Values of Discontinued Vehicles Can Surge at Auction

Black Book has released a new analytics-driven report that looks at why certain vehicle models were discontinued over the last several years and how they’ve retained their values.

Analysts noted that some car and truck models, despite their popularity, are discontinued simply because manufacturers move production strategies in a new direction. Such models appear to retain their values better than their segment average, while others see retention values plummet. Black Book conducted an analysis that includes a mix of small and midsize cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans. Their discontinuation dates vary over the last few decades, and the reasons for their discontinuation are as diverse as the vehicles themselves.

As an example of this analysis, Black Book data shows that the Toyota FJ Cruiser, whose last model-year was 2014, has actually gone up in value by 25.7% compared to other vehicles that were listed in its segment. The Hummer H2 is second-best in retention at 18.5%.

The FJ Cruiser was acclaimed for its off-road performance and known for its quirky combination of a wide stance and short wheelbase. In 2014, the FJ Cruiser’s last model-year of production, it sold only about 14,000 units. Given the uniqueness of this vehicle and the relative high demand from enthusiasts, it became a modern collectible. The change in three-year retention for FJ Cruisers was a whopping 26% better than the average for the midsize SUV/CUV segment.

Conversely, the Mazda MPV minivan, last produced in 2006, has lost 15.8% of its value compared to other vehicles in its segment, and the Mercury Milan has lost 9.5% compared to others in its segment since it was discontinued in 2011.

To view the complete analysis, click here.

This story originally appeared on F&I and Showroom, a companion Bobit Business Media publication. 

Related: June Depreciation Reaches 5-Year Low

Originally posted on Vehicle Remarketing