If you do a lot of miles, you might want to think about a diesel. Back to Top The Choices that Retain Value New cars lose value fast with some only worth 50 per cent of their list price by the end of their first year. Even on a family car, you can kiss goodbye to upwards of 2,000 as soon as your name appears on the registration document, and it's even worse for luxury cars. If you want to minimise the damage, then you must make the right choices when buying your new car. As well as considering which car best meets your needs and budget, you should also make sure that your choices help your car retain value and don't pour more money down the drain.
Some cars depreciate like falling girders, while some level off after a few years.
Choosing a car that holds value is crucial as making the wrong decision can cost you plenty. All new cars drop in value as soon as you cross the showroom threshold. Add up the tax, VAT, delivery charges, and the manufacturer's and dealer's profit margins and you have a thumping amount that isn't part of the car's real value. They're one-off costs that go to the Government, the factory and the dealer. Even if you new car never turns a wheel, it will only be worth three quarters of what you paid five minutes ago.