When you are shopping for a new car, you need to give strong consideration to the vehicle's resale value; you'll likely be selling it three to five years down the road. Below, we take a look at some of 2014's best new vehicles that have the highest resale values in their respective categories. The resale figures noted below are Kiplinger's estimated prices that auto dealers will pay for used vehicles.
Subaru Impreza 2.0i
For vehicles under the $20,000 threshold, the Subaru Impreza 2.0i hatchback has the best resale value. Kiplinger estimates that its three-year resale value is 63% of the original MSRP of $19,190. Its five-year resale value is expected to be 48% of the original MSRP. Part of the reason why the Subaru Impreza 2.0i hatch has such an impressive resale value is its fantastic fuel efficiency. It averages 25 mpg in cities and 33 mpg on highways. It is also the only all-wheel-drive vehicle available in the compact class.
Honda Accord LX
In the $20,000 to $25,000 sales price range, the Honda Accord LX has a three-year resale value of 59% of the sticker price of $23,545. Its five-year resale value is expected to be 45% of the sticker price. The Accord LX also has excellent fuel economy with an average of 27 mpg in cities and 36 mpg on highways. The vehicle has high-tech features that will be relevant far into the future. These include Honda's LaneWatch, a technology that provides drivers with a camera view of the blind spot on their right side so that they can change lanes with ease. The Accord is also a Top Safety Pick of the IIHS.
Subaru Impreza WRX
In the $25,000 to $30,000 range, the Subaru Impreza WRX has one of the highest resale values with an expected 66% return at the three-year mark. This drops to a still impressive 49% at the five-year mark. Aside from its all-wheel-drive, the Impreza boasts a 265 horsepower turbocharged engine with a sport-tuned suspension and a hatch with spoiler. These will keep the WRX's value high for years to come.
Lexus ES
In the $30,000 to $40,000 range, the Lexus ES has one of the best resale values with an expected 65% return after three years of ownership and 47% after five years. For a vehicle of its size, the ES achieves solid fuel efficiency with an average of 24 mpg combined between urban and highway driving. The ES's engine is a V6 with 286 horses. The '14 version also has a plethora of high-tech luxuries like Siri Eyes Free Mode and LED fog lights.
Lexus IS 350
The Lexus IS 350 is expected to have the highest resale value for sports cars in the $40,000 to $50,000 range. Its expected resale value is 65% of its original cost after three years and 46% at the five-year mark. The IS 350 has been redesigned for 2014 and provides improvements in all facets. It has extra leg room with a longer wheelbase, more cargo room, 10 airbags and a better suspension. It is loaded with safety features like a lane-departure warning system, automatic high-beam lights, a blind-spot warning system and a rear cross-traffic alert.
