7 Used Cars That Hold Value & 7 That Drop Like a Rock

When investing in a used car, it's critical to select a vehicle that retains value and remains useful. Used cars can provide reliable transportation, and they must last for many years.

When selecting a used car, there are several elements you must take into consideration. For example, the resale value is just as important as the fuel economy.

Used car dealerships often repair simple problems and ensure that the cars will run. They can provide you with some details about the cars, but it's important for you to conduct your own research.

From Toyota Tacoma to Jeep Wranglers, you must find a great used car that meets your needs. Let's review the 7 used cars that hold value and the 7 that drop like a rock.

The Toyota Tacoma consistently ranks among the most dependable used trucks on the market, and its reputation for durability is a major reason buyers snap them up quickly.

This midsize pickup is built to handle years of hard use, whether you’re commuting, hauling gear, or heading off‑road. Extended‑cab configurations offer surprising interior space, while clever storage solutions make it easy to keep essentials organized.

Out back, the generous truck bed is one of the Tacoma’s biggest advantages, giving owners the freedom to transport tools, sports equipment, or weekend‑adventure cargo without hassle.

It’s a used vehicle that holds value because it’s built to last.

Jeep Wranglers have long been a favourite among used‑car buyers thanks to their unmatched off‑road capability and rugged, go‑anywhere design.

Built on a sturdy body‑on‑frame platform, they tackle rocky trails, mud, sand, and steep inclines with ease, yet still deliver solid performance on paved roads.

Their removable doors and roof add to the adventure appeal, making every drive feel like an experience. Because Wranglers are engineered for durability and maintain strong demand in the resale market, they consistently hold their value better than many SUVs.

For buyers seeking both fun and long‑term return, the Wrangler is a smart investment.

The Honda Civic has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable used cars on the market, thanks to its exceptional fuel economy, solid performance, and long‑lasting engineering.

These compact cars routinely outlive many competitors, making them a smart choice for drivers who want durability without overspending. Their cost‑effective maintenance and strong build quality contribute to consistently high resale values, which is why Civics remain in such high demand.

Whether you’re commuting daily or tackling longer drives, the Civic delivers a smooth, efficient, and worry‑free experience, a combination that helps it hold its value year after year.

The Toyota 4Runner is one of the most sought‑after used SUVs thanks to its rugged construction, long‑term reliability, and impressive versatility.

Built on a sturdy body‑on‑frame platform, it performs just as confidently on city streets as it does on challenging off‑road terrain. Its reputation for durability means these vehicles resist wear and tear better than many competitors, helping them maintain strong resale value year after year.

Fuel economy is solid for its class, and with proper maintenance, a 4Runner can easily deliver hundreds of thousands of kilometres of dependable service.

For used‑car buyers, it’s a proven, value‑holding investment.

The Subaru Outback stands out in the used‑car market thanks to its blend of rugged capability, everyday comfort, and long‑term reliability.

With standard all‑wheel drive and generous ground clearance, it handles snow, rain, gravel roads, and light off‑roading with confidence, making it a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts.

Its fuel efficiency is impressive for a vehicle with this level of versatility, and the Outback’s timeless wagon‑style silhouette continues to appeal to buyers who want practicality without sacrificing style.

Because it’s durable, safe, and consistently in demand, the Outback maintains strong resale value and remains a smart pick for used‑car shoppers.

The Honda CR‑V continues to be one of the most dependable and desirable options in the used‑car market, thanks to its blend of reliability, efficiency, and everyday practicality.

Known for its generous cargo space and impressive legroom, it’s a favourite among families who need comfort without sacrificing fuel economy. The CR‑V’s strong build quality and low operating costs help it maintain excellent resale value, making it a smart long‑term investment.

Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or heading out on a family road trip, this compact SUV delivers a smooth, efficient, and worry‑free driving experience.

The Ford F‑150 has long been considered the benchmark for pickup trucks, and its dominance in U.S. sales reflects just how trusted it is on the road and on the job.

Known for its rugged durability and smooth, composed ride, the F‑150 handles daily commuting, heavy hauling, and weekend projects with equal confidence. Its impressive towing and payload capacities make it a favourite among drivers who need real capability, not just looks.

Thanks to strong build quality and constant demand in the used‑truck market, the F‑150 consistently delivers high resale value, giving previous owners an excellent return on their investment.

The Fiat 500L has developed a reputation as one of the least appealing options on the used‑car market, largely due to its steep depreciation and long‑term reliability concerns.

While its quirky styling and roomy cabin may attract some buyers initially, the ownership experience often proves disappointing. Many models have been plagued by transmission issues, inconsistent build quality, and electrical components that tend to fail far earlier than expected.

As repair costs add up and demand remains low, resale values drop quickly. For used‑car shoppers, the 500L is a model that loses value fast and can become costly to maintain over time.

The Mitsubishi Mirage is known for losing value quickly on the used‑car market, largely due to its long list of reliability concerns.

While its low purchase price may seem appealing at first, many owners report issues that surface far earlier than expected, including premature brake wear, rapid tire deterioration, and worrying engine knocking.

Transmission problems are also common, with some models struggling to shift properly, a flaw that can lead to costly damage.

Add in malfunctioning airbags and glitchy onboard software, and the Mirage becomes a vehicle that depreciates fast and can be expensive to keep on the road.

The Chevy Impala may hold a nostalgic place among classic‑car enthusiasts, but the more recent generations haven’t enjoyed the same admiration especially on the used‑car market.

Demand for these sedans has dropped sharply, causing their value to depreciate much faster than many competitors.

Beyond the weak resale performance, owners have reported a range of mechanical concerns, including fluid leaks, recurring transmission problems, and malfunctioning door locks that undermine long‑term reliability.

With higher maintenance risks and limited buyer interest, newer Impalas tend to lose value quickly, making them a less appealing option for used‑car shoppers.

The Nissan Leaf earned early praise as one of the first mainstream electric vehicles, but its resale value has dropped sharply as newer, more capable EVs entered the market.

While affordable upfront, the Leaf’s long‑term ownership costs can climb quickly due to several well‑documented issues.

Many models have faced battery degradation, overheating during charging, and even reported fire risks, problems that not only affect safety but also reduce driving range and reliability.

Combined with limited demand on the used‑car market, these concerns contribute to the Leaf’s rapid depreciation, making it one of the least value‑retaining EVs available today.

The Hyundai Elantra GT once enjoyed solid popularity as a practical, sporty hatchback, but shifting buyer preferences have pushed it out of the spotlight.

With most shoppers now gravitating toward crossovers, demand for the Elantra GT has dropped sharply, causing its resale value to fall faster than many rivals.

Beyond market trends, the model has faced several reliability concerns over the years, including reports of engine stalling, recurring electrical problems, and airbag defects that raised safety questions.

As a result, the Elantra GT tends to depreciate quickly and is no longer a strong contender in the used‑car market.

The early smart car may have enjoyed a burst of popularity when it first hit the market, but its appeal faded quickly as drivers realized its limitations.

Designed as a compact urban runabout, it offered minimal practicality: just two seats, almost no cargo space, and charging times that feel painfully slow compared to today’s EV standards.

Its small size also made it a poor fit for families or anyone needing versatility. As more advanced electric models emerged, demand for the early smart car dropped sharply.

The result is a resale value far below average, making it one of the fastest‑depreciating small EVs on the used market.

The Chrysler 200 has struggled on the used‑car market, largely due to a long list of mechanical and reliability issues that drag down its resale value.

Many owners reported harsh transmission jerks and a gear shifter that could slip out of place at the worst possible moments, problems that raised serious concerns about drivability.

The model also faced recurring engine troubles, malfunctioning turn signals, and unreliable window controls, all of which added to repair costs. Excessive oil consumption and heater failures only worsened the ownership experience.

With so many red flags, the Chrysler 200 depreciates far faster than the average sedan.

The Kia Cadenza once aimed to compete with premium sedans, but its weak resale value quickly pushed many used‑car shoppers in other directions.

Despite offering comfort and features, the model struggled with significant reliability concerns that hurt its long‑term appeal. Owners reported recurring transmission and engine issues that, in some cases, led to premature mechanical failure.

The Cadenza also faced problems with its braking system and electrical components, creating a cascade of costly repairs.

With low demand and a reputation for expensive maintenance, the Cadenza depreciates rapidly, making it a risky choice for value‑focused buyers.