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7 Sedans That Hold Their Value (Recommendations in 2023)
Ed Malaker
Last updated:
The sedan is the perfect option if you are in the market for a new family car. Its small size makes it affordable without sacrificing safety features, and it is more fuel efficient than other vehicle classes. When you’re choosing your next vehicle, we recommend picking one that doesn’t depreciate quickly, so you can get a better return on investment when it comes time to trade it in or sell it. Here are several models that hold their value so you can make an informed purchase.
The Subaru Legacy is a top model, with a depreciation rate of only 13% after 3 years and a high resale value of more than $29,000. These cars have plenty of legroom and can get up to 35 miles per gallon. They have large 17-inch wheels, responsive steering, and driver-assist technology.
The Nissan Sentra is tied with the Subaru Legacy for first place in retaining value and losing only 13% of its value after three years. It has a resale value of $22,000. It has a spacious interior, attractive appearance, and can get up to 39 miles per gallon on the highway. It’s available in several colors and you can choose from many upgrades.
The Subaru WRX is a popular vehicle due to its sporty appearance and powerful motor. It consistently holds its value well, like many other Subaru models, typically depreciating only 14% after 3 years and maintaining a resale value of more than $31,000. It has a 271-horsepower motor and a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Ford Fusion is one of the entries on this list that might surprise many people. However, it holds its value well and typically loses only 17% after 3 years, with a resale value of $21,469. It’s affordable and safe and gets about 34 miles per gallon. Many younger people are purchasing this model to use at school.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular cars on the planet and holds its value well. It’s more affordable than many other options on this list and looks attractive while remaining dependable and safe. It retains its value as well as the Ford Fusion and depreciates only 17% after 3 years, maintaining a resale value of $18,592.
The Nissan Altima is an attractive and popular vehicle that loses only 22% of its value after 3 years, maintaining a resale value of $22,587. These vehicles are available with intelligent all-wheel drive options and have the Nissan safety shield for added protection when driving. This car also has automatic pedestrian detection and a large touchscreen display, among other popular features.
The Volvo S60 is a great example of a car that depreciates slowly, losing only 16% of its value after 3 years, while keeping a resale value of more than $35,000. Many Volvos last many years with little maintenance, and they also handle well and have plenty of power.
How Can I Keep My Car From Depreciating?
Keep your car’s mileage down. Most people drive about 10,000 miles per year, so your car will depreciate faster if you drive more. If you drive less, it will hold its value longer.
Keep the interior of your vehicle clean, and don’t smoke.
Never enter your vehicle with pencils, pens, or sharp objects in your pockets that might damage the interior when you get in.
Keep the exterior of your vehicle clean and waxed to help prevent damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Perform regular maintenance on your vehicle and keep the receipts.
Avoid modifying the vehicle by adding spoilers, wide rims, or lighting, as these can reduce the number of people willing to buy it.
Don’t add bumper stickers or other decals to the car.
Many factors can affect a car’s depreciation rate, but researching before you purchase a new sedan can help you choose a model that retains its value and is easy to sell, so you ultimately won’t lose much money. All the vehicles on this list are great choices, with the Subaru Legacy and the Nissan Sentra leading the pack. If you’d like to stick with American cars, you can’t go wrong with the Ford Fusion.
Ed Malaker is an experienced writer who has brought his knowledge to a wide range of blogs, including home improvement, guitars, computer programming, tools, fitness, and pets. If you don't catch him writing, you can usually find Ed working in the garden or taking on DIY projects around the house. Ed’s also a talented musician, spending time composing music for independent films or helping people fix their guitars.
Ed Malaker
