Best Resale Values

For some, a car that makes a “Best Resale Value” list might be reason enough to sign on the dotted line. But over at the L.A. Car Couture, any car that makes such a list is likely one that your Pap would rather you not own, drive or be seen riding in. Case in point, take the 11 cars that ForbesAuto recently named as their “Top Ten Vehicles with Highest Resale Value.” Of the 11 vehicles (there was a tie) your Pap can safely say, just one is borderline acceptable, the Audi S5.

The residual values on Forbes’ list are based on three year old cars. First of all, your Pap would loathe to see the Fans keep a car for three whole years. To keep it fresh, 1-2 years is best. While your Pap can’t tell you what car to drive, the Forbes List is as good as your Pap’s own list of what NOT to drive. So here are Forbes’ top resale cars, a.k.a. Cars Your Pap Suggests You Avoid:

Percentage of Original Value after 3 years
1. 62.7% Mini Cooper
2. 60.6% Infinti G37
3. 59.6% BMW 1 series
4. 59.0% Jeep Wrangler 4x4
5. 58.8% VW R32
6. 57.9% Honda CR-V
7. 57.8% Scion XB
8. 56.8% Honda Civic Hybrid
9. 56.4% Nissan Rogue
10. 56.4% VW Beetle Convertible (Tie)
10. 56.4% Audi S5 (Tie)

Why avoid? Because these are cars of the populus, on roads and parking lots everywhere in multiples. They lack imagination and are certain to attract the attention of no one but the Bel Air Patrol on your winding drive home up Nimes Road. Rather than any of the above 11 comatose vehicles, your Pap suggests the following swap-outs:

Instead of a…

Mini Cooper, try a Lotus Exige S.
Infiniti G37, why not the Maserati Gran Turismo S.
BMW 1-series, how about the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Jeep Wrangler, take the Mercedes G55.
Volkswagon R32, you’re better off in an Aston Martin Vantage.
Honda CR-V, wouldn’t a Range Rover Sport be more appropriate.
Scion XB, consider a Cadillac Escalade ESV.
Honda Civic Hybrid, the Rolls Royce Phantom is perfect for you!
Nissan Rogue, how about rolling in a Mercedes S63.
Volkswagon Beetle Convertible, the Ferrari California is just as fun!
Instead of an Audi S5, consider a Bentley Continental GT.