We slice and dice the list of Kelley Blue Book 2014 Best Resale Value award winners to find those most suitable for borrowers with credit issues

Our Experience

At Auto Credit Express we want buyers with bad credit to realize that there is a difference between the price and cost of a new car. Price is what you pay for a vehicle while cost is the total overall expense of a car, truck or SUV over the lifetime of ownership. These costs are related to its fuel efficiency, reliability, maintenance and, in particular, depreciation. Understanding the difference is key when it comes time to develop your loan budget.

According to those in the know at Kelley Blue Book, during a typical five year term of ownership, depreciation - a vehicle's loss in value – usually represents the largest cost to owners, and your biggest budget obstacle.

Fortunately, the loss in value is one area where buyers can reduce the cost simply by choosing a model with better a better resale value than its peers and help reduce their auto loan cost.

2014 KBB Best Resale Value Awards

According to Kelley, "The awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value over the first five years (60 months) of new-vehicle ownership." That's because "choosing a vehicle with excellent projected resale value can help you save money over the long-haul, and that's just the kind of long-lasting fame we'd like to share."

What we did

We took the list and narrowed it down to the winners and top finishers in the two most affordable categories - subcompact and compact cars. So here they are along with comments from Kelley Blue Book:

2014 Best Resale Value: Subcompact Car

Best Subcompact Car

2014 Nissan Versa S 1.6L 4-door sedan2014 Nissan Versa
A low starting price and high resale values combine to qualify the Versa as exceptionally affordable transportation. And if you're looking for something more than that, the Versa Note, especially, offers some awfully compelling options.

Resale Value
at 36 months: 68.3%
at 60 months: 58.0%

2nd Place Finisher:

2014 Toyota Yaris2014 Toyota Yaris
With its impressive reliability record, surprising interior space and customization options, the Scion xD offers practical utility and youthful exuberance.

Resale Value
at 36 months: 56.2%
at 60 months: 45.2%

3rd Place Finisher:

2014 Scion xD2014 Scion xD
The subcompact Scion xD offers utilitarian style and a robust standard features list, made more compelling by complimentary maintenance and Scion's no-haggle Pure Pricing.

Resale Value
at 36 months: 57.0%
at 60 months: 45.0%

2014 Best Resale Value: Compact Car

Best Compact Car:

2014 Subaru Impreza2014 Subaru Impreza
If your new-car budget is in the neighborhood of $20,000 and a significant chunk of your annual miles are spent in the snow, the 2014 Subaru Impreza is the new car to beat.

Resale Value
at 36 months: 63.5%
at 60 months: 47.8%

2nd Place Finisher:

2014 Honda Civic2014 Honda Civic
The affordable, reliable and thoroughly refined Honda Civic is one of the easiest cars to recommend, and a perennial resale value all-star.

Resale Value
at 36 months: 59.4%
at 60 months: 47.4%

3rd Place Finisher:

2014 Scion xB2014 Scion xB
A cavernous compact car with unabashedly boxy styling, the Scion xB is a unique mix of practicality and pluck that maintains its appeal in the resale market.

Resale Value
at 36 months: 60.0%
at 60 months: 47.0%

The Bottom Line

Borrowers, especially those with past credit issues on tight budgets, should never confuse price with cost. Price is what you pay for a vehicle while cost includes the overall expenses including gas, insurance, maintenance and depreciation. Kelley Blue Book's Jack R. Nerad puts it this way: "Choosing makes, models and options wisely now can help new-car shoppers keep additional money in their pocket down the road when they go to sell or trade-in the vehicle used."

One more tip for buyers: Auto Credit Express helps consumers with car credit issues find dealers that can offer them their best chances for car loan approvals.

So if you're ready to reestablish your credit, you can begin now by filling out our online auto loan application.