Five Affordable Car Brands Suitable for Middle-Class Buyers with High Resale Value

When it comes to choosing which car brand to buy, affordability is a crucial factor for many people. Most individuals do not intend to drive the same car indefinitely, so the resale value of a vehicle is another important consideration. After all, when it comes time to trade in for a newer model, having a car with higher resale value makes much more financial sense.

Car depreciation is inevitable. When people purchase a new car, they also inevitably need to consider the retirement of their current vehicle. According to data from the Kelley Blue Book, “A typical 2024 model year car retains only 42.4% of its original value after a five-year ownership period. This means that a new car valued at $50,000 today will only be worth around $21,200 after five years.”

In general, the older a car gets, the lower its resale value becomes.

Even among cars of the same age, certain models hold greater value, depending primarily on the brand, model, color, and features. A brand’s reputation can be a determining factor in a car’s value several years down the line. Likewise, cars with premium features and options such as leather seats, advanced entertainment systems, and safety features often command higher resale values.

Other factors such as mileage, overall condition, maintenance and service records, and the extent of vehicle damage also impact resale value.

Here is a compilation by CarEdge of automobile brands that have high resale values and are considered affordable for the middle class.

According to CarEdge, Toyota as a brand has excelled in maintaining value and consistently ranks among the top brands in popularity. Toyota cars retain nearly 70% of their original value five years after purchase.

Several Toyota models have shown impressive performance, with three models – the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Highlander – making it to the top ten most valuable cars after five years.

For those seeking a car series with long-term value retention, Toyota is always a top choice. Whether buying new or used, Toyota cars are a safe bet, although slightly pricier than some other brands when purchased second-hand.

CarEdge suggests that the 2022 model year is the top choice for high resale value in Toyota models, with rates of over 79% after five years. The 2021 and 2020 model years also perform well, with resale rates above 73%.

CarEdge’s rankings consider various factors, including original price, current value, maintenance costs, and overall predicted costs for the remaining years of ownership.

Moreover, the Kelley Blue Book rates Toyota as the brand with the highest resale values in 2024.

However, according to iSeeCars, considering that the starting price of the Toyota Yaris is below $16,000, the Yaris represents a good value, with a 9/10 rating for resale value.

In terms of brands with the highest resale values, Mazda follows closely behind Toyota. According to CarEdge data, Mazda cars retain about 65% of their original value after five years.

In recent years, Mazda models have seen an increase in resale value, with no standout star model but a solid product line overall, with the MX-5 and CX-3 models leading the way.

CarEdge recommends the 2022 model year as the top choice for best resale value in Mazda models, with a 76.54% retention rate and 83% of the vehicle’s lifespan remaining. The 2021 and 2020 model years also show strong resale performance for Mazda models.

According to iSeeCars, the CX-3 from Mazda is one of the most affordable models, with a starting price below $21,000.

If you are looking for a brand of cars that is both reasonably priced and has high resale value, Honda is also a good choice. The Civic and CR-V are among Honda’s high-resale-value models.

CarEdge states, “For value-conscious shoppers looking for a tried-and-true, reliable car series, choosing any model from Honda won’t disappoint, whether new or used.”

Honda cars retain about 65% of their value after five years. Likewise, the 2022 model year for Honda cars is the best in terms of resale value, followed by the 2021 and 2020 model years.

According to the Kelley Blue Book, the CR-V and Accord are reliable choices from Honda, with the Civic sedan starting at under $22,000.

CarEdge notes that Subaru ranks as the top brand for resale value after 3, 5, and 7 years. Subaru secures this high ranking thanks to the excellent performance of its BRZ, Impreza, and Outback models. Over the years, Subaru models have consistently ranked highly in terms of resale value.

“For those seeking vehicles with long-term resale value, Subaru is a wise choice. Combined with their safety and reliability records, buying any new or used Subaru won’t steer you wrong,” says CarEdge.

The 2022 model year of Subaru cars offers the best resale value, followed by the 2021 and 2020 model years.

According to iSeeCars, the Impreza stands out as a particularly affordable option, starting at $19,795, and the Outback can be found for under $30,000.

Jeep is the only non-Japanese brand on the list, but not all Jeep models offer great value for money or resale value.

CarEdge notes that the Wrangler stands out for its resale value, consistently ranking at the top of Jeep models. However, the Cherokee and Compass models do not fare as well in terms of resale value.

CarEdge recommends the 2021 model year as the top pick for best resale value in Jeep models, with a 66% retention rate and 75% of the vehicle’s lifespan remaining. The 2022 and 2020 model years also show good resale rates.

iSeeCars suggests that the new Wrangler has a suggested retail price around $32,000, making it relatively affordable. CarEdge points out that the Compass model carries a much lower price tag but falls short in terms of resale value.