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:
- Volkswagen has a very huge market. There are a lot of potential buyers of Volkswagen out there, which makes it so valuable brand.
- 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.
- Older Volkswagen were extremely reliable. Though newer ones have their share of problems, they offer extended lifespans as well.
- Volkswagen’s engines are perfected to give the best performance at optimized economy.
- 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,
