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An important measure of a vehicle’s value -- and appeal -- is what it’s expected to be worth three and five years down the road. These figures are the estimated price a dealer would pay if you traded in the vehicle, expressed as a percentage of the original sticker price.
Resale values come from a complex set of calculations based in part on historical data and economic predictions, as well as competition in each automotive segment, how strong a car's brand is, and supply (including fleet and leasing sales) versus demand.
To win best-resale plaudits, the model must first be selected as one of the top 25 vehicles in its category. Then
we pick the vehicle with the highest three-year resale value. No model is eligible for the award if another trim level of the same model has won Best Resale in a lower-price category.
By Jessica L. Anderson, Associate Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance