When it comes to purchasing a car in Malaysia, many buyers look at the car’s resale value. Since buying a car in Malaysia can be quite costly, you can get the most value out of it by minimizing its depreciation. To do that, you have to pick the car with the best resale value so that when you sell it, you can get a better price.
As a general rule, a new car loses approximately 20 percent of its value in the first year and 15 percent every subsequent year until the fifth year. After 10 years, a car can generally sell for 10 percent of its original value. However, the resale value of a used car depends on various factors including its popularity, reliability, and maintenance cost, so the depreciation rate can vary from car to car.
To help you decide on your next car, we’ve compiled the top five pre-owned cars with the best resale value in Malaysia after five years. Do note that the prices listed are estimated based on average resale prices in the current market.
Read More: What is Your Car Market Value & its Depreciation Rate in Malaysia?
Toyota C-HR
Kicking off this list is a quirky crossover from Toyota. Since its debut back in 2016, the C-HR model has seen success worldwide for its cost, reliability, and practicality. Only one variant has been released in Malaysia back in 2018. The 2018 Toyota C-HR comes with a plethora of safety features making it perfect for a family-oriented car. Safety-wise, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a Blind Spot Monitor System (BSM). The Toyota C-HR also has an electric parking brake and hill-start assist.
Powering this mini SUV is a 1.8L petrol engine mated with a 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT sending 138 PS at 6,400 RPM and 171 NM at 4,000 RPM. Spare parts are easily sourced because the C-HR is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) Platform, which is used in plenty of modern Toyota-made cars today, which is why its resale value remains high.
2018 Toyota C-HR 1.8
- Price of new Toyota C-HR in 2018 = RM149,321
- Estimated car price for 2023 = RM112,259.53
- Estimated percentage in depreciation from launch till 2023 = 24.82 percent
Toyota Hilux L-Edition
Here we have another Toyota Hilux on this list that holds its value well after launch. The Hilux is a global favorite. Malaysians got their first taste of the Hilux back in 1997 as the sixth generation. Since then, the Hilux soon became a sweetheart due to its reliability and affordability.
This 2018 Hilux comes standard with remote start and entry, seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), a reverse sensor, and ABS with EBD plus brake assist. Under the hood is a 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine sending 130 PS and 450 NM to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Its performance, price, and reliability make it one of the best cars that retain its resale value even after five years since launch.
2018 Toyota Hilux L-Edition
- Price of a new Toyota Hilux L-Edition in 2018 = RM136,402
- Estimated Car Price for 2023 = RM100,964.76
- Estimated percentage in depreciation from launch till 2023 = 25.98 percent
Read More: How to Improve Your Car’s Market Value
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI still remains a cult classic among daily drivers and enthusiasts alike due to its highly tunable engine and the driving experience it can offer. The facelifted MK7 generation does not fall short on safety despite being a hot hatch. It features seven airbags, ESC, park assist, a rearview camera, and a Proactive Occupant Protection System (POPS). Apple car play and Android Auto come standard for this generation.
Under the bonnet is where this Golf shines. The 2.0 L TSI four-cylinder petrol engine churns out 230 PS and 450 NM to the front wheels via a wet-clutch DSG gearbox. This performance car can be kept or sold as an investment asset for those looking to make some money during this upcoming recession.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Price of new Volkswagen Golf GTI in 2018 = RM246,490
- Estimated resale value for 2023 = RM167,662.50
- Estimated percentage in depreciation from launch till 2023 = 31.98 percent
Perodua Alza
Now for something made locally. The 2018 Perodua Alza Advance, the facelift version gets a new look with 15-inch alloy rims, a larger lower air intake, front parking sensors, two bar front grille, and a new two-tone side skirt. The Advance spec also has a sporty rear bumper and slimmer fins in the rear diffuser. Nothing much has changed in this model as it retains the familiar 1.5 L petrol engine and a four-speed automatic gearbox offering 76 PS and 136 NM of torque.
This economical MPV does not cheapen out on safety too. The Alza Advance has two airbags and Isofix child seat safety points in the middle rear seat. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and brake assist come standard for all models. For those looking to sell one for fast cash, this car certainly bags a bargain in the resale market.
Perodua Alza Advance
- Price of a new Perodua Alza Advance in 2018 = RM62,690
- Resale value today = RM43,883
- Estimated depreciation over five years = 34.58 percent
Read More: How to Know When It’s Time to Sell Your Car
Mini 5 Door Cooper S
Speaking of five-seaters with the best resale value, we have the Mini 5-Door Cooper that still retains its resale value after its five-year release. This fashionable BMW-engineered five-door hatchback offers a luxurious ride and is capable of delivering performance when needed. The 2018 model has a major overhaul in terms of upgrades, notably, the six-speed automatic has been phased out in favor of a seven-speed wet-clutch DSG sourced from BMW. It still retains a familiar 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that dishes out 141 PS and 280 NM of torque. The end result is a swift and fashionable grocery-getter for the family while retaining an excellent resale value in the used market should you need fast cash during the recession.
2018 Mini 5 Door Cooper S
- Price of a new Mini 5 Door Cooper S in 2018 = RM256,888
- Resale value today = RM180,617.95
- Estimated depreciation over five years = 35.02 percent
What Determines Your Car’s Resale Value
Your car model might have the best resale value in Malaysia, but that doesn’t guarantee you can sell it at the price you want. After all, its price also heavily depends on the car’s condition, among other things. Here are the four main factors that affect your car’s resale value.
- Its condition: Keeping your car in good condition can give it a better price. Scratches, chips, and odors can reduce a car’s price, so it’s best to keep your interior and exterior as clean and damage-free as possible. Before putting your car up for sale, do a thorough clean-up of your car to make it more presentable to potential buyers.
- Mileage: A car with high mileage is more likely to have a lower resale value due to the wear and tear on its parts. To offset this, it’s important to have your car regularly serviced.
- Maintenance history: While sending your car for regular servicing is important, proper documentation of your maintenance history is equally important to preserve its market value. With proper documentation, you have proof that your car is well-maintained and with quality parts.
- Aftermarket modifications: Modifying your car with aftermarket parts may improve your car’s performance and driving experience. However, most used car buyers and dealers prefer to buy a car with factory original parts as non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts can wear out faster and lead to other problems. If you want your car to have the best resale value, it’s best to avoid aftermarket modifications.
There you have it, our top pre-owned cars with the best resale value in Malaysia. If you’re looking to sell your car or check your value, you can use our car price estimator.
Sell Your Car Easily with CARSOME
Selling your pre-owned car through CARSOME is not only convenient but you can expect honest prices too. Here is how to sell your car with us:
- Book an appointment: You first need to schedule an appointment online to have your car professionally inspected. Our CARSOME representative will contact you to confirm your information and schedule an inspection at your nearest CARSOME center.
- Get an inspection: Bring your car to the scheduled inspection where our professional inspectors will conduct a 175-point inspection on your car before giving you an offer.
- Get an offer: After the inspection, we’ll offer a price for your car on the spot. You can either accept the price or opt to put your car up for live bidding where our dealers nationwide can bid on your car. You may get a higher price depending on the demand*.
- Get paid: After you’ve accepted our offer, we’ll handle all the paperwork and pay you in an hour*.
Whether you’re looking to buy a pre-owned car or sell your own, check out CARSOME today. We promise a hassle-free experience and competitive prices!
*Terms and conditions apply.
First published on 5 November 2019, updated on 3rd January 2023 to reflect the latest information.
