When car models have the best resale value

By Stanley Makombe | 4h ago

There are many reasons that contribute to certain car brands keeping good value and others doing completely the opposite.

When purchasing a used car, one important factor to consider is its resale value in the future.

This is especially true in Africa, where the second-hand car market enjoys the biggest market share.

It is very strange that the majority of car owners tend to think about the resale value at the time when they want to sell their car.

I have witnessed this on several occasions when the owner appears to have literally calculated the total amount of their current financial commitments and place that amount as the value of their car.

That confirms the mindset of attaching a value on one’s car.

So obviously it is the wrong way to do it because if the brand of your car is among those that cannot keep good resale value then it is impossible to recoup any reasonable value out of it.

There are many reasons that contribute to certain car brands keeping good value and others doing completely the opposite.

Among global manufacturers, Japanese car brands stand out for their exceptional build and budget-friendliness, making them the go-to choice for buyers in this country and the entire continent at large.

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So, if you’re seeking the highest resale value Japanese cars in general are the leading “Kings” of resale value.

These Japanese automakers that includes Toyota, Hino, Isuzu, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru and Honda dominate the global market due to their consistent delivery of high-quality vehicles.

However, in Africa, several factors enhance their resale value as a result of;

Reliability and durability

Japanese cars are known for their ability to handle challenging conditions, from rough roads to extreme weather.

This reliability makes them popular across the world, where infrastructure can be inconsistent.

Some of the Toyota car models such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Vitz, Toyota Axio, Toyota Raum, Toyota Wish, Toyota Ipsum, Toyota Cressida are among some of the familiar names which are leaders in resale values across Africa.

Affordable maintenance

With widely available spare parts and a network of mechanics skilled in Japanese brands, maintaining these cars is often cheaper compared to the European, Chinese or American models.

For instance, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda vehicles are particularly economical to maintain although it is not necessarily the case with all Honda models.

Fuel efficiency

The rising fuel costs across Africa make fuel-efficient cars a practical choice to the majority of car owners. Japanese vehicles, such as the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit or Toyota Prius, are designed with efficiency in mind, ensuring that owners save on fuel expenses over the long run.

Brand reputation

Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have earned a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.

This strong brand equity translates to higher resale value, as buyers trust the longevity and performance of these cars.

Toyota consistently ranks as the most sought-after Japanese brand in Zimbabwe and many other Africa countries. Its models are synonymous with longevity and practicality, which are critical factors in the resale market. Toyota as a company also has confidence in its own product and they increased the warranty period which used to be three years to five years.

But cars are only as good as their last service and hence adhering to the service and maintenance requirements as per the manufacturers recommendations is very central to preserving a good resale value.

In a sign of a strong brand reputation a 1993 Toyota Corolla in New Zealand was recently reported to have reached two million kilometers on its original gearbox and engine.

This is indeed one of the Toyota’s incredible milestones in the history of its brand.

Stick to regular maintenance

Routine maintenance is crucial for ensuring that your car remains in top condition.

Regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, and inspections of vital components like the engine and transmission can prevent wear and tear from worsening.

Potential buyers are more likely to pay a premium for a car that’s been meticulously maintained.

A car with routine maintenance is less likely to develop expensive problems, and buyers perceive it as more reliable. Keep a detailed log of your maintenance history, including receipts and service records.

This documentation reassures buyers that the car has been well cared for.Invest in small repairs before selling

Addressing minor issues can significantly boost your car’s resale value. A cracked windshield, dents, scratches, or non-functional lights might seem trivial, but they can deter buyers or give them reasons to negotiate the price down.

Small defects can create the impression of neglect, even if the car is mechanically sound.

Get a pre-sale inspection to identify and fix issues that might otherwise become bargaining points during negotiations.

I, however, do not recommend you to repaint your car before reselling it as that creates doubts to the potential buyers for fear of buying an accident damaged car.

Choose popular models and features

Certain car models and features naturally appeal more to buyers. Features like fuel efficiency, advanced safety systems, and entertainment options (like Bluetooth and touchscreen displays) can make your car stand out in the resale market.

Buyers often prioritise cars with modern conveniences and proven popularity.

When buying a new car, research which models have the highest demand in your region.

But it is undeniable that the European cars are very attractive in the eyes of the customers and they come with advanced technologies, unique features and great luxurious comfort.

But the reality is that they have many sensors which gets affected because of water damage, exposure to debris, dust, dirty fuel or poor maintenance. I am talking about the likes of BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Volvo and Volkswagen among others.

So I have come to the conclusion that these European cars are only idle for the rich people who maybe having many cars at their disposal.

When you buy any of these brands it should mean that the issues to do with resale value is not a worry to you.

All in all, the Japanese cars points to efficiency, clean cars, fair prices, durability, big market and very good resale value.

On the other hand, the European cars reminds customers of expensive prices, luxury, rust, consistent malfunctioning, small market and low resale values. The choice is yours!

*Stanley Makombe has 25 years of experience in the motor industry, currently handling vehicle imports from Japan, Thailand, the UK, and South Africa into African countries. He is writing in his capacity and can be contacted on +254 743 900 590, on X @Stan_Carsales, email: [email protected], www.stanleymakombe.com