Which Cars Depreciate the Most? " Family cars depreciate much quicker compared to higher reputation cars such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes." A report by Alliance & Leicester has shown that family cars can depreciate by two-thirds of their original value in just three years. Compare this to executive cars made by Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes which still hold 70% of their value after the same time. German cars – such as those made by the manufacturers listed above – appear to have a high reputation for manufacturing excellence and driving performance. The reputation and demand for such cars has therefore slowed down their depreciation rate compared to other makes of cars.
I'am curious about the Japanese cars like Toyota and Honda? I'd assummed that their quality was just as good as the German made cars.
I'd stay far, far away from Volkswagon, their reliability is very suspect. BMWs, if well taken care of will last forever, however general maintenance and up keep is more expensive than Japanese cars. Most Japanese cars will last a long time, and depending on the model may be just as nice on the inside as a BMW. BMWs do drive/handle in general very very well.
Well Volkswagon did seem to do a good job with those old beetles. I still see several on the road and I think most were built during the 60's and 70's.
That's because people restore them. They're collector's items is all, same as many other cars. I know a guy around here with a Ford Model T, and I doubt it's really lasted 80 years on the road.
I prefer an old Toyota to a Mitsubishit anyday.BTW downunder Toyota are outselling Mitsubishit 3:1 even thought there are about the same number of dealerships and new Mitsubishits in actual changeover prices are about one thrd cheaper than the equivalent Toyotas. Also you rarely see a fleet vehicle made by Mitsubishit or ever used as a government vehicle. You guys might like to visit the Backyard Mechanic forum, http://hipforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=206
Because of the depreciation factor, sometimes buying used is the better way to go-especially for a car that should hold up well. The only VW that I'd ever buy would be one with a diesel. Even so, I too, would be concerned about reliability. If I were to choose between a BMW and either a Lexus or an Acura, I'd have to go with either of the latter two. With regards to Japanese autos, the only ones I really trust are the Hondas and Toyotas. The others, particularly Mazda and Mitsubishi are either expensive to maintain or have reliability issues. Those two makes are probably the best autos you'll find on the market-especially in that market segment. Even if you buy one used, if it's been taken care of, you should be able to get some good use out of it. My only suggestion is to be weary of the V-6 Honda Accords as the transmissions in those cars may not hold up as well as those in an inline-four. It is also advisable that you be made aware of when the timing belt was changed on Hondas as they are "interference" engines which means if/when the timing belt goes, you'll likely need to have a valve job done as the valves may be bent. This is a repair cost that can run into the hundreds, possibly into the low thousands! Toyotas are usually freewheeling engines and don't have this problem. I just wish that one or both companies would come out with a diesel. If you had to pick which one was better, the Toyota probably has the edge. I believe it is also easier to work on.
