Does Volkswagen Keep Value? 6 Popular Models Value Loss

Volkswagen is the largest car manufacturer in Europe. With so many Volkswagen cars flowing in and new models being introduced, resale is a major concern for buyers. In this scenario, how do Volkswagens hold their value? Let’s find out in this article.

Do Volkswagens Hold Their Value?

Volkswagens hold their value considerably well. They only depreciate 46% after 5 years. This depreciation rate is on par with Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda.

Volkswagen is an economy sector brand. Where the resale value becomes extremely important. Though the brand hasn’t been the best in terms of reliability in recent times, yet due to some of its older models, the resale has been going strong.

The following illustration presents the average depreciation rates of Volkswagen over 15 years:

6 Popular Volkswagen Models and Their Depreciation

Following are the most popular models of Volkswagen and their depreciation over 15 years.

1. Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf has been carrying the legacy for decades now. This affordable yet practical hatchback compresses everything necessary for a car in a small package. Though users have often reported it to be slightly underpowered.

Also read: What’s the Best Oil for VW MK7 GTI? (Solved)

Initial Selling Price: $24,115

Average Yearly Depreciation: 5.7% or $1,383

15-Year Depreciation Projection:

Vehicle Age	Residual Value	Depreciation	Vehicle Worth
1	77%	$5,546	$18,569
2	66%	$8,199	$15,916
3	58%	$10,128	$13,987
4	52%	$11,575	$12,540
5	47%	$12,781	$11,334
6	38%	$14,951	$9,164
7	33%	$16,157	$7,958
8	30%	$16,881	$7,235
9	28%	$17,363	$6,752
10	24%	$18,327	$5,788
11	22%	$18,810	$5,305
12	21%	$19,051	$5,064
13	19%	$19,533	$4,582
14	17%	$20,015	$4,100
15	14%	$20,739	$3,376

Also read: Which German Car Brand is the Best? (Full Comparison)

2. Volkswagen Jetta

Jetta provided the best value for your money. It had very impressive fuel mileage and extended trunk space. It wasn’t the swiftest car in the Volkswagen lineup but tick marked the basic requirements of a family car.

Initial Selling Price: $19,815

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Average Yearly Depreciation: 5.1% or $1,017

15-Year Depreciation Projection:

Vehicle Age	Residual Value	Depreciation	Vehicle Worth
1	82%	$3,567	$16,248
2	72%	$5,548	$14,267
3	67%	$6,539	$13,276
4	61%	$7,728	$12,087
5	58%	$8,322	$11,493
6	41%	$11,691	$8,124
7	40%	$11,889	$7,926
8	38%	$12,285	$7,530
9	35%	$12,880	$6,935
10	31%	$13,672	$6,143
11	29%	$14,069	$5,746
12	28%	$14,267	$5,548
13	27%	$14,465	$5,350
14	25%	$14,861	$4,954
15	23%	$15,258	$4,557

3. Volkswagen Passat

Passat is a fine attempt by Volkswagen at producing a cheap sedan. Which maintains the optimum levels of comfort and safety. It was a straightforward car that would take you from spot one to spot two without any trouble.

Initial Selling Price: $23,915

Average Yearly Depreciation: 5.7% or $1,371

15-Year Depreciation Projection:

Vehicle Age	Residual Value	Depreciation	Vehicle Worth
1	80%	$4,783	$19,132
2	75%	$5,979	$17,936
3	68%	$7,653	$16,262
4	63%	$8,849	$15,066
5	54%	$11,001	$12,914
6	41%	$14,110	$9,805
7	40%	$14,349	$9,566
8	37%	$15,066	$8,849
9	33%	$16,023	$7,892
10	24%	$18,175	$5,740
11	22%	$18,654	$5,261
12	20%	$19,132	$4,783
13	19%	$19,371	$4,544
14	17%	$19,849	$4,066
15	14%	$20,567	$3,348

Also read: What’s a High Mileage for a VW Passat?

4. Volkswagen Tiguan

Tiguan offered the best fuel economy in the SUV segment. Its quiet cabin ensured a refined driving experience. Though its suspension and comfort could have been better.

Initial Selling Price: $25,965

Average Yearly Depreciation: 5.5% or $1,437

15-Year Depreciation Projection:

Vehicle Age	Residual Value	Depreciation	Vehicle Worth
1	77%	$5,972	$19,993
2	76%	$6,232	$19,733
3	74%	$6,751	$19,214
4	60%	$10,386	$15,579
5	52%	$12,463	$13,502
6	48%	$13,502	$12,463
7	40%	$15,579	$10,386
8	33%	$17,397	$8,568
9	28%	$18,695	$7,270
10	25%	$19,474	$6,491
11	23%	$19,993	$5,972
12	22%	$20,253	$5,712
13	20%	$20,772	$5,193
14	18%	$21,291	$4,674
15	17%	$21,551	$4,414

5. Volkswagen Arteon

In the luxury segment of sedans, Arteon stands out in a good way. It is slightly overpriced in comparison to its rivals. But has an excellent exterior and ample cabin space.

Initial Selling Price: $37,015

Average Yearly Depreciation: 5.3% or $1,974

15-Year Depreciation Projection:

Vehicle Age	Residual Value	Depreciation	Vehicle Worth
1	81%	$7,033	$29,982
2	74%	$9,624	$27,391
3	68%	$11,845	$25,170
4	62%	$14,066	$22,949
5	56%	$16,287	$20,728
6	41%	$21,839	$15,176
7	40%	$22,209	$14,806
8	37%	$23,319	$13,696
9	35%	$24,060	$12,955
10	31%	$25,540	$11,475
11	30%	$25,911	$11,105
12	28%	$26,651	$10,364
13	25%	$27,761	$9,254
14	22%	$28,872	$8,143
15	20%	$29,612	$7,403

6. Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen Atlas had a very minimalistic exterior. It offered plenty of cabin and boot space. The fuel economy was on the lower side, but its engine never felt underpowered.

Initial Selling Price: $32,565

Average Yearly Depreciation: 5.6% or $1,824

15-Year Depreciation Projection:

Vehicle Age	Residual Value	Depreciation	Vehicle Worth
1	77%	$7,490	$25,075
2	76%	$7,816	$24,749
3	74%	$8,467	$24,098
4	60%	$13,026	$19,539
5	52%	$15,631	$16,934
6	46%	$17,585	$14,980
7	40%	$19,539	$13,026
8	31%	$22,470	$10,095
9	28%	$23,447	$9,118
10	25%	$24,424	$8,141
11	24%	$24,749	$7,816
12	22%	$25,401	$7,164
13	21%	$25,726	$6,839
14	19%	$26,378	$6,187
15	16%	$27,355	$5,210

After How Many Years Should You Buy Your Volkswagen?

If I were to go by the depreciation value only, then I would suggest you buy a 4-5 year old Volkswagen. But if I keep the life expectancy of Volkswagen in mind too, then I would not recommend buying a Volkswagen that is older than 2 years.

This is the time when the best life meets the best price. At 72% value of the car, you get 83% of useful remaining life.

Also read: Are Volkswagens Reliable? (and Models to Avoid)

Why Do Volkswagens Keep Their Value So Well?

There are a number of reasons why Volkswagens keep their value so well. Some of the most important ones are:

1. Volkswagen has a very huge market. There are a lot of potential buyers of Volkswagen out there, which makes it so valuable brand.
   
2. They have a reputation for being rough and tough cars. It is a brand with a proven track record not only in Europe but also in tropical climates.
   
3. Older Volkswagen were extremely reliable. Though newer ones have their share of problems, they offer extended lifespans as well.
   
4. Volkswagen’s engines are perfected to give the best performance at optimized economy.
   
5. Volkswagen is there to stay, their cars aren’t going anywhere. They have a huge dealership network all around the globe. This adds to its brand value.

How Well Do Volkswagens Hold Their Value Compared to Other Popular Car Brands?

• Volkswagen vs Toyota

Both these brands attract the masses and have huge market share in the automotive industry. But due to the Japanese factor, Toyota has better resale value. The depreciation of Toyota after 5 years is 4% less than compared to Volkswagen after the same period.

• Volkswagen vs Honda

Honda trumps Volkswagen in almost every aspect. Whether it be initial ownership cost or maintenance and repair expense, Honda stays ahead. Even in the area of depreciation, Hondas holds their value better than Volkswagen. With Honda depreciating 42% after 5 years as opposed to 46% of Volkswagen.

• Volkswagen vs Ford

Ford has the same place in America as Volkswagen has in Europe. But Ford tends to depreciate more in comparison to Volkswagen. It depreciates around 50% after 5 years, whereas Volkswagen only depreciates 46% at the same time.

References:

caredge.com, en.wikipedia.org, investopedia.com, caranddriver.com,