Top 10 Best Resale Value Cars

When you're comparing prices for new cars, it’s important to consider resale value. A big discount on a car that’s a big loser may not be worth it. From the Chevrolet Corvette to the Volkswagen Eos, here are the autos, according to Kelley Blue Book, that will retain the most value over the next five years.

Chevrolet Corvette

Base price range:

$47,245 - $55,585

Predicted 5-year retained value: 50 percent*

A big part of Corvette's appeal is its low price relative to anything approaching its performance along with an easy-to-drive manner.

The fact that the Corvette is such a good value as a new car makes it worth more even as a used car.

Honda Civic Sedan

Base price range:

$15,645 - $21,925

Predicted 5-year retained value: 52 percent*

The Civic combines Honda's well-deserved reputation for reliability with crisp, engaging handling.

Those features make it a sought-after used car.

Infiniti G37

Base price range:

$34,965 - $36,265

Predicted 5-year retained value: 52 percent*

The Infiniti G37's combination of cutting-edge design, performance and luxury are expected to lead to strong demand in the used market, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Mini Cooper

Base price range:

$18,700 - $26,050

Predicted 5-year retained value: 52 percent*

The Mini Cooper's vaunted go-kart driving style and fun two-tone paint schemes have turned it into a long-term phenomenon. Parent company BMW has worked hard to keep the supply just slightly behind the demand, meaning prices have barely flagged.

Scion tC

Base price range:

$15,920 - $18,420

Predicted 5-year retained value: 52 percent*

The sporty little tC is Scion's most affordable and popular model. Excellent reliability has helped make it a sought-after used car.

Scion xB

Base price range:

$16,270 - $17,220

Predicted 5-year retained value: 52 percent*

A redesign for 2008 moves the xB slightly more to the center with a bigger interior, more engine power and a more stable feel on the road. The changes are not expected to detract from its appeal in the new or used car markets.

Toyota Corolla

Base price range:

$15,065 - $19,200

Predicted 5-year retained value: 52 percent*

The Corolla is Toyota's bread-and-butter economy car.

"When it comes to choosing a 'safe buy' there might be no car more deserving of the title than the Toyota Corolla," said Jack Nerad, Kelley Blue Book's editorial director.

Volkswagen Eos

Base price range:

$29,555 - $38,630

Predicted 5-year retained value: 52 percent*

The Eos is Volkswagen's stylish, easy-going and fun hard-top convertible. It looks good with the top up or down, and it's surprisingly roomy for a compact convertible. VW's strong following should also make it a desirable used car.

Volkswagen Jetta

Base price range:

$17,630 $23,465

Predicted 5-year retained value: 51 percent*

Despite Volkswagen's spotty reputation for reliability - the brand fairs poorly in J.D. Powers' annual rankings of long-term dependability - its cars hold their value well.

At base, Volkswagen is simply the most affordable European brand you can get in this country. And it has a hard core of fans who love the way VW's look and perform.

Volkswagen Rabbit

Base price range:

$16,130 - $17,075

Predicted 5-year retained value: 51 percent*

Like a German version of the Honda Civic, the Rabbit offers European performance at an economy price.

Volkswagen's certified pre-owned program, recently rated the best by Intellichoice.com, may help boost resale values in the long term.