Reading residual value: why we often show 'n.b.' for value retention

Residual value is not a measured fact but a forecast: what a car is expected to be worth after a number of years and kilometres. The margin of error is large. This guide explains how to read such a figure and why value retention is often n.b. with us. We give no financial advice.

What goes into a residual-value figure

A residual value is usually expressed as a percentage of the catalogue price after, say, 36 or 48 months and 60,000 or 80,000 km. That one percentage bundles a series of assumptions:

• the term and mileage used (a different starting point gives a different percentage)
• drivetrain and segment (the used-car market shifts, EV residual values have been volatile in recent years)
• new-price level and discounts at the moment of purchase
• fiscal changes and market conditions that have yet to happen

As a result a residual value is always scenario-dependent and dated. A percentage without a reference date, term and source is not comparable with another percentage.

Why we often show ‘n.b.’

We show value retention only if there are enough reliable data points for that specific variant and a verifiable source with a reference date. For many models, and certainly for recently introduced or discontinued variants, that is missing. Then it deliberately states n.b. instead of a borrowed or rounded estimate that suggests precision that is not there. That is the same line as with the other rating categories: better no figure than a fake figure.

What you can weigh yourself

Even without a hard residual-value figure you can place indicators side by side: reliability (ADAC Pannenstatistik at segment level, aggregated owner reviews), recall and TSB data from RDW/KBA, and the direction of the used-car market for that segment from public market reports. Those are signals, not a forecast. The judgement remains yours.

Indicative, no financial or fiscal advice. Residual value is a forecast with large uncertainty. Compare with an independent source and adviser.

Continue with the data: look at models per fuel such as petrol, diesel or EV, look at a model page with the source lines, or put variants side by side in the comparator.