Top 10 Cars With the Worst Residual Value for 2005

[MSP4EVER]

Residual value is something to consider when shopping for a new car. Higher residual values mean lower monthly payments if you decide to lease the car and better resale value if you decide to buy it. However, these are the cars with the lowest residual values for 2005 — that is, they're likely to depreciate the most during the ownership period. Below, we show the percentage of its original value that each vehicle is likely to retain after five years with an annual mileage of 15,000. Note that the residual value percentages are based on the national True Market Value® (TMV) price, plus typical options and destination charge.

Although you might think these are cars to avoid, keep in mind that many of them don't cost much to begin with. A Dodge Neon might not be worth much in dollars after five years on the road, but if it continues to provide dependable transportation, it has an intangible value to you as an individual. Moreover, cars with low residual values can be steals when they hit the used car market, as you may be able to pick up a low-mileage car on this list for much less than you'd pay for competitors that command higher resale prices.

1.Dodge Neon — 26.1%


2.Chevrolet Cavalier — 26.3%


3.Pontiac Sunfire — 27.4%


4.Mercury Sable — 27.5%


5.Ford Taurus — 28.5%


6.Chevrolet Aveo — 28.6%


7.Dodge Stratus — 30.1%


8.Buick Park Avenue — 30.7%


9.Ford Focus — 31.4%


10.Chevrolet Malibu — 31.7%

edmunds.com

[Natey]

Jaguar has the worst resale value of 'em all.

[bazooka joe]

#11 - spicy's 2002 mazda protege DX

[Notorious]

hmm all domestic

[JOS3]

hmm all domestic

my thoughts exactly

[chuyler1]

"I drive a Dodge Stratus!"

- Will Ferrell, SNL

[WillisW555]

Yay, mine isn't on the list.

[ZeroAccess]

Focus's are great cars, from that list thats what I'd focus on...
that was a terrible terrible pun or whatever ya call it..I'm gonna poke myself in the eyes now

[daperspeed]

Why isnt the MSP on that list?

[jester1x]

I think the MSP's resale value is rather low because most people have never heard of it and it came out fairly recently. However, I didn't buy my MSP with the intention of selling it for a profit down the road. I bought it because it's actually a good buy for what you pay for it. At least, that's the conclusion I reached after studying cars in the $20,000 range. It's practical (four-doors), has good power for its' size and is not something you see on the road everyday.

I wouldn't be surprised if the MSP becomes a much sought after vehicle for tuners five years or so from now. Anyways...I really enjoy driving mine and that's all that matter to me.

[dmitrik4]

there really should be a saab on that list. maybe it's number 11, just above the Protege. ;)

meanwhile, 2002 acura RSX-S's with 50,000 miles on them are still selling for $18-20,000. (shrug)

my future car-buying strategy is set: slightly used "premium"-brand cars.