Choosing a car with a high resale value can save you money in the long run, especially if you tend to upgrade every few years. By selecting a vehicle with a high residual value, you can count on getting more money back when you decide to sell. Here are the top ten cars under $30,000 with the best resale value after five years, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.

👉 Open to a bigger budget? Check out the cars and trucks with the best resale values for under $40,000.

1. Honda Accord

Starting MSRP: $28,990 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $33,022, try CarEdge Insights for local price data
5-Year Residual: 88.0%

Why it’s great: The Honda Accord boasts a recently updated exterior, giving a more elegant look to this proven winner. Plus, the Accord comes with a very efficient hybrid powertrain on most models. Today’s Accord is much roomier than those of decades past, offering a spacious backseat for kids and adults alike. To top it off, the Accord offers better handling than its main competitor, the Toyota Camry. The latest data shows the Honda Accord retaining 88% of its value after five years, crowning this sedan as the car that holds value the best.

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2. Subaru Forester

Starting MSRP: $28,440 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $35,232, try CarEdge Insights for local price data
5-Year Residual: 87.1%

Why it’s great: Snowstorms and downpours are no match for this popular SUV. The Subaru Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive and impressive driver assistance features at a low price point. For 2025, the Forester will undergo significant changes and a $4,000 price bump, making the 2024 model a great deal. Should you ever decide to sell your Forester, expect to be rewarded with a high resale value.

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3. Volkswagen Tiguan

Starting MSRP: $30,305 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $34,938, try CarEdge Insights for local price data
5-Year Residual: 87.0%

Why it’s great: The Volkswagen Tiguan is fun to drive, offers plenty of room in the first and second rows, and has an optional third row. It competes with the Mitsubishi Outlander, offering better overall performance and fuel economy.

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4. Mazda 3

Starting MSRP: $25,355 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $29,689, try CarEdge Insights for local price data
5-Year Residual: 86.1%

Why it’s great: The Mazda 3 stands out in the compact car segment for several reasons. It features an upscale interior with high-quality materials and a design that almost feels premium. Whether you choose the sedan or the hatchback, the Mazda 3 offers a fun-to-drive experience with its responsive handling and peppy engine options.

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5. Honda Civic

Starting MSRP: $25,045 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $27,568, try CarEdge Insights for local price data
5-Year Residual: 86.0%

Why it’s great: Simply the best small car on sale today. However, the Civic does face stiff competition from another car on this list, the Mazda3. The Civic’s infotainment has improved in recent model years, adding to the overall value of this legendary sedan.The Honda Civic is renowned for its reliability, spacious cabin, and excellent fuel efficiency, making it an outstanding choice for first-time buyers and budget-conscious drivers alike. 

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6. Toyota Prius

Starting MSRP: $29,045 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $35,468, try CarEdge Insights for local price data
5-Year Residual: 85.0%

Why it’s great: The Toyota Prius has undergone a remarkable transformation with its latest redesign, offering a sleek and modern look that sets it apart from older generations. Gone is the ‘nerdy’ Prius of the 2000s. Known for its exceptional fuel economy, the Prius now achieves an impressive 56 miles per gallon combined, making it one of the most efficient vehicles on the market. The availability of an all-wheel drive option enhances its versatility.

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7. Subaru Legacy

Starting MSRP: $26,015 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $32,645, try CarEdge Insights for local price data
5-Year Residual: 84.7%

Why it’s great: The Subaru Legacy stands out as the best all-wheel drive sedan under $30,000. It provides a simple, no-frills interior that focuses on functionality and comfort, making it an excellent choice for drivers who prefer straightforward design over flashy features. Subaru’s reputation for durability and value retention make the Legacy a top contender for those seeking a dependable, all-wheel drive sedan that holds its value well over time.

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8. Volkswagen Jetta

Starting MSRP: $22,660 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $26,694, try CarEdge Insights for local price data
5-Year Residual: 85.0%

Why it’s great: The Volkswagen Jetta is a standout in the compact sedan segment, offering a combination of affordability, efficiency, and comfort. Known for its spacious interior, the Jetta provides ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. These features, combined with its low price tag and strong resale value, make the Volkswagen Jetta an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordablec car with the best resale value.

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9. Subaru Crosstrek

Starting MSRP: $26,540 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $32,047, try CarEdge Insights for local price data
5-Year Residual: 84.0%

Why it’s great: The Subaru Crosstrek offers standard all-wheel drive at an affordable price, excellent fuel efficiency considering its all-terrain capability, A comfortable and confident drive appeals to many, making this one of Subaru’s best-sellers less than a decade after its launch. A recent update includes more comfortable seats and additional sound-deadening materials, resulting in a quieter and more enjoyable ride. Inside, the Crosstrek features a spacious cabin with modern technology, including a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

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10. Toyota Camry

Starting MSRP: $27,515 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $32,249, try CarEdge Insights for local price data
5-Year Residual Value: 83.0%

Why it’s great: The Toyota Camry has been the best-selling sedan in the U.S. for over 20 years, and for good reason. The Camry’s performance is bolstered by the availability of a six-cylinder powertrain, providing more power while still maintaining good fuel efficiency. For 2025, the Camry will be redesigned as a hybrid-only sedan, promising over 50 miles per gallon across all trims, which further enhances its appeal. The new design will likely continue the Camry’s legacy of reliability and as a car with great resale value. 

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There’s a Better Way to Buy

Choosing a car with the best resale value is always a smart financial decision. The Honda Accord, Subaru Forester, Toyota Camry, and other models listed here offer robust features, a great driving experience, and notably, high resale values. By choosing one of these vehicles, you can expect a bigger paycheck when it’s time to sell.

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