Car shopping? If you want a good car but don’t want to spend all the money that comes with purchasing a new car, a lightly-used car may be the way to go. What is lightly-used? Which vehicles fit the bill?
iSeeCars.com analyzed more than 6.9 million car sales to identify models with the greatest loss in value after three years, when most leased cars enter the used car market.
Here are the results.
No. 10 – Audi A4
Photo courtesy of Audi AG
Average 3-year old used price: $29,941
3-Year depreciation: 51.0%
Savings over new car price: $23,292
The Audi A4 is all about balance. It’s not the smallest car in the Audi sedan lineup, but it is compact. The model was redesigned for 2016 and is available in a variety of body styles – sedan, wagon, and cabriolet. A three-year old Audi A4 will have a reasonably fresh infotainment system.
No. 9 – Infiniti QX60
Photo courtesy of Infiniti Motors
Average 3-year old used price: $26,785
3-Year depreciation: 51.0%
Savings over new car price: $27,078
The Infiniti QX60 is the best-selling model in the company’s lineup and it’s easy to see why. It has three rows of seating with supremely comfortable first- and second-rows. The SUV is easy to drive and bridges the gap between mass market and luxury SUVs nicely.
No. 8 – BMW 4 Series
Photo courtesy of BMW
Average 3-year old used price: $30,203
3-Year depreciation: 51.7%
Savings over new car price: $28,893
The BMW 4 Series is a direct competitor of the Audi A4. They both deliver comfort and plenty of convenience features that will serve a buyer well. The BMW 4 Series was introduced in 2013 and just had its next-gen model introduced so the one coming off-lease is a little longer in the tooth than the Audi A4 compared to today’s vehicles.
No. 7 – Infiniti Q50
Photo courtesy of Infiniti Motors
Average 3-year old used price: $26,522
3-Year depreciation: 51.8%
Savings over new car price: $24,843
Like the BMW 4 Series, the Infiniti Q50 is stylish and comfortable. The Q50 received a good amount of updates in 2016 including a refresh of the trim levels offered, refined power plants, and handling upgrades.
No.6 – Lincoln MKZ
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Motor Company
Average 3-year old used price: $20,034
3-Year depreciation: 51.8%
Savings over new car price: $23,112
The second-generation Lincoln MKZ arrived in 2013. It delivered comfort and premium style for drivers at a lower price than a typical luxury car. Lincoln recently announced that they’re not making anymore MKZs after 2020 but that’s more about the sedan market than it is about the quality of the vehicle.
No. 5 – Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Average 3-year old used price: $26,306
3-Year depreciation: 52.7%
Savings over new car price: $34,990
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class models coming off three-years leases this year are the first bunch of the newest generation. That’s a good thing. The E-Class is a refined midsize sedan that delivers exactly what customers want from it and could be optioned with a good amount of safety features when purchased.
No. 4 – Volvo S60
Photo courtesy of Volvo Car USA
Average 3-year old used price: $19,702
3-Year depreciation: 53.2%
Savings over new car price: $22,405
An off-lease Volvo S60 may be the best deal out there right now. The S60 has one of the best interiors in its class, it’s power plants are competent, and the infotainment system is uniquely designed. Volvos are also known for the high level of safety engineering.
No. 3 – BMW 3 Series
Photo courtesy of BMW
Average 3-year old used price: $22,718
3-Year depreciation: 53.4%
Savings over new car price: $26,074
The BMW 3 Series began rolling out its latest generation in 2018 so the models coming off lease are likely ones that are form the tail end of the last-gen. Even so, the 3 Series delivers an engaging drive, takes to the road with ease, and is comfortable as a daily driver.
No. 2 – Ford Fusion Hybrid
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Average 3-year old used price: $13,565
3-Year depreciation: 54.9%
Savings over new car price: $16,480
Like the Lincoln MKZ, the Ford Fusion Hybrid has reached the end of its road. That doesn’t mean that the Fusion is a bad car. It’s a comfortable daily driver and it’s hybrid powertrain makes it a little easier on the wallet when it comes to road trips.
No. 1 – Audi A6
Photo courtesy of Audi. AG
Average 3-year old used price: $28,259
3-Year depreciation: 55.8%
Savings over new car price: $35,208
The current generation of the Audi A6 was introduced in 2018 so most off-lease A6s for sale now are likely from the previous generation. Though the latest technology and safety features are available in the new model, the last-gen still offers posh accommodations, engaging handling, and enough room for four adults.