In the latest survey done in Germany by the Saarbrücken market research institute Bähr & Fess Forecasts for Focus Online – the same responsible for each of MINI’s previous awards – the MINI One 3-door hardtop came out winning its segment, as usual. However, there was another model listed as a “Resale Value Giant”, as the institute calls these cars, the MINI Clubman. Entering a new segment altogether, the second biggest MINI ever made, proved to be a sound investment.
The study looked at the anticipated development in value of current new cars over the next four years. For the MINI One 3-door the market experts predict a resale value of 56.5 per cent of the current retail price in four years’ time. The latest generation of the original in the premium segment of small cars has already come out top of its class in previous “Resale Value Giant” rankings. So it comes as no surprise that “Focus online” arrives at a positive conclusion this time round: “The MINI One is a sound investment.”
Meanwhile the MINI One Clubman did even better in the current analysis: after a period of four years, this car is predicted to have a resale value of 58 percent of its original purchase price. The modern reinterpretation of a shooting brake with four side doors, two split doors at the rear and a versatile interior was included in the compact class assessment for the first time and “instantly took its place on the winner’s rostrum”, as Focus Online reported.
For the “Resale Value Giant” ranking, the model range was once again split in a total of 16 vehicle categories. In their forecasts, the automotive market experts take into account not just the characteristics of each model but also brand image, performance on comparative tests, competition in the specific segment, customer surveys and also general economic developments. Resale value comparison is an important guideline for potential new car buyers when making a purchase decision. Ultimately the difference between purchase price and resale value is a key cost factor.
