13 Cars That Are Actually Worth More Used Than New

LendingTree echoed the industry standard when it wrote that new cars shed some 20% of their value the first year and will be worth around 40% of their original value after five years. In other words, that shiny new car will lose an estimated 60% of its current worth in five years, and the clock starts ticking the moment you plant your behind on the driver’s seat and zoom away.

LendingTree is so confident in this dynamics that it said, matter of fact, depreciation is unavoidable. “Once you buy a car and drive off the lot,” they wrote, “depreciation is unavoidable. Your car is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, and people pay less for used cars than new ones.” Do they now? Are we forgetting the subset of cars that defy this dynamic?

Yes, there are fascinating instances where people are willing to pay more for a used car, and we’re not referring to classics that have become collector items. One or a combination of factors can birth these anomalies, including a depreciation curve, high demand, limited production, or special editions. These 13 cars are actually worth more used than new.

Ford Bronco

• Starting MSRP: $39,630–$90,035 (2024 Models)
• Used Price: $36,891–$129,990 (2023 Models on TrueCar)

The Bronco ranks top on the list of cars caught in this unusual phenomenon of costing more used than new. Apparently, this classic SUV is a hotcake that can’t quite meet an overwhelming demand. Whether this is intentional is a matter for another time. How did this happen?

Quoting automotive engineer and consultant William Green, “This rugged off-road SUV proved an instant hit, with order banks overflowing and production struggling to keep pace. As a result, even gently-used Broncos started trading at premium prices over their new MSRP simply due to lack of inventory.”

That explains why the same 2023 Bronco that started at $34,890 now goes for $36,891 to $129,990 on TrueCar. The 2024 Ford Bronco’s starting MSRP hovers around $39,630 and $90,035, but a cursory glance around Carfax shows several 2022 and 2023 models nearly or even surpassing the MSRP for a brand-new one.

Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Diesel

• Starting MSRP: $41,295–$69,995 (2022 Models)
• Used Price: Around $60,000 (2022 Models on CarGurus)

Apparently, Melanie Musson of AutoInsurance.org had the Silverado 3500 Diesel at the top of her mind when she said, as reported by GoBankingRates, “Diesel trucks cost more to begin with and retain their value better than gas engine trucks because they’re more durable and statistically can reach higher mileage.”

She mentioned the 2022 Silverado Diesel will go for as much as $65,000 or more, which is a significant price jump for a truck that started at around $41,000.

Edmunds notes that “When you need the most towing and payload capacity available in a heavy-duty pickup truck, your choices include the Ford F-350 and F-450 Super Duty, the GMC Sierra 3500HD, the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty and the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD.” According to CarGurus, used 2022 Silverado 3500HD averages 58,967.60, and that’s actually a price decline of 16.3% since last year.

Ford Maverick

• Starting MSRP: $22,595–$30,575 (2023 Model)
• Used Price: Average $31,058.11 (2023 Models on CarGurus)

After analyzing 8.9 million new and fairly used cars, iSeeCars identified 14 used models worth more used than new, with the Ford Maverick sitting at the top of that list. iSeeCars notes that “lightly used cars averaged 8.5% (or $3,574) above their new counterparts last year.

For the 2023 Model year, the Maverick posted a $22,595 starting price, but a quick look at used listings like CarGurus revealed the same models asking for $27,000 or more roughly a year later. Meanwhile, the 2024 Ford Maverick starts at $23,920.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

• Starting MSRP: $24,050 (2022 Model)
• Used Price: $25,000+ (2022 Models on iSeeCars)

The Corolla Hybrid is the second most valuable used car in iSeeCars’ study, posting a percentage difference of 12.3% value over the new model or a price difference of $4,038. iSeeCars notes, “Used vehicles currently priced above new include hybrids like the Ford Maverick, two minivans, and three premium/special interest models.”

Not many hybrids in the Corolla’s class offer AWD and top that with an estimated 40 mpg efficiency — all under $30,000. The 2022 model, for example, started at around $24,000 but now asks for $25,000 or more two years later.

Toyota Sienna

• Starting MSRP: $37,685 (2024 Model)
• Used Price: $37,339 (Average Price for 2021 Models)

Car and Driver noted that the Sienna proved to be the bestselling minivan for the 2021 model year after shifting nearly 108,000 units amid the COVID-19 onslaught, translating to more than double the 42,885 sold the previous year. Apparently, the newly redesigned Sienna would’ve sold considerably more without the COVID-induced clog in the supply chain.

Quoting Williams Green again, GoBankingRates notes, “Families anxious to get their hands on this comfortable hauler found themselves facing extensive waitlists. Cue the used market stepping in, with one-year-old Siennas listing at or above MSRP to meet the pent-up demand.”

The redesigned Sienna rolled out a new hybrid-only powertrain, updated styling, and various tech and safety updates. Although the current market average for used Sienna minivans is approximately $26,034, the average list price for the 2021 model can be as high as $37,339.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

• Starting MSRP: $143,000 (2024 Model)
• Used Price: Up to $408,000 (2022 Models on TrueCar)

The G-Class is the same 4WD icon we know as the G-wagon (G-Wagen – short for Gelandewagen). This G-wagon’s extraordinary evolution from a military off-roader to an iconic luxury SUV has immensely contributed to its timeless appeal.

It is the third model in iSeeCars’ analysis of the best cars to buy new due to their incremental value or used cars with the highest increases over their new versions.

It shows that used G-Wagons hold an impressive 4.6% price difference over their new equivalents, translating to an average of $8,633 more than when new. Remarkably, a 2022 G-Wagon with 29K miles listed for $171,000 on TrueCar is branded “Great Price.”

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

• Starting MSRP: $82,690 (2020 Model)
• Used Price: $105,555

CarInsurance.Org ran a similar study shortly after the COVID pandemic’s peak in 2020. “Our Study,” says CarInsurance, “revealed many cars worth more used than new — they’re up an average of 20% in price. The drastic increase in used car prices is mainly due to recent car chip shortages during the pandemic.”

One of the cars in its list of top 10 value gainers after 10 months is the Corvette Stingray, posting a remarkable 28% price increase (or $22,865 monetary gain) over the new model. According to the study, the 2020 Corvette offered at $82,690 asked for over $105,000 a year later.

Toyota RAV4 Prime

• Starting MSRP: $43,690–$47,560 (2024 Models)
• Used Price: Up to $56,988 (2023 Models on TrueCar)

The RAV4 Prime is the fifth on iSeeCars’ list of more expensive lightly used cars versus their new models, boasting a 3.5% value difference or $1,726 price increase over the new one. The Prime variant of the RAV4 is a plug-in hybrid. It boasts an AWD system, a combined power output of 302 hp, and an EPA-estimated 42-mile all-electric range.

The Prime is ready for mild offroading with 8.2 inches of ground clearance and a wealth of cutting-edge safety features, including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE

• Starting MSRP: $28,497 (2020 Model)
• Used Price: Up to $39,400 (2020 Models on TrueCar)

The RAV4 Hybrid LE topped CarInsurance’s list of used cars worth more than when they were new, boasting a remarkable 37% price jump from 2020 to 2021. It featured a $28,497 sticker price in 2020 and was selling at $38,990 in 2021, according to CarInsurance. That’s a massive $10,493 price difference in a one-year window.

Four years later, the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid LE is worth between $21,189 and $36,337, according to Edmunds. It comes standard with AWD and benefits from Toyota’s renowned reliability. Safety features include eight airbags, front/rear parking assist, stability control, blind spot monitor, and smart stop technology.

Toyota Corolla Cross

• Starting MSRP: $23,610–$29,015 (2023 Model)
• Used Price: $30,636 (Average Used Price for 2023 Models)

The Corolla Cross is number six on iSeeCars’ list, which isn’t surprising considering its generous list of features. Though a compact C-SUV, the Cross inherits the sedan and hatchback’s dependability but with an extra dollop of more cargo volume, increased ground clearance, and available all-wheel drive. It also benefits from Toyota’s latest Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety features.

According to iSeeCars, the used Cross is worth an average of $853 more than its new equivalent, translating to a 2.9% price difference and an average used price of $30,636. It’s an interesting take on market forces since the Cross doesn’t exactly strike as an exciting ride. It received a hybrid variant for the 2023 MY.

Subaru Crosstrek Limited

• Starting MSRP: $29,682 (2020 Model)
• Used Price: $34,998 (2020 Models in 2021)

The Subaru Crosstrek Limited ranks high on CarInsurance’s compilation of 10 cars that are currently worth more as used models. “With a price increase of 18%,” notes C1, “a used Subaru Crosstrek Limited jumped up over $5,000 from its new purchase price.”

This is based on the 2020 model with a $29,682 starting price and selling at $34,998 in 2021. Three years later, the Crosstrek Limited still averages around $23,000 in the used market, signaling an impressive resale value fit for a model that won the IIHS’s top safety pick award.

Honda Civic Hatchback

• Starting MSRP: $24,950 (2024 Model)
• Used Price: $29,683 (2023 Models)

The popular Civic hatchback is number 10 on iSeeCars’ list, dominated by hybrids and other mainstream models. It shows a $297 average price increase over its new counterpart, even though the price difference isn’t by much compared to top gainers like the Ford Maverick and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.

Based on iSeeCars’ listing, used Civic hatchbacks go for $29,683, whereas the 2024 model totes a starting MSRP ranging from $24,950 to $44,795.

Kia Carnival

• Starting MSRP: $33,100–$46,200 (2023 Model)
• Used Price: $34,533.89 (Average Used Price on CarGurus)

iSeeCars states that the value of a used Kia Carnival is 2.2% above the new model, translating to a $916 price difference at $42,025 used price. Meanwhile, the 2024 Kia Carnival starts at 33,600. For the 2023 MY, the Carnival featured a $33,100 starting MSRP, but the same model now averages over $34,000.

Though a classic minivan, families are probably drawn to its long list of safety and entertainment technologies plus peace-of-mind warranty packages. The 2023 SX Prestige trim introduced a sliding bench-style second-row seat in lieu of the previously standard lounge seats. The SX also flaunts a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, a blind-spot camera view, and dual screens for rear-seat passengers.