The retained value of core models in the Subaru range is a highlight of the latest Glass’s quarterly assessment of used car values, “Fleet and Residuals Guide (Sep-Nov 2004).”

In the Medium Car segment, Libertys fill every top-10 spot for retained value at 12 months old, ranging from the GT Premium Model Year 04 wagon at 76.9 per cent to the 10th ranked RX Special Edition MY03 wagon at 74.4 per cent.

Even at 60 months old, Libertys fill every spot in the top 10, retaining between 50.6 and 46.4 percent of value.

In the Small Car segment at 12 months old, Impreza variants fill nine of the top 10 spots, ranging from the number one ranked WRX STi MY04 four door sedan, retaining 80.5 per cent of its value, to the ninth ranked RV MY04 hatch, retaining 77.2 per cent.

At 60 months old, an Impreza tops the list, with the WRX STi MY99 two-door retaining 60.8 per cent of value - accompanied by eight other Imprezas in the top 10.

The story is equally impressive for Subaru in the SUV Compact segment.

At 12 months old, Subaru has six spots in the top 10, including the number one ranked Outback 3.0R Premium at 76.7 per cent.

A Subaru also tops the 60 month rating - the Forester GT at 59.2 per cent.

Subaru Australia General Manager Nick Senior said: “The dominance of Subaru variants in the used values indicates the integrity of the product in the long term and proves what a great investment all of our key models are.”

“These retained values also indicate just how persuasive the whole ‘cost of life’ ownership story is for Subaru.

“Buyers must not only look at the initial purchase price - a penny saved at new car purchase time could cost you thousands of dollars at trade-in time because of depreciation of some cars compared with others.

“Subaru has a long and proud history of having the best retained value in the classes in which we compete.”