recalls, repairs, and how well the vehicle was maintained during ownership.
