Cars that lost the least value: 2012-2018 launches priced today
This list answers one practical question: which cars bought new between 2012 and 2018 still fetch the highest share of their original list price today. For every catalogue generation that went on sale in those years, the median AutoScout24 asking price in November 2026 was divided by the cheapest ADAC list price in Germany at launch. 157 generations had enough data (at least 200 offers), and 100 of them started below €35,000 at their German launch between 2012 and 2018. For those 100 cars the typical result in November 2026 is about 58%. The ten below sit far above that.
The figure is an asking price for a whole generation, so a Jimny or a Polo still on sale pulls recent, nearly new cars into the median. It shows market demand, not the depreciation of one particular car. For a forecast of how new cars will hold their value, see cars that hold their value; this page looks backwards at real asking prices.
Quick picks
- Highest figure: Suzuki Jimny IV - asking prices in November 2026 average 184% of the 2018 launch price.
- Best everyday small car: Kia Picanto III - median €9,900 in November 2026 against €9,990 at launch in 2017.
- Best family hatchback: Volkswagen Polo VI - 88% kept, with over 16,000 offers in November 2026.
- Best hybrid: Toyota Corolla E210 - 89% kept, the 1.8 Hybrid is the volume version.
| Model (generation, years) | Kept of launch price | Used price now | Best version | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Jimny IV (2018-) | 184% | about €33,000 (Nov 2026) | Four-seat passenger car | Two-seat LCV versions since 2020 |
| Toyota Hilux VIII (2015-2025) | 174% | about €44,400 (Nov 2026) | Double cab | Launch price is the basic version |
| Kia Picanto III (2017-) | 100% | about €9,900 (Nov 2026) | 1.0 or 1.2 petrol | Includes nearly new cars |
| Mazda MX-5 ND (2015-) | 98% | about €22,500 (Nov 2026) | 1.5 or 2.0 Skyactiv-G | Includes nearly new cars |
| Smart ForTwo III (2014-2024) | 95% | about €10,000 (Nov 2026) | Petrol or EQ electric | Electric versions lift the median |
| Hyundai Kona I (2017-2023) | 91% | about €15,900 (Nov 2026) | 1.6 Hybrid | Electric versions lift the median |
| Toyota Corolla E210 (2018-) | 89% | about €18,600 (Nov 2026) | 1.8 Hybrid | 12V battery on hybrids |
| Volkswagen Polo VI (2017-) | 88% | about €11,500 (Nov 2026) | 1.0 TSI | Includes nearly new cars |
| Toyota Corolla XI saloon (2013-2019) | 88% | about €16,500 (Nov 2026) | 1.6 petrol | Only 432 offers |
| Kia Stonic (2017-) | 87% | about €13,900 (Nov 2026) | 1.0 T-GDI | Includes nearly new cars |
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1. Suzuki Jimny JB64/JB74
Highest share of launch price
- Production years
- 2018–present
- Body type
- SUV
- Fuel
- Petrol, Diesel
- Used today
- about €27,000–45,000 (AutoScout24, Nov 2026)
- New price
- from about €17,915 (2018)
The fourth Jimny started at €17,915 in Germany in 2018 and the median asking price in November 2026 is about €33,000, with most offers between €27,000 and €45,000. Supply explains much of it: the four-seat passenger version left European showrooms in 2020 because its 173 g/km WLTP CO2 figure was too high for fleet targets, and it returned in September 2020 only as a two-seat light commercial vehicle. Check which version you are looking at, because the commercial model has no rear seats and a partition behind the front seats.
Full review: Suzuki Jimny JB64/JB74Pros
- 184% of the 2018 launch price
- Ladder frame and low-range four-wheel drive
- 572 offers in November 2026
Cons
- Two-seat commercial versions mixed into the median
- 1.5 petrol emits 173 g/km CO2 (WLTP)
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2. Toyota Hilux AN110/AN120/AN130
Pick-up that kept its price
- Production years
- 2015–2025
- Body type
- Pickup
- Fuel
- Diesel
- Power output
- 110–150 kW (150–204 PS)
- Used today
- about €28,000–57,000 (AutoScout24, Nov 2026)
- New price
- from about €25,497 (2016)
The eighth-generation Hilux launched at €25,497 in Germany in 2016 for the cheapest version, while the median asking price in November 2026 is about €44,400 and the range runs from about €28,000 to €57,000. Part of the gap is the method: the launch figure is the basic version, while many cars listed today are double cabs with higher trim levels. Even so, no other mainstream generation in the data comes close. Look for a documented service history and check the load bed, towbar and chassis for signs of heavy work.
Full review: Toyota Hilux AN110/AN120/AN130Pros
- 174% of the cheapest 2016 launch price
- 437 offers in November 2026
- Generation built until 2025
Cons
- Launch price refers to the basic version
- Used offers include high-trim double cabs
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3. Kia Picanto JA
City car that kept its price
- Production years
- 2017–present
- Body type
- Hatchback
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Power output
- 46–74 kW (63–101 PS)
- Used today
- about €6,500–13,500 (AutoScout24, Nov 2026)
- New price
- from about €9,990 (2017)
The third Picanto cost €9,990 at launch in Germany in 2017, and the median asking price in November 2026 is about €9,900, essentially the original list price. The range is wide, from about €6,500 to €13,600, because the generation is still on sale and recent cars with higher trim levels are listed next to 2017 examples. With more than 4,300 offers it is also one of the most liquid used city cars. Compare the first registration date carefully, because a 2024 car and a 2018 car sit in the same median.
Pros
- Median about equal to the 2017 launch price
- 4,331 offers in November 2026
- Simple 1.0 and 1.2 petrol engines
Cons
- Median includes nearly new cars
- Small boot and cabin for a family
Spec sheet: Kia Picanto JA 1.0 l (68 PS) 50 kW (68 PS)
Full review: Kia Picanto JA -
4. Mazda MX-5 ND
Sports car with steady prices
- Production years
- 2015–present
- Body type
- Convertible, Roadster
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Power output
- 96–135 kW (131–184 PS)
- Used today
- about €16,500–30,000 (AutoScout24, Nov 2026)
- New price
- from about €22,990 (2015)
The MX-5 ND started at €22,990 in Germany in 2015 and the median asking price in November 2026 is about €22,500, with most cars between about €16,500 and €30,000. Demand for a light, open two-seater with a manual gearbox has kept prices close to new money, and the generation has been on sale since 2015, so the median includes recent cars. The 1.5 and 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol engines are the only choices. Check the soft top for wear and the underbody for corrosion on cars driven through winter.
Pros
- 98% of the 2015 launch price
- 945 offers in November 2026
- Same basic design since 2015
Cons
- Two seats and a small boot
- Median includes recent cars
Spec sheet: Mazda MX-5 ND 1.5 l Skyactiv-G 136 (2026) 100 kW (136 PS)
Full review: Mazda MX-5 ND -
5. Smart ForTwo III
Smallest car on the list
- Production years
- 2014–2024
- Body type
- Hatchback, Convertible
- Fuel
- Petrol, Electric
- Power output
- 53–66 kW (72–90 PS)
- Used today
- about €7,800–13,000 (AutoScout24, Nov 2026)
- New price
- from about €10,545 (2014)
The third ForTwo cost €10,545 at launch in Germany in 2014, and the median asking price in November 2026 is about €10,000, with a range of about €7,800 to €13,000. The figure is helped by the electric EQ versions sold until 2024, which cost more when new than the petrol base car used as the launch price. Production ended in 2024, so there is no direct successor at the same size. Decide early between petrol and electric, because charging needs and prices differ.
Full review: Smart ForTwo IIIPros
- 95% of the 2014 launch price
- 3,526 offers in November 2026
- Petrol and electric versions
Cons
- Electric versions lift the median
- Two seats only
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6. Hyundai Kona I (OS)
Small SUV with steady demand
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- SUV
- Fuel
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Electric
- Used today
- about €12,500–19,000 (AutoScout24, Nov 2026)
- New price
- from about €17,500 (2017)
The first Kona started at €17,500 in Germany in 2017 for the petrol base version, and the median asking price in November 2026 is about €15,900, with most cars between about €12,600 and €19,000. The median also contains the Kona Electric and the Hybrid, which cost more new, so the real loss on a petrol car is larger than the headline figure. For a used buy the 1.6 Hybrid is the strongest choice: What Car? owners gave it a 99.0% reliability score. Check whether a car is petrol, hybrid or electric before you compare prices.
Full review: Hyundai Kona I (OS)Pros
- 91% of the 2017 launch price
- 3,970 offers in November 2026
- Petrol, hybrid and electric versions
Cons
- Electric versions flatter the median
- Petrol base cars lose more
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7. Toyota Corolla E210
Hybrid that held its price
- Production years
- 2018–present
- Body type
- Sedan, Hatchback, Station wagon
- Fuel
- Petrol, Hybrid
- Power output
- 85–144 kW (116–196 PS)
- Used today
- about €15,000–23,500 (AutoScout24, Nov 2026)
- New price
- from about €20,987 (2019)
The Corolla E210 launched at €20,987 in Germany in 2019, and the median asking price in November 2026 is about €18,600, with a range of about €15,000 to €23,500. Most European cars are hybrids: the 1.8 with 90 kW (122 PS) or the 2.0 with 132 kW (180 PS). What Car? gave the generation a 96.4% reliability score. Toyota links an extended hybrid battery cover to annual health checks at its dealers, so ask for those records when you buy.
Pros
- 89% of the 2019 launch price
- 4,845 offers in November 2026
- 1.8 and 2.0 hybrid versions
Cons
- ADAC lists 2023 cars among weaker compacts
- Median includes recent cars
Spec sheet: Toyota Corolla E210 1.2 Turbo 85 kW (116 PS)
Full review: Toyota Corolla E210 -
8. Volkswagen Polo VI
Family hatchback that held up
- Production years
- 2017–present
- Body type
- Sedan, Hatchback
- Fuel
- Petrol, Diesel
- Power output
- 48–147 kW (65–200 PS)
- Used today
- about €8,000–14,000 (AutoScout24, Nov 2026)
- New price
- from about €12,975 (2017)
The sixth Polo cost €12,975 at launch in Germany in 2017, and the median asking price in November 2026 is about €11,500, with most offers between about €8,000 and €14,000. With more than 16,000 offers it is the most common car on this list, which makes resale straightforward. ADAC's 2026 breakdown statistics name the Polo the best car in its class. The generation is still built, so check the registration year when you compare prices, and look for a full service record.
Pros
- 88% of the 2017 launch price
- 16,064 offers in November 2026
- Best small car in ADAC breakdown data 2026
Cons
- Median includes nearly new cars
- GTI and high trims lift the median
Spec sheet: Volkswagen Polo VI 1.0 MPI 65 48 kW (65 PS)
Full review: Volkswagen Polo VI -
9. Toyota Corolla XI
Older saloon that kept value
- Production years
- 2013–2019
- Body type
- Sedan
- Fuel
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Power output
- 73–103 kW (99–140 PS)
- Used today
- about €14,000–21,000 (AutoScout24, Nov 2026)
- New price
- from about €18,690 (2014)
The Corolla XI saloon cost €18,690 at launch in Germany in 2014, and the median asking price in November 2026 is still about €16,500, with a range of about €13,900 to €21,000. This is the most surprising figure in the data, because the generation ended in 2019 and contains no nearly new cars. The sample is small with 432 offers, so a few highly priced cars can move the median. Compare mileage and service history carefully, and treat very high asking prices with suspicion.
Full review: Toyota Corolla XIPros
- 88% of the 2014 launch price
- No car newer than 2019 in the median
- Simple petrol saloon
Cons
- Only 432 offers
- High median for its age, check listings
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10. Kia Stonic YB
Small crossover with demand
- Production years
- 2017–present
- Body type
- Crossover
- Fuel
- Petrol, Diesel
- Power output
- 74–88 kW (101–120 PS)
- Used today
- about €11,000–15,000 (AutoScout24, Nov 2026)
- New price
- from about €15,990 (2017)
The Stonic started at €15,990 in Germany in 2017, and the median asking price in November 2026 is about €13,900, with most cars between about €10,900 and €15,000. The narrow range shows a uniform market of mostly petrol cars with the 1.0 T-GDI engine. The generation is still on sale, so the median contains recent cars, which explains part of the strong result. Kia's seven-year warranty runs with the car, so a 2020 or later Stonic may still have factory cover in November 2026.
Pros
- 87% of the 2017 launch price
- 5,220 offers in November 2026
- Narrow price range
Cons
- Median includes recent cars
- Boot smaller than compact SUVs
Spec sheet: Kia Stonic YB 1.0 T-GDI 100 74 kW (101 PS)
Full review: Kia Stonic YB
How we chose
Data. Launch prices are the ADAC list price in Germany for the cheapest version in the first full sales year, as recorded in the catalogue. Used prices are AutoScout24 asking prices from Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, collected on 5 November 2026: the median and the 10th to 90th percentile range for the whole generation.
Filter and ranking. Generations that started between 2012 and 2018, with a launch price and at least 200 offers. Cars that cost €35,000 or more at launch were removed, which takes out supercars and premium sports cars such as the Huracán, 718 Cayman and Alpine A110. The ranking is the median asking price divided by the launch price.
Limits. Prices are not adjusted for inflation, asking prices are not sale prices, and the median mixes every year, engine and trim of a generation. A generation still on sale includes almost new cars, and a cheap base price at launch flatters the result. Used prices also jumped after 2020: AutoScout24 data reported by Autohaus showed a 10% rise in 2021 alone. Treat the percentages as a ranking of demand, not as a forecast.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Suzuki Jimny cost more used than new?
Supply and demand. The four-seat Jimny left European showrooms in 2020 because of its CO2 figure and came back only as a two-seat commercial vehicle, so used four-seaters became scarce. The median asking price is about 184% of the 2018 launch price.
Are these percentages adjusted for inflation?
No. Launch prices are the original German list prices and used prices are asking prices from November 2026. Adjusting for inflation would lower every percentage, but the order of the cars would stay similar because all of them faced the same price rises.
Does this list predict how a new car will hold its value?
No. It measures what whole generations ask today compared with their launch price. For a forward-looking view of new cars, use a residual value forecast instead and treat this list as a record of past demand.
Why are Porsche and Lamborghini models missing?
Cars that cost €35,000 or more at launch were removed to keep the list to mainstream cars. Several Porsche, Alpine, Ferrari and Lamborghini models had higher percentages, but they serve a collector market with different rules.
