When you’re shopping for a vehicle, it’s easy to focus on what matters right now: price, monthly payment, mileage, features and whether you actually like driving it.
But there’s another question worth asking:
What could this vehicle be worth a few years from now?
Every vehicle loses some value over time, but some vehicles tend to hold their value better than others. Choosing wisely today could put you in a better position when it’s eventually time to trade in or sell.
For drivers around Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, La Vista, Council Bluffs and the surrounding area, here are a few things to consider — especially if you’re shopping brands like Chevrolet, Kia, Jeep, Dodge or Ram.
What Helps a Vehicle Hold Its Value?
There isn’t one magic formula. A vehicle’s future value depends on several factors, including:
- Reliability and reputation
- Mileage
- Vehicle condition
- Maintenance history
- Accident history
- Features and trim level
- Demand for that particular vehicle
Where you live can matter, too. The vehicles people want in Omaha aren’t necessarily the same vehicles shoppers are looking for in Miami or Los Angeles.
Around Nebraska and western Iowa, trucks, SUVs, AWD and 4WD vehicles can have a lot of practical appeal.
Chevrolet: Trucks and SUVs With Broad Appeal
It’s hard to talk about vehicles in Nebraska without talking about trucks.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a great example of a vehicle that appeals to a wide range of buyers. It can be a daily driver, work truck, tow vehicle or family vehicle depending on how it’s equipped.
That versatility can be important when it comes time to sell or trade. You’re not looking for one very specific type of buyer.
Chevrolet also offers popular SUVs like the Tahoe, Suburban, Traverse, Equinox and Trax, giving shoppers options at several different sizes and price points.
For an Omaha driver who needs extra room, towing capability or something ready for changing Midwest weather, a used Chevrolet truck or SUV can make a lot of sense.
Jeep: 4×4 Capability Never Really Goes Out of Style
There’s a reason you still see older Jeeps all over Omaha.
Models like the Jeep Wrangler have a distinctive style and capability that have helped them build a loyal following. Wranglers aren’t just transportation for many owners — they’re vehicles people specifically seek out.
Then you have models like the Grand Cherokee, which combines SUV practicality with available 4×4 capability, making it an appealing option for Nebraska drivers who want something comfortable enough for everyday driving but capable when winter weather hits.
If you’re buying a used Jeep with resale value in mind, condition can be especially important. A well-maintained Jeep that hasn’t been heavily modified or abused may appeal to a wider group of future buyers.
Ram: Don’t Overlook the Value of a Good Truck
The Ram 1500 has become a popular option for shoppers who want truck capability without sacrificing everyday comfort.
And in the Omaha area, there’s no shortage of reasons to own a pickup.
Whether you’re towing a boat or camper, hauling supplies for a weekend project or just want 4WD when Nebraska decides to give us every season in the same week, a truck can be incredibly useful.
When shopping used Ram trucks, pay attention to mileage, maintenance history, drivetrain, towing equipment and overall condition. Those same things are likely to matter to the next person shopping for that truck, too.
Kia: Practical Vehicles People Actually Want to Drive
Holding value isn’t only about big trucks and SUVs.
Kia’s lineup has grown significantly, with vehicles like the Telluride, Sportage, Sorento, Seltos and K4 offering options for families, commuters and drivers who simply want something practical.
The Kia Telluride, in particular, has become a recognizable three-row SUV and can be a great fit for families who need passenger and cargo space without moving into a full-size SUV.
For Omaha-area shoppers, Kia SUVs with features like AWD, heated seats, remote start and modern driver-assistance technology can also check a lot of boxes for everyday Midwest driving.
If you don’t need an SUV, a vehicle like the Kia K4 can offer a more affordable and fuel-conscious option for commuting around Omaha.
Dodge: Performance and Personality Can Matter, Too
Sometimes a vehicle holds appeal because there simply isn’t much else like it.
Dodge has built a reputation around vehicles with personality and performance. Models like the Charger, Challenger and Durango have developed loyal followings, which can be worth considering when you’re shopping used.
Of course, that doesn’t mean every Dodge automatically holds its value. Mileage, engine, trim, condition and vehicle history still matter.
But when a vehicle has something that makes shoppers specifically seek it out, that’s worth paying attention to.
Buying Used Can Put Depreciation on Your Side
Here’s where shopping used gets interesting.
New vehicles generally lose value as they age, and some of that depreciation happens relatively early in their lives.
When you buy used, the original owner has already absorbed some of that depreciation.
For example, you might find that a two- or three-year-old Silverado, Grand Cherokee, Telluride or Ram 1500 gives you many of the features you want without paying what that vehicle originally cost when it was brand new.
The goal isn’t necessarily to find the vehicle that loses the fewest dollars possible.
It’s to find the right vehicle at the right price today that should still be desirable a few years from now.
Omaha Weather Should Be Part of Your Decision
Anyone who’s lived here long enough knows our weather can be unpredictable.
That’s one reason features like AWD and 4WD can be especially appealing in the Omaha used-car market.
A Jeep Grand Cherokee with 4×4, a Kia Sportage with AWD or a Chevrolet Silverado or Ram 1500 with 4WD may offer features that local shoppers appreciate when snow and ice arrive.
But drivetrain isn’t everything.
Things like heated seats, remote start, good ground clearance and practical cargo space can also make a vehicle more attractive for life in Nebraska and western Iowa.
Take Care of It If You Want It to Be Worth More Later
What you buy matters. How you treat it matters just as much.
If future trade-in value is important to you, take care of your vehicle from day one.
Stay on top of oil changes and scheduled maintenance. Keep records of the work you’ve had done. Fix small problems before they become big ones, and don’t ignore the exterior and interior.
Nebraska winters can be especially hard on vehicles thanks to snow, ice, road salt and grime. Regularly cleaning your vehicle — including the underbody — can help protect it and keep it looking better over time.
And when trade-in day eventually comes, a clean, well-maintained vehicle is going to make a much better first impression than one that’s been neglected for five years.
So, Which Vehicle Should You Buy?
There’s no single answer.
A Chevrolet Silverado might make perfect sense for someone who regularly tows or hauls.
A Jeep Grand Cherokee could be a better fit if you want an everyday SUV with 4×4 capability.
A Kia Telluride or Sorento might check the boxes for a growing family.
A Ram 1500 could give you the capability of a truck while still being comfortable enough for your daily commute.
The important thing is to look beyond what you need today.
Ask yourself: Will people still want this vehicle a few years from now?
Then consider its mileage, condition, features, maintenance history and price.
Shop Used Cars, Trucks and SUVs in Omaha at DriveHH.com
At DriveHH.com, you can shop used inventory from H+H Chevrolet, H+H Kia and H+H Jeep Dodge Ram all in one place.
And while those are the brands on the buildings, our used inventory isn’t limited to Chevrolet, Kia, Jeep, Dodge and Ram. You’ll find used vehicles from a variety of manufacturers, giving you more options to compare before deciding what’s right for you.
Whether you’re looking for a truck that can handle Nebraska winters, an SUV with room for the family or an affordable car for your daily commute, shopping used gives you plenty of options.
Find something that fits your life now — and that you’ll still feel good about when it’s time to trade it in later.
