Japanese vehicles used to represent the pinnacle of reliability and held their value well over time. But as the car market evolves, that might no longer be the case. Although many still love to drive Japanese vehicles, some experts warn that certain Japanese models may not hold their resale value well.
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We spoke to an expert who shared below which Japanese cars are expected to lose their value the fastest this year.
Nissan Altima or Sentra
Although Nissan Altimas and Nissan Sentras are relatively popular vehicles, it’s possible they won’t hold their value well going into 2025. That’s especially true if you have a model year ranging from 2018 to 2023.
“Turns out, more and more people are figuring out these transmissions have some real problems,” said Marc Skirvin, president and co-founder of Cash Auto Salvage.
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“These CVT failures typically occur around 60,000-80,000 miles, creating expensive repairs that exceed many vehicles’ remaining value and making them poor resale investments,” Skirvin explained.
“We process significantly more Nissan CVT vehicles than any other transmission type, with failure rates approaching 40% for certain model years,” Skirvin added.
As used car dealerships and drivers at large discover these issues, they are likely to opt for different vehicle choices, driving down the value for these models.
Infiniti Q50 and Q60
“Infiniti Q50 and Q60 models with their complex electronic systems and expensive maintenance requirements will also depreciate rapidly as luxury car buyers migrate toward more reliable German alternatives or emerging electric vehicles,” Skirvin said.
“These vehicles require specialized diagnostic equipment and expensive dealer service that independent mechanics cannot provide, creating ongoing ownership costs that reduce their appeal in the used car market,” Skirvin added.
Older Japanese Hybrids
In addition to the specific vehicles above, Skirvin warned that older Japanese hybrid models can quickly lose their value. Generally, battery replacement costs start to become a threat for vehicles around seven years old.
Since these vehicles often come with “battery replacement costs that often exceed the vehicle’s depreciated value, making them financially impractical for most buyers,” Skrivin said.
Should You Still Buy a Japanese Vehicle?
Buying a vehicle is a major financial commitment. While some of the Japanese vehicle models listed above are predicted to lose value more quickly than average, that doesn’t mean you cannot buy a Japanese vehicle. Of course, you might decide to steer clear from the models listed above. But you’ll find plenty of other options when looking for a Japanese vehicle to purchase.
In fact, some Japanese vehicles boast excellent resale values. For example, the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Tacoma are both known for holding their value well.
Ulatiemly, when considering a vehicle for purchase, it’s a good idea to consider the following:
Consider your needs: Think about what features you need in a vehicle. For example, a sports car with two seats might not suit the needs of a growing family.
Consider your budget: Depending on how much you want to spend on a vehicle, you can tailor your search to meet that criteria. For example, if you want to spend less, you might opt for a used vehicle over a new one.
Don’t forget hidden costs: Owning a vehicle often comes with hidden costs, like insurance, gas and maintenance. Factor those costs into your overall car buying budget.
Explore your options: The car market comes with ample options. Take the time to consider all of them before diving in.
Shop around: Once you select the type of vehicle you want, shopping around can help you find the most affordable option for your situation.
Some Japanese vehicles may loss value more quickly than others. Before purchasing a vehicle, it’s helpful to dig into the expected depreciation costs to better understand the total costs of your purchase.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Japanese Cars an Expert Warns Will Lose Value the Fastest in 2025
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