|  If you spend tens of thousands of dollars on a car, you want to get something back for your investment when it's over. Inevitably, the value of your car will depreciate, but you'd like it to have as much trade-in value as possible.
This doesn't just go for buying a car. When you lease a car, the amount it will be worth at the end of the lease is critical in determining your monthly lease payment price. It's called residual value, an important factor to keep in mind if you're shopping for a new car.
In a list compiled by Automotive Lease Guide, or ALG, the 10 cars expected to hold value the most over the next five years are an eclectic group (sedans and small sport utility vehicles, among others). What do these cars have in common?
"You see a much better alignment of production with market demands," says James Clark, editorial director of ALG.
What about cars that will hold the least value after five years?
"You'll see a lot of brands we traditionally have high-depreciation rates for," says Clark.
Some of these vehicles are heavily used as fleet vehicles for rental car companies; some (i.e. Korean brands like Hyundai and its subsidiary, Kia) have perceived quality issues, even though Clark says the Korean brands' "quality has actually gotten a lot better, but their perceived quality is still low."
Best Value Holders:
1. Volkswagen R32
MSRP: $32,990
Style: Performance
5-year residual value: 43 percent or $14,186
Engine: six-cylinder, 3.2-liter, 250 horsepower
Warranty: Basic -- 4 years/50,000 miles, powertrain -- 5 years, 60,000 miles
Special features: SIRIUS satellite radio, power glass sunroof, multi-function trip computer
Reasons it will hold value: It's a reasonably priced, low-volume car. It's a descendant/variant of the Volkswagen GTI, also known for its quality.
2. Jeep Wrangler
MSRP: $19,680
Style: SUV
5-year residual
alue: 42.9 percent or $8,443
Engine: Six-cylinder, 3.8-liter, 202 horsepower
Warranty: Basic -- 3 years/36,000 miles, powertrain -- lifetime limited warranty, certain restrictions apply
Special features: AM/FM radio with in-dash CD player & MP3 capability, Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System
Reasons it will hold value: It's cornered the niche market for people who like to do a lot of off-roading and has few competitors.
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