🚗 Editor's note: Is Hong Kong's value retention rate different from that of other countries?

Hong Kong has a large population and limited land, expensive parking spaces, and a high First Registration Tax (FRT), so new cars depreciate heavily right after they are delivered. However, some car models depreciate more slowly, and are even so popular in the second-hand market that their prices are increased.
The value retention rate is affected by several factors:

1. Brand reliability (few breakdowns, low maintenance costs)
2. Adequate supply of parts
3. High demand in the second-hand market (taxi drivers, families, transportation)
4. Government policies (tax system, electric vehicle incentives)
5. Availability (popular models are sometimes in high demand even secondhand)

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1️⃣ Hong Kong's most valuable car models (based on market observations over the past 3-5 years)

🥇 No.1 Toyota Alphard / Vellfire

• Value retention rate : After 3 years, the car price can still be retained at about 65%-75%.
• reason :
  • The first choice for business transfers, hotels, travel agencies, and cross-border car rentals
  • The seven-seater car has large space and high comfort
  • Both Japanese imported and parallel imported versions are popular
  • The second-hand market has stable demand, and sometimes even increases in price.
• Editor’s opinion : If you are doing business/cross-border transportation, drive it for 3-4 years before selling it, the depreciation will be shockingly low.

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🥈 No.2 Toyota Hiace

• Value retention rate : After 3 years, the car price can be retained by about 70%-80%.
• reason :
  • The king of commercial vehicles, durable and easy to maintain
  • Essential for delivery, decoration industry, and cross-border logistics
  • Hong Kong's commercial vehicle tax system + stable demand
• Editor’s opinion : Basically, if there is a market, there will be someone to take it. Even a 20-year-old car still has a price.

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🥉 No.3 Honda Stepwgn / Freed

• Value retention rate : After 3 years, the car price can be retained by about 60%-70%.
• reason :
  • Japanese car is the best choice for seven-seater cars, a favorite for families and Uber drivers.
  • Low fuel consumption and easy maintenance
  • There are few listings in the secondary market, and they are sold out as soon as they are released.
• Editor’s opinion : It is suitable for family use and drivers and customers are still rushing to buy it when it is sold.

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No.4 Toyota Prius / Prius+

• Value retention rate : about 60%–65% after 3 years
• reason :
  • Hybrid vehicles are durable and have low fuel consumption
  • Taxis, Uber, and commuters all like it
  • Second-hand hybrid batteries have a long lifespan, and Hong Kong's weather has little impact on the channel.
• Editor’s opinion : You may not think it looks good, but it will always be easy to sell in the second-hand market.

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No. 5 Tesla Model 3 (select years)

• Value retention rate : Depending on policy changes, in some years, the car price can be retained at about 55%–65%.
• reason :
  • Electric vehicle boom + mature charging network
  • Hong Kong's fuel-free policy has obvious advantages
  • There is a big price difference before and after the policy change, buy early and enjoy early
• Editor’s opinion : Buy during a period of policy stability for good value preservation; however, be mindful of battery health and changes in government tax incentives.

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No.6 Toyota Corolla Cross/RAV4

• Value retention rate : about 60%–65% after 3 years
• reason :
  • SUV craze + value-preserving Japanese brands
  • Reasonable fuel consumption and moderate space
  • The secondary market supply is not large
• Editor’s opinion : If you want the feel of an SUV but don’t want the price to drop quickly, these two models are safe choices.

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No.7 Suzuki Jimny

• Value retention rate : After 3 years, the car can retain about 70%–80% of its value (sometimes with a premium)
• reason :
  • Global demand exceeds supply
  • Small off-road vehicle, fun and collectible
  • Hong Kong has limited quotas, so second-hand prices remain high.
• Editor’s opinion : The waiting period for a new car is long, and you have to queue up to buy one. Second-hand cars are even more expensive than new ones.

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No.8 Toyota Noah / Esquire

• Value retention rate : about 60%–68% after 3 years
• reason :
  • Another option in the seven-seater car market
  • The body is thinner than Alphard, making it easier to park.
  • Uber and family are both suitable
• Editor’s opinion : Compared with Stepwgn, Toyota’s brand value retention is slightly higher.

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2️⃣ Common features behind value-preserving cars

1. Mainly Japanese brands : Toyota, Honda, Suzuki
2. Stable market demand : commercial, cross-border, family, and ride-sharing platforms
3. Easy to find parts : easy maintenance, no need to worry about waiting for parts
4. Wide range of uses : for personal use, for business
5. Limited supply : Hot items have limited quotas, so prices are naturally high.

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3️⃣ Editor’s practical advice

• Want the lowest depreciation → Choose a commercial or cross-border popular car (Alphard, Hiace)
• Want to take care of family comfort → Seven-seater cars such as Stepwgn and Noah
• Want to have fun and maintain value → Suzuki Jimny
• Electric car enthusiasts → Pay attention to Tesla's price and policy changes

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4️⃣ Notes⚠️

• The policy impact is huge (especially the tax incentives for electric vehicles)
• Even if the car is value-preserving, poor maintenance records and accident records will cause its value to drop significantly.
• Listing during the secondary market peak season (e.g. before the Lunar New Year) will result in better prices.

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❤️ Summary

📌 The best value-retaining brands in Hong Kong are almost exclusively Japanese MPVs, commercial vehicles, and some electric vehicles.📌 Value retention doesn't mean no depreciation, it just means slower depreciation.📌 Think carefully about your intended use before buying. Pick the right model and maintain it well, and you'll naturally be able to command a higher price when you sell it in the future.

Hong Kong's most valuable car models quick reference table

📌 High value retention group (green): value retention rate ≥ 65% after 3 years
📌 Medium value retention group (yellow): The value retention rate after 3 years is about 55%–65%.
The data is based on observations of the Hong Kong market over the past 3-5 years. Actual results depend on vehicle condition, maintenance records, and policy changes.