The cars that best hold their value

TOYOTA’S AYGO LEADS THE RESALE PACK Knowing the resale price of a model you are buying is especially valuable for first-time car buyers.

One of the single most important considerations when purchasing a car is resale value. True Price has revealed which entry-level cars hold their value, based on prices achieved on auction.

The Toyota Aygo rules the resale value roost. Currently, it’s achieving 75% of original list price on auction, making it the clear leader in resale values. This almost certainly due to Toyota’s reputation for building reliable vehicles.

Number two goes to the Kia Picanto at 68%. Kia is a brand that has grown in reputation and stature globally and in SA. For instance, JD Power’s 2017 Initial Quality Study (IQS) recently recognised KiaMotors as the highest-ranking nameplate in the US for the second year running. In SA, Kia vehicles are also considered to be quality acts.

In third place, at 66%, is yet another Korean product, the Hyundai i10. What Car? has just named the i10 the bestused city car in its 2018 awards.

This entry-level car is also a firm favourite with SA motorists, who favour its spacious interior, efficient engine and impressive specification levels.

The Toyota Etios, another popular contender, occupies the number four spot, achieving 65% of original list price. Again, this is due to Toyota’s reputation for reliability and good service.

The Suzuki Celerio, at 64%, clocks in at the fifth spot. Suzuki has become synonymous with value-for-money, quality cars. This is reflected in growing sales figures. Suzuki set a record in July 2018, registering 1 237 new vehicles. It has also received many accolades, most notably Brand of the Year at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards for two years in a row.

The Celerio, which has recently been upgraded, is well priced and inexpensive to run, making it a firm favourite with both new and used car buyers.

Two Volkswagen products – the Polo Vivo and Take Up – occupy sixth and seventh positions, achieving 64% and 59% respectively. Volkswagen enjoys an enviable reputation in SA and both of these vehicles are exceptional cars.

The cheap and cheerful Datsun Go achieved 58%. With the safety upgrades due to be implemented on the go, it will probably improve its resale value in time to come. Finally, the Honda Brio clocked in at ninth place, with 55%. Hondas have traditionally held their value far better than this. These statistics will help motorists to make an educated decision.

Darryl Jacobson is managing director of True Price. This is almost certainly due to Toyota’s reputation for building reliable vehicles.