ONE OF THE MOST COSTLY elements of owning a car is often overlooked. Depreciation can drain thousands of dollars from your pocket, almost from the first moment you drive out of the showroom.
The more your car is worth when it comes time to sell, the more you can reduce your overall running costs.
Land Rover’s award-winning Defender range has topped the latest Retained Value ratings list compiled by respected Australian automotive analyst RedBook.
Using data based on new, sub-$100,000 vehicles and with depreciation forecast for a three-year-old vehicle that had travelled up to 60,000km, Defender achieved an impressive retained value of between 79 and 82 percent of its initial purchase price, putting it well ahead of many of its European, North American and Japanese rivals.
Depreciation, the difference between a vehicle’s initial purchase price and its sale price as a used vehicle, can change by as much as 30 percent in the first year of ownership. That is clearly not the case with the Land Rover Defender range.
Announcing the latest Retained Value data, RedBook General Manager Ross Booth said Australia’s appetite for off-road vehicles had remained strong during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly reflecting a desire for people to “discover their own backyard” while overseas and even state-border travel restrictions are in force.
Commenting on the results of the latest RedBook Retained Value list, Land Rover Australia Managing Director Mark Cameron said Defender’s position at the top of the charts was indicative of its buyer appeal.
“Defender combines classic Land Rover durability and appeal, brought neatly into the 21st century. Its extreme capability off-road, combined with supreme refinement and comfort on-road, sets it apart. Whether for a road trip, outback adventure or capitalising on Defender’s 3500-kilogram tow rating, it’s perfect for Australian buyers. It’s fantastic to see this reflected in a market-leading Retained Value rating for our customers” he added.
Sold new, Land Rover Defender comes with an extensive five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and five-year roadside assistance plan. Genuine Land Rover accessories fitted at the time of purchase are also covered by the warranty.