The top money-saving cars of 2011
14.12.2011 - Andy Goodwin
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The Toyota Land Cruiser has held onto its value better than any other car in 2011, according to new data.
After three years and 37,000 miles a typical Land Cruiser 3.0D-4D Invincible automatic is worth 72.2 per cent of its original price.
The Land Cruiser performed so well because it's a durable and reliable workhorse which has never been sold in large numbers in the UK, keeping supply low and demand high.
The big Toyota is also particularly desirable in winter months thanks to its reputation as a great off-roader.
Second best was the Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, holding on to 71.6 per cent of its on-the-road price. Unlike the Land Cruiser, the Kuga is a big-seller, but this hasn't harmed its residuals as demand is still particularly high.
Third in the list is the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI S line 4x4 (71.2 per cent), one of the best-designed models in its sector. The Q5 is built to order by Audi and has a long waiting list of buyers- pushing up its used value for those who want to get hold of one quickly.
Completing the 4x4-dominated top-five are the Porsche Cayenne 3.0 TDI V6 Tiptronic S (70.4 per cent) and Volvo XC60 2.4 D5 AWD SE lux (68.1 per cent). Tough winter weather conditions in the past few years have obviously played into the hands of 4x4 models, boosting their appeal.
The Fiat 500 1.2 Pop Dualogic (67.6%) takes sixth, overtaking the MINI Hatch, which was in second place last year, but has slipped well outside the top ten in 2011. The 500 is proving recession-proof thanks to its combination of style and low running costs.
Retaining 66.3 per cent of its value, the Suzuki Jimny 4x4 has a small but dedicated fan base of owners who love its rugged character and practicality.
The excellent Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI GT Coupe (66.1 per cent) is the sportiest way to keep your money secure. It might handle like a sports car, but its frugal diesel engine means it doesn't cost much to own - making it the sensible choice in the range.
In joint ninth place are the Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Turismo three-door (66 per cent) and Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI GT three-door (66 per cent). Both hatchbacks offer excellent performance and economy, with a good deal of style thrown in as well, ensuring neither will stay standing on a forecourt for long.
The survey from Glass's Guide showed customers value diesel models more highly than petrol, with seven of the top ten cars being filled at the black pumps.
