While Toyota models, particularly the Tacoma and Camry, are renowned for their exceptional long-term value, a surprising number of luxury vehicles actually depreciate less over five years. This challenges the notion that sensible car buying always means sticking to mainstream brands. The key is understanding that demand, brand prestige, and model rarity can significantly influence resale values.
The following list presents ten luxury cars that hold their value better than a Toyota Camry, ranked in ascending order of depreciation. Each model offers a blend of performance, luxury, and surprising financial resilience.
Lexus LC 500h: The Unexpected Value Champion
The Lexus LC 500h retains a remarkable 65.2% of its original value after five years. Originally priced at $104,250, it can be resold for approximately $68,000. Despite not being a high-volume seller, its luxurious interior, GT-inspired design, and surprising efficiency (29 mpg combined) make it a solid investment.
Lexus RC 350: A Stylish Hold
Another Lexus model fading from showrooms, the RC 350 also holds 65.2% of its value over five years. A 2025 model starting at $49,725 can fetch around $32,400 in resale. While maintenance costs ($721 annually) are slightly higher than average for Lexus, its smooth V6 engine (311 horsepower) and refined interior make it an attractive option.
Lexus RC F: The Enthusiast’s Choice
The RC F, with its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 (472 horsepower), retains 66.2% of its value. A $94,000 model can be sold for roughly $62,200 after five years. Its combination of performance, carbon fiber accents, and rarity makes it a potential future collectible.
Porsche 718 Boxster: German Engineering, Lasting Value
The Porsche 718 Boxster, starting at $79,595, retains 70.4% of its value. Resale values hover around $56,000 after five years. Despite being an “entry-level” Porsche, its balanced chassis, mid-engine layout, and 300-horsepower turbocharged flat-four engine deliver a premium driving experience. Annual maintenance costs are reasonable at around $660.
Ford Mustang: The American Icon’s Resilience
The Ford Mustang boasts a 71.3% value retention rate. Base models starting at just under $35,000 can be resold for around $25,000 after five years. The high-performance Mustang Dark Horse SC, priced at up to $375,000, is also expected to hold its value well due to its supercar-level performance.
Porsche 911 Convertible: Timeless Appeal
The Porsche 911 Convertible retains 73.7% of its value. An entry-level Carrera Cabriolet purchased for $149,000 can be sold for around $109,800 in five years. Limited-edition models, like the Spirit 70, are expected to hold even more value due to their exclusivity.
Chevrolet Corvette Coupe: The Performance Bargain
The Chevrolet Corvette Coupe holds a strong 74.5% of its value. A base Stingray purchased for $72,495 can be resold for between $54,000 and $62,800 after five years. The C8’s aggressive styling, mid-engine layout, and 6.2-liter V8 engine (490 horsepower) make it a compelling choice for performance enthusiasts.
Porsche 718 Cayman Coupe: A Sports Car That Lasts
The Porsche 718 Cayman Coupe leads with an impressive 79.7% value retention. Starting at $77,395, it can be resold for around $61,700 after five years. The 2025 model is the last gas-engined 718 Cayman, potentially increasing its collectible value.
Porsche 911 Hybrid Coupe: The Future of Performance
The Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid retains 80.7% of its value. Starting at $181,000, it can be resold for around $146,000 in five years. The combination of a 3.6-liter flat-six engine and hybrid technology delivers impressive performance without sacrificing luxury.
Porsche 911 Coupe: The Ultimate Value Retainer
The Porsche 911 Coupe takes the crown with an 83% value retention rate. This makes it the best choice for long-term ownership and resale value. Prices range from $135,500 to $387,000 depending on the trim, but even the base model can be resold for around $112,500 after five years.
Conclusion: The notion that luxury cars always depreciate faster than mainstream models is a myth. Porsche, in particular, demonstrates exceptional value retention due to its brand prestige, engineering quality, and collector appeal. By choosing wisely, buyers can enjoy luxury and performance while minimizing financial losses over time.
