Kia Optima or Volkswagen Passat?

Considering buying a 2016 Kia Optima, but am sceptical of its resale value or trade in value. Other options being considered are a 2015/16 Passat, which will be more expensive now, but would it be better in the long run from a trade in value perspective in the future?

Daithi Glynn (Limerick)

Aug 2017 Filed under: resale value

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Expert answer

Hi Daithi,

Well, the best brands for residual values are generally held to be Toyota, Skoda or the premium German car brands. That said, Kia tends to perform quite well in residual terms right now, not least because of that impressive seven-year warranty. An Optima should make a good choice, then, as would a Toyota Avensis. That said, it’s very clear right now that the market is moving, rapidly, to being centred around SUVs and crossovers, not traditional four-door saloons, so you might be well advised to have a look at one of those — a Kia Sportage, perhaps, or Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai or Volkswagen Tiguan.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe