While a very select few new models on the market will see an increase in value since being first introduced, this is mostly due to them being limited-edition units from very specialized automakers. Most new vehicles will experience an immediate depreciation as soon as they drive off the showroom floor. Although you might not expect it from a premium marque such as Mercedes-Benz, some of the German automaker's vehicles will experience the same depreciation as described above.
The model we will be looking at in this article is the Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI which is available in a variety of trim levels ranging from a panel van, all the way to a luxury tourer. But before you decide to sell your car and find a new or used Mercedes-Benz Vito model on AutoTrader, let us find out which trim level depreciates the fastest.
Related: We compared Mercedes-Benz Vito engines, and the efficiency crown goes to…
Panel van
The Mercedes-Benz offers a comprehensive range when it comes to the Vito model. For business owners, one of the trims that will appeal quite a lot is the panel van for its large cargo bay. In 2015, the last of the second-generation or model designation W639 left the showroom floors as the German automaker introduced the third and current-generation Vito. We will be looking at the second generation range.
2015 Mercedes Vito 116 2.2 CDI Panel Van
Price new (2015): R 470 068
Used market average price: R 279 900
Value retained: 59.54%
Mixto
For customers that need both the practicality of five seats and also want the utility of a larger than normal cargo bay, the Mercedes-Benz Mixto range might just offer what you need. The large model is the perfect compromise between both use cases.
2017 Mercedes Vito 116 CDI Mixto
Price new (2017): R 556 320
Used market average price: R 319 950
Value retained: 57.51%
Tourer Pro
The Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Tourer Pro sees the large cargo bay filled with additional seats for a total of eight. Considering the Tourer Pro incorporates more utilitarian trim finishes, the derivative will be best suited for cases of use such as company transport, shuttle vehicles or even taxi services, while keeping the initial investment low.
2018 Mercedes Vito 116 CDI Tourer Pro
Price new (2018): R 664 841
Used market average price: R 479 500
Value retained: 72.12%
Tourer Select
The Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Tourer Select sees more premium appointments and upholstery features as standard. Like the Tourer Pro, the Tourer Select will make for an excellent shuttle or taxi vehicle, however, for even more premium service providers.
2021 Mercedes Vito 116 CDI Tourer Select
Price new (2021): R 1 071 429
Used market average price: R 799 900
Value retained: 74.66%
Verdict
Finding the different used examples of the different derivatives within the same model year proved to be very difficult. While this can be attributed to not many being purchased from new, one can also speculate that the Vito range provides good value and is less likely to trade often on the used market.
Nevertheless, we did find a variety of examples, even if they are from different model years. And from the information gathered it seems to indicate that the more utilitarian panel van and Mixto trims tend to keep their value better in relation to the initial purchase price and age.
The Tourer trims see a steep decline in residual value, however, it should remain quite stable at this ratio. From this, we can conclude that if you are considering one of the two more people-focused trims, purchasing a used model should provide the most value for money.
