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10 Cars With the Best Resale Value Under $50,000

Key Takeaways

While all new cars depreciate, choosing a model with a high resale value can significantly reduce your financial loss over time. Smart car buyers can minimize depreciation by selecting a vehicle with a high residual value, AKA resale value, should you ever decide to sell. Here are the top ten pickup trucks, SUVs, and luxury cars under $50,000 with the best resale value after five years. Don’t forget to check out the best resale values for new cars under $40,000.

1. Ford F-150

Starting MSRP: $38,960 for the base model (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $59,864
5-Year Residual: 86.8%

Why it’s great: The 2024 Ford F-150 has been the best-selling pickup truck for most of the past few decades, and with good reason. Known for great towing capacity and too many trim configurations to count, there’s an F-150 for practically every budget. Its blend of capabilities and great resale value makes it a top contender in the full-size pickup market. Despite a starting price of just under $40,000, the vast majority of F-150s are more expensive, and for that reason we’ve featured it on this list.

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2. Toyota 4Runner

Starting MSRP: $41,600 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $50,963
5-Year Residual: 85.0%

Why it’s great: The 2024 Toyota 4Runner is a durable, old-school SUV with a truck-style frame, ideal for rugged off-road adventures. Plus, it’s known for reliability that will last decades. It may not excel in fuel economy or modern tech, but its reliability and off-road capabilities appeal to a broad fanbase. In 2025, the 4Runner will receive the first big redesign in many years.

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3. GMC Sierra 1500

Starting MSRP: $38,345 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $61,278
5-Year Residual: 84.8%

Why it’s great: The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offers a blend of style and strength, sharing much of its mechanical prowess with the Chevy Silverado. Available in single cab, double cab, and crew cab configurations, it caters to various needs with bed lengths ranging from 5.8 to 8.2 feet. The Sierra’s diverse engine lineup and customizable body styles make it a flexible choice for both work and play. To top it of, it’s a truck with great resale value.

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4. Lexus IS

Starting MSRP: $41,235 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $51,507
5-Year Residual: 80.1%

Why it’s great: The Lexus IS stands out as a sporty compact sedan with luxury features. The IS offers a balanced blend of excitement and functionality. The entry-level IS300 is merely okay, but the IS350’s V-6 offers a better driving experience. Lexus is well-known for excellent reliability, and the IS joins the ranks of the luxury cars with the best resale value in 2024. On the downside, Lexus models are so popular that they can be tough to negotiate. Fear not, the CarEdge Concierge team can help with that. 

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5. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Starting MSRP: $37,445 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $56,343
5-Year Residual: 80.0%

Why it’s great: The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a true workhorse. It boasts a variety of powertrain options, catering to diverse buyers. Known for its impressive towing capacity, the Silverado outperforms both the Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. The cabin features a massive touchscreen for modern convenience, though it prioritizes functionality over luxury. However, this truck isn’t cheap. You might as well ignore the official starting MSRP, as over 90% of Silverado 1500s sell for over $45,000. Fortunately, you can expect it to hold its value quite well over the years.

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6. Jeep Wrangler

2024-jeep-wrangler-4xe-hero

Starting MSRP: $33,890 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $59,929
5-Year Residual: 78.9%

Why it’s great: The 2024 Jeep Wrangler remains the quintessential off-road SUV, designed for adventure-loving drivers who crave rugged terrain. Its removable doors and roof, along with a fold-down windshield, allow for an open-air experience unmatched by any other SUV. The Wrangler isn’t cheap these days, with transaction prices more commonly north of $50,000. Fortunately, resale values are among the best in its class.

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7. Honda Ridgeline

Starting MSRP: $41,145 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $44,850
5-Year Residual: 78.7%

Why it’s great: The Honda Ridgeline is the slowest-selling full-size truck on sale in 2024. Despite sluggish sales, the Ridgeline has a good resale value. If you’re looking for the best truck deals this month, the Ridgeline is commonly near the top of the list.

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8. Ford Explorer

Starting MSRP: $38,455 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $49,924
5-Year Residual: 77.3%

Why it’s great: The 2024 Ford Explorer continues to be a leading choice in the midsize SUV market, offering a balanced blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. It comes with a range of engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a robust V-6, and a hybrid variant. The Explorer’s spacious three-row seating and ample cargo space make it ideal for families and road trips. Even with growing competition from Hyundai, Kia, and others, the Explorer remains an attractive option for those seeking a family SUV with strong resale value.

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9. BMW 2-Series

Starting MSRP: $40,375 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $49,709
5-Year Residual: 77.0%

Why it’s great: The 2024 BMW 2-Series offers a blend of performance and luxury in a compact package. Available as both a coupe and a convertible, the 2-Series boasts powerful engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and an inline-six. Its sporty design, coupled with advanced safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system, makes the BMW 2-Series a compelling option for those seeking a luxury car with strong resale value.

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10. Audi A5

Starting MSRP: $47,295 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $
5-Year Residual: 76.1%

Why it’s great:  The 2024 Audi A5 Sportback blends coupe-like styling with the practicality of a four-door, powered by Quattro all-wheel drive. The A5 Sportback offers up to 261 horsepower. Inside, luxury is the name of the game with leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting. Its balanced performance, stylish design, and high-end features contribute to its high resale value.

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There’s a Better Way to Buy

Finding a car that holds its value well is a smart financial decision. The Ford F-150, Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS, and other models listed here offer robust features, great driving experiences, and notably, high resale values. Looking for more DIY car buying tools? Check out CarEdge Insights for behind-the-scenes access!

Tired of car shopping hassles? Let us do it for you with our CarEdge Concierge service. Our experts can find the perfect vehicle for your needs, negotiate the best price, and handle all the details, saving you time and money. Learn more about CarEdge Concierge, the #1 car buying service in America.

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Last updated Jul 15, 2024

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