The cars with the highest retained value after three years and 60,000 miles

'The Porsche maintains its desirability in the second hand market; despite the earliest examples dating back to 1996, nothing else can offer that combination of stunning good looks, super-car badge and Teutonic reliability. The introduction of the latest CLK gives a strong premium over the outgoing model, as used buyers will be keen to snap up the first second-hand examples' explained Steve Jones, Pricing Manager at Lex Vehicle Leasing. Two new VWs, the Beetle Convertible and re-styled Polo appeared for the first time at number six and seven, while the Mercedes E-Class made its debut on the list at number eight.

The 2002 Survey

Three door Coupes and sports cars were the lowest depreciating company cars on UK roads according to the Lex Vehicle Leasing Residual calculations. Lex identified that seven out of 10 fitted this description when researching the three-year old cars on its fleet with the strongest residual values, with the Porsche Boxster coming out at the top of the pile. In second place was the Honda S2000, while the Mercedes SLK and CLK follow close behind in third and fourth place.

‘The Boxster is very desirable in that it is the first three year old Porsche that many motorists will have ever been able to afford. The Honda is quite rare and has a strong following, while demand for used Mercedes SLK and CLKs continue to outweigh supply, thus keeping residual values strong,’ explained Steve Jones, pricing manager at Lex Vehicle Leasing. The first mainstream car on the list was the then recently launched Jaguar X-Type, while a surprising entry in seventh place was the Land Rover Defender.

‘Strong residual values keep down whole-life costs whether you’re buying or leasing; cars with good residuals are normally desirable, reliable and have a strong brand image. Lots of cars have a cheap purchase price, but will be disappointing when it’s time to sell; choose well though and you’ll have plenty of capital to put into your next car. Take the BMW 3-series – great looking, well put-together and with one of the best badges in the business – its buyers enjoy excellent residual values’ explained Jones.

‘For many the Defender is a surprise entry into the top 10, but year after year this car doesn’t lose its appeal. Even at 10 years of age this car is usually worth more than 50% of its original list price, which reinforces the extraordinary strength of the Land Rover brand and this four wheel drive workhorse.’ he added.