Do Discontinued Cars Lose Value Faster?

Q: I have a 2006 Subaru Tribeca. When a model is discontinued does the trade-in value go down? I’ll most likely get something larger at some point, but I wonder if sooner is better than later.

—Joelle Eneboe, Seattle

A: Discontinued models typically lose more of their trade-in or resale value than vehicles still in production, in part because of the uncertain availability and cost of parts and service. Subaru still sells the Tribeca, though many have speculated production will end.

I wouldn’t rush to trade in your vehicle because it isn’t likely to fetch a satisfying price whether it remains in production or not. The Tribeca wasn’t popular new, so used-car buyers likely won’t flock to it. And since your car is outside the two- to five-year-old sweet spot for many buyers, it may be most valuable to you.

--Jonathan Welsh