Best Cars Under $30,000 by Resale Value (Least Depreciation)

Of the 138 cars under $30,000 VINdown tracks, the average holds about 54% of its value after five years. The Nissan Rogue Sport leads at 81% retained, while the Nissan Kicks depreciates hardest at 15%. Ranked best-to-worst by five-year resale value:

1. Nissan Rogue Sport — 81% retained, from $19,995 new
2. Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen — 80% retained, from $18,590 new
3. Nissan Leaf — 79% retained, from $19,748 new
4. Kia Forte5 — 78% retained, from $13,988 new
5. Kia Niro — 76% retained, from $20,590 new
6. Nissan Sentra — 74% retained, from $20,608 new
7. Nissan Altima — 74% retained, from $20,805 new
8. Mazda Mazda3 — 74% retained, from $24,700 new
9. Buick Cascada — 74% retained, from $24,995 new
10. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport — 74% retained, from $18,985 new

cars at other budgets:

• Under $20,000
• Under $40,000
• Under $50,000

Related categories under $30,000:

• Luxury Cars Under $30,000
• SUVs Under $30,000
• Sedans Under $30,000
• Sports Cars Under $30,000