Which truck models hold their value: Actros, Scania R/S, Volvo FH and MAN TGX, example profiles from across the vehicle classes and the factors that decide the residual value.
The value retention of a used truck plays a central role when it comes to calculating the residual value or selling the truck successfully. Any number of factors influence how much a truck is still worth after a few years – among them make, model, year of manufacture and mileage, the general condition and the maintenance history. Supply and demand on the used market also have a strong effect on the price that can be achieved. That is why a proper truck valuation is decisive if you want to get the most out of the sale price.
Some models are considered particularly stable in value thanks to their reliability, efficiency and durability, and are in strong demand on the used truck market. They include:
These value-retaining trucks usually still command high residual values after several years and are easy to resell – to dealers, to fleet operators or privately.
The profiles below are examples from across the vehicle classes – from the light van through the medium-duty distribution truck to the heavy tractor unit. They deliberately do not match the list of value-retaining model ranges above; instead they show which technical features and areas of use play a part in a valuation. There is no separate profile here for the MAN TGX series named above.
The Mercedes-Benz Atego 818 is a medium-duty truck designed for regional distribution transport. It is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 177 hp and maximum torque of 675 Nm. The truck has a six-speed manual gearbox and a day cab with room for two. The Atego 818 has a payload of up to 6 tonnes and a gross vehicle weight of 8.5 tonnes. It is available with various body types, such as a box body, a flatbed or a tipper, which makes it versatile. The Atego 818 is also easy to manoeuvre and handle, which makes it ideal for use in urban areas. Thanks to its reliability, the residual value stays solid, especially when the vehicle has been well looked after and has low mileage.
The Mercedes-Benz Actros MP3 1844 is a heavy truck designed for long-haul transport. It is powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine delivering 435 hp and maximum torque of 2,100 Nm. The truck has a 12-speed automated gearbox and a spacious Highline cab with room for two. The Actros MP3 1844 has a payload of up to 12 tonnes and a gross vehicle weight of 18 tonnes. It offers a range of safety and comfort features such as an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, air conditioning and a navigation system. The Actros MP3 1844 also delivers good fuel efficiency and high reliability, which makes it a popular truck for long-haul work.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 is a light commercial vehicle from the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. It is a light van (Kleintransporter) available in several versions, including a panel van, a dropside and a minibus. The Sprinter 316 is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 163 hp and maximum torque of 360 Nm. The vehicle has a six-speed manual gearbox and comes with a wide range of safety and comfort features such as an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, air conditioning and a navigation system. The Sprinter 316 has a gross vehicle weight of up to 5 tonnes and can carry a payload of up to 2.7 tonnes. The light van is particularly suited to logistics, the building trades and passenger transport, where flexibility and mobility are what count.
The Volvo FH500 is a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) from the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Trucks. It is a tractor unit designed for use in long-haul transport. The truck is powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 500 hp and maximum torque of 2,500 Nm. It has a 12-speed automated gearbox and a spacious Globetrotter cab with room for two. The Volvo FH500 has a gross combination weight of up to 44 tonnes and can carry a payload of up to 25 tonnes. The truck comes with a wide range of safety and comfort features such as an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, air conditioning and a navigation system. The FH500 also offers good fuel efficiency and reliability, which makes it a popular truck for long-haul work. It is equally suited to use with a variety of trailers and bodies, such as box bodies, tankers or bulk tipping semi-trailers.
The Scania S500 is a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) from the Swedish manufacturer Scania. It is a tractor unit designed for use in long-haul transport. The truck is powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 500 hp and maximum torque of 2,500 Nm. The Scania S500 has a 12-speed automated gearbox and a spacious cab with room for two. The cab also offers a comfortable sleeping compartment for long-haul work. The truck has a gross combination weight of up to 40 tonnes and can carry a payload of up to 25 tonnes. The Scania S500 comes with a wide range of safety and comfort features such as an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, air conditioning and a navigation system. The S500 also offers good fuel efficiency and reliability, which makes it a popular truck for long-haul work. It is equally suited to use with a variety of trailers and bodies, such as box bodies, tankers or bulk tipping semi-trailers.
If you want to work out the value of a used truck or secure the best possible offer when selling your truck, you should keep the following criteria in mind:
If you want to sell your truck, it is worth taking a close look at its current residual value. An online valuation gives you a first point of reference: a market-based price range against which you can judge the offers you are comparing. If, on the other hand, you need a value that will stand up to third parties – the tax office, a court, a leasing company or an insurer – there is no way around a formal appraisal by an expert; a free online valuation is no substitute for one. Models that hold their value particularly well, such as those listed above, offer the best starting point for a successful sale – whether to dealers, through online platforms or for export.
Tractor units · Tipper types · Truck depreciation · free truck valuation
Gabriel Böhm is Managing Director of truckoo GmbH, the digital platform that is redefining commercial vehicle trade in Europe. With a passion for innovation and efficiency, he shapes the strategic direction and drives operational excellence to connect sellers and buyers smarter, faster and more transparently.
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