The vehicles that lose their value fastest

An average vehicle will retain 35 percent of its value after five years, according to Kelley, meaning that a $20,000 new car today will only be worth $7,000 after five years. But Kelley says a car with excellent residual value, such as a new Mini Cooper, will retain over 50 percent of its value after five years. To contrast that with the bottom of the pack, a Crown Victoria will hold only 22 percent of its original value after five years.

Sometimes a specific factor causes a low residual value. For example, General Motors' $32,000 Rainier SUV is on our list, and Buick spokeswoman Debbie Frakes said in a recent e-mail message that that's because "we've announced that Rainier ends production in May."

"A lower depreciation rating is typical for vehicles at the end of their lifecycle," she said. This might seem to negate the supply/demand argument, but the Rainier is going out of production because it has not been popular. Last year, Rainier sales declined 17 percent to 13,000 units.

Sam Locricchio, a spokesman for DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group, thinks the $27,000 Dodge Durango SUV is on our list "based on consumer attitudes related to fuel prices."

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"For example," he wrote in a recent e-mail message referring to escalating gas prices, "recent fuel cycles can cause — as we've seen in the past — consumers to react more positively toward cars versus larger vehicles such as SUVs."

In response to our inclusion of Dodge's Caravan, he wrote that "from a quality standpoint, the 2006 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey noted the Dodge Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country dominated the van category. Point being, the vehicle is recognized by customers as having quality and, apparently, value."

On the other hand, some vehicles depreciate just because they aren't particularly desirable, or in high demand. This is the case with Kia's $26,000 Amanti sedan and the $14,000 Spectra compact car.

In 2006, Amanti sales plunged 49 percent to 10,000 units. Customers just don't seem to want an expensive Kia. And the Spectra, despite being high-volume, has poor test scores. Consumer Reports gives the Spectra below-average marks for owner satisfaction, crash protection and acceleration, and J.D. Power gives the car below-average marks for comfort, mechanical manufacturing quality, mechanical design quality and body and interior design quality.

Kia declined to comment.

Still, those hoping to hang on to their autos for no longer than a few years have options. Kelley Blue Book recommends going easy on customization in order to maximize residual value.

Buyers should also choose a popular exterior color, such as black, white or silver, steering clear of wild hues such as purple and orange. Opt for popular features, such as anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, CD players or changers, parking sensors, navigation systems, laser- or radar-equipped cruise control and leather seats.

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