Best Cars Under $40,000 by Resale Value (Least Depreciation)

Of the 252 cars under $40,000 VINdown tracks, the average holds about 59% of its value after five years. The Subaru Forester leads at 89% retained, while the Honda Prologue is one of 2 at the bottom on 24%. Ranked best-to-worst by five-year resale value:

1. Subaru Forester — 89% retained, from $29,995 new
2. Subaru Crosstrek — 86% retained, from $26,995 new
3. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid — 83% retained, from $35,345 new
4. Honda CR-V — 82% retained, from $30,920 new
5. Subaru Impreza — 81% retained, from $26,595 new
6. Toyota Camry — 81% retained, from $29,300 new
7. Dodge Challenger — 81% retained, from $32,800 new
8. Nissan NV — 80% retained, from $36,860 new
9. Toyota Prius-C — 80% retained, from $21,530 new
10. Honda Civic — 79% retained, from $25,100 new

cars at other budgets:

• Under $20,000
• Under $30,000
• Under $50,000

Related categories under $40,000:

• Electric Cars Under $40,000
• Hybrid Cars Under $40,000
• Luxury Cars Under $40,000
• SUVs Under $40,000
• Sedans Under $40,000
• Sports Cars Under $40,000
• Trucks Under $40,000