Best Car Resale Values by Class
Though probably not at the forefront of a car buyer's mind, it's important to consider what a vehicle's future resale (or residual) value might be. These 2012 model year vehicles are expected to hold the most of their original value within their vehicle class after three years. Find the residual value of any 2012 model year vehicle with our residual values tool.
| Best Car Resale Values by Class | |
|---|---|
| The list below is provided by ALG. Click on the image or model name to read the vehicle's 2012 Cars.com report. | |
| *Class | Make and Model |
| Subcompact |  Honda Fit |
| Compact |  Hyundai Elantra |
| Midsize |  Subaru Legacy |
| Sporty |  Mazda MazdaSpeed3 |
| Alt-Fuel |  Volkswagen Golf TDI |
| MPV |  Honda Odyssey |
| Compact Utility |  Jeep Wrangler |
| Midsize Utility |  Subaru Outback |
| Large Utility |  GMC Acadia |
| Midsize Pickup |  Toyota Tacoma |
| Full-Size Pickup |  Toyota Tundra |
| Full-Size |  Nissan Maxima |
| Near-Luxury |  Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
| Luxury Sports Car |  Audi S5 |
| Luxury Alt-Fuel |  Lexus CT 200h |
| Luxury Compact Utility |  Land Rover Range Rover Evoque |
| Luxury Midsize Utility |  Land Rover Range Rover Sport |
| Luxury Full-Size Utility |  Audi Q7 |
| Luxury |  Audi A6 |
Source: ALG, Residual Value Award Winners. | |
Residual values play a major role in determining prices for car leases. A vehicle with a higher residual value requires you to repay less, which results in lower monthly payments. A variety of factors including consumer appeal, production levels and whether buyers are paying over or under the sticker price determine a vehicle's residual value.