Commercial vehicle residual value: what is your van or light truck still worth?

As a self-employed professional, you want to know what your company car is still worth. Whether you're ending your contract, planning to sell, or simply need an update for your accounting: the residual value helps determine your next step. Our free valuation gives you a concrete answer right away. Below, we've laid everything out for you.

What is residual value and why is it important for self-employed professionals?

Residual value is the amount your company car is worth at a specific point in its life cycle. For self-employed professionals, this value impacts several areas: your tax depreciation, the sale proceeds when selling to a company car buyer, or the final settlement of your lease. An accurate estimate helps you avoid financial surprises and keep your business healthy.

Factors that influence residual value

No two company cars are the same. These are the key elements that determine what your vehicle can still yield:

• Age: a younger car generally retains more value, but the depreciation rate varies by brand.
• Mileage: high mileage lowers the value, but it's not a deal-breaker. Good maintenance compensates for a lot.
• Maintenance history: a fully completed service book and invoices from an authorized garage are worth their weight in gold.
• CO2 emissions and fuel type: low-emission zones and taxation make economical models more attractive. Diesel is losing ground faster.
• Brand and model: popular company cars like the Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit, or Mercedes Sprinter often retain a higher residual value. The type (van, panel van, refrigerated van) also plays a role.
• Tax depreciation: the book residual value affects your annual accounts. An accurate estimate avoids corrections later.

Difference between residual value, market value, and trade-in value

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are nuances. Residual value is the value after a certain period of use, important for depreciation. Market value is the current amount you would get on the market today. Trade-in value is what a dealer gives when you buy a new vehicle, often lower than the market value. When selling your company car to a buyer, you typically receive an amount close to the market value, because we can offer your car directly to an end buyer.

Residual value by brand: which brands hold their value?

German brands like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi traditionally score well. Toyota and Volvo are also known for their reliability and retain a solid residual value. For vans, the Volkswagen Crafter, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ford Transit Custom are in demand. Electric company cars have their own dynamics, strongly dependent on battery warranty and charging infrastructure. Our certified buyer experts closely follow these market trends, so your offer is always up to date.

Calculating residual value after 5 years: a realistic example

Suppose you bought a van for €30,000 excluding VAT. A common annual depreciation is 15-20%. After 5 years, the book residual value is then 0 to 25% of the new price. In practice, the market value can be higher if your car is well maintained and has an average mileage (e.g., 100,000 km). A Mercedes Sprinter can still fetch €10,000 to €12,000, while a less popular model might be around €6,000. The exact figures depend on the specific configuration.

Company car depreciation: how does it work in accounting?

The tax authorities allow you to depreciate a company car linearly over its expected useful life. Usually this is 4 to 5 years, with the residual value remaining on the balance sheet until the vehicle is sold. Upon sale, the difference between the book value and the actual proceeds is recorded as a profit or loss. For car residual value accounting, it is advisable to make a realistic estimate, because the tax authorities can reject a residual value that is too low. Consult the guidelines of the Federal Public Service Finance for the current percentages.

Leasing and residual value: what does it mean for your contract?

With operational leasing, the residual value is the risk of the leasing company. You return the company car and possibly pay a settlement for excess or fewer kilometers. With financial leasing, you bear the residual value risk. At the end of the contract, you buy the car for a predetermined final payment, but if the market value is lower, that can be unfavorable. If you want to sell your company car early, contractual penalties and the outstanding amount must be settled. We are happy to help you with the calculation and handling.