Skoda Superb named worst family car for three-year depreciation
Used Car Expert's data shows the Skoda Superb retains just 46% of its value after three years, ranking it lowest among mainstream family cars for depreciation in 2009.
The Skoda Superb has been identified as the worst performing family car for depreciation over a three-year period, according to figures released in September 2009 by Used Car Expert. The study, which analysed over 800,000 retail car listings from the previous three months, found that the Superb retained just 46% of its original value after three years. This result places the Superb at the bottom of the list for retained value among mainstream family cars.
Skoda Superb leads in depreciation among family cars
The depreciation index, updated by Used Car Expert to make it easier for car buyers to understand, highlighted the substantial value loss faced by Superb owners. The Citroën C5 followed closely, retaining 49% of its original price, while the Kia Magentis and Ford Focus each managed to hold on to 53% after three years. Peugeot’s 307 and Volvo’s S80 were also among the models with the lowest retained values, as were the Mitsubishi Lancer, Saab 9-5, Vauxhall Signum, and Honda Accord.
Depreciation rankings: worst and best performers
The data from Used Car Expert provided a clear picture of which family cars lost the most and least value over a typical three-year ownership period. Here are the top ten worst and best performers for depreciation among three-year-old family cars in 2009:
| Model | Retained Value (%) |
|---|---|
| Skoda Superb | 46 |
| Citroën C5 | 49 |
| Kia Magentis | 53 |
| Ford Focus | 53 |
| Peugeot 307 | 54 |
| Volvo S80 | 56 |
| Mitsubishi Lancer | 57 |
| Saab 9-5 | 57 |
| Vauxhall Signum | 58 |
| Honda Accord | 58 |
| Jaguar S-Type | 89 |
| Jaguar XF | 87 |
| Volvo V50 | 80 |
| Citroën C8 | 79 |
| Fiat Bravo | 79 |
| Volkswagen Beetle | 79 |
| Lexus IS | 78 |
| Toyota Auris | 77 |
| Subaru Outback | 77 |
| BMW 5-Series | 76 |
At the other end of the scale, the Jaguar S-Type led the sector, retaining 89% of its value after three years, while the Jaguar XF followed at 87%. Other strong performers included the Volvo V50, Citroën C8, Fiat Bravo, Volkswagen Beetle, Lexus IS, Toyota Auris, Subaru Outback, and BMW 5-Series, all of which held on to at least 76% of their original value.
Implications for buyers and owners
For buyers considering a new family car in 2009, these depreciation figures served as a warning about the potential financial impact of rapid value loss. Owners of the Skoda Superb faced the steepest drop, which could significantly affect trade-in prices or returns from private sales. While the Superb has often received praise for its spacious interior and generous equipment, its poor performance in the depreciation index may have given pause to those prioritising long-term value retention.
In contrast, those who purchased models like the Jaguar S-Type or XF would have benefited from much stronger value retention, reducing the overall cost of ownership. The differences highlighted by the index could influence both new and used car buyers in their decision-making, especially for those concerned about minimising financial loss over time.
How the data was collected
Used Car Expert’s research was based on retail car sales, not trade auctions. This means the figures reflect the prices that private buyers and sellers would most likely encounter, offering a more realistic view of depreciation for everyday motorists. The analysis covered a large sample of over 800,000 cars on sale at retail across the UK over the three months prior to the report’s release.
