AUTOSTAT analysts have identified four-year vehicles with the strongest resale value based on performance through the third quarter of 2023. The study focuses on model longevity and the ability of owners to recoup a substantial portion of their initial purchase price when selling after four years. The findings highlight models that maintain high value despite market shifts and depreciation trends, offering a practical gauge for buyers and current owners alike. The analysis is grounded in observed resale prices and market dynamics reported by AUTOSTAT, reflecting the evolving pricing landscape for new and used cars.
Leading the list is the Hyundai Creta. The residual value index for this model stands at 159.1 percent, meaning owners could expect to fetch roughly 1.5 times what they originally paid for the vehicle in 2019 after a four-year period. This notable retention of value points to strong demand, reliable performance, and favorable brand perception that sustains its price point in the used-car market. The result is consistent with broader price trends that have elevated the cost of new cars and, consequently, kept used prices buoyant over time, according to AUTOSTAT measurements.
In second place sits the Chinese crossover Chery Tiggo 4, with a residual value index of 158.8 percent. Renault Duster follows closely in third place at 157.4 percent. The fourth position goes to the Changan CS35 Plus, recording 157 percent, with a narrow gap preceding the top five. Rounding out the top five is the Toyota RAV4, which shows a residual value around 150.9 percent. These rankings illustrate the diverse mix of brands and regions contributing to strong resale performance, underscoring how consumer demand, supply constraints, and model updates shape value retention across segments.
The elevated residual values are linked to a general rise in automobile prices, which has a measurable impact on what used cars can fetch on the market. When new-vehicle prices surge, the base against which depreciation is measured shifts upward, helping four-year-old vehicles appear more valuable in comparison to their original sticker price. Analysts from AUTOSTAT emphasize that this upward price pressure is a key driver behind the high resale indices observed in the study.
In related industry movements, reports indicate a price uplift from Evolute on a range of Russian-made electric vehicles, with increases positioned in the vicinity of 375,000 to 505,000 rubles, translating to roughly 8.1 to 14.5 percent changes in sticker prices. These adjustments contribute to the overall price environment that influences resale dynamics and model desirability across segments. The market reaction to these price changes can affect both the initial depreciation curve and the shape of subsequent resale value confirms, as noted by market observers and price trackers.
Additionally, there are regulatory notes impacting the broader automotive landscape. Authorities in Moscow reported a significant fine related to seat belt compliance, with a sum approaching 3.5 million rubles in a prior year. This enforcement context underscores how safety and regulatory frameworks interact with consumer behavior, vehicle choice, and the perceived value of certain vehicle features that may carry resale implications over time. These domestic policy movements provide a backdrop to understanding how consumer confidence and perceived safety contribute to a model’s long-term appeal in the used-car market.