MINI, Audi top chart

14th September 2006

	The key to buying a new or nearly new car is to aim for the latest models which provide some exclusivity

As a firm that buys thousands of new cars every year for its fleet customers, Lex is well placed to pick future residual value stars... and our table (right) shows its top 10 performing models, rated in two price categories.

Although the chart is dominated by Japan­ese and German brands, the British-built MINI sits at the top of the under £15,000 league, while the Honda FR-V is the highest-placed family motor. Two drop-tops – the Audi Cab­rio­let and Mercedes SLK – head the £15,000-£30,000 sector in terms of achieving the maximum price come resale time.

The key to buying a new or nearly new car is to aim for the latest models which provide some exclusivity and will be the first of their kind to reach the important three-year milestone. Used buyers also go for build quality and reliability, says the leasing company.

Meanwhile, Glass’s Guide has announced residuals for the latest Honda Legend. The 3.5-litre V6 EX automatic, which is priced at £35,402 in showrooms, is expected to be worth £12,500 after three years and 60,000 miles. That’s 35 per cent of its original list price, which puts the luxury saloon only one per cent behind the equivalent Audi A6 and two per cent below the Lexus GS300.