The Toyota Alphard has attracted the attention of many car enthusiasts for its outstanding driving performance, comfortable interior, and overwhelmingly high resale value. In Ucarpack’s 2025 domestic and imported car resale value rankings, the Alphard ranked sixth with an astounding residual value rate of 81.05% (after five years). Its sister car, the Vellfire, also ranked ninth with 80.78%, proving that both models maintain high asset value. However, behind this high resale value lies a reality that requires meticulous marketing strategy and smart choices.
The reason why the Alphard boasts high resale value
Alphard
The reason why the Alphard has such an exceptionally high resale value is not simply because it is a popular car model, but because of several complex factors. Firstly, its luxurious design and spacious, comfortable interior have earned it immense support not only in Japan but also overseas, particularly in Asian countries such as Malaysia. Combined with its functionality as a minivan that can accommodate many passengers, it is in demand from a wide range of demographics. Furthermore, there is also very high corporate demand for it, and transactions on the used car market are active. It is not uncommon for it to be traded at prices higher in overseas markets than the retail price in Japan, which is a major factor in pushing up its domestic resale value.
Alphard
What is resale value?
Resale value refers to the resale value of a purchased car when it is sold in the future. For example, how much a new car purchased will be sold for after 3, 5, or 10 years.
Generally, popular models and models with high demand have high resale values, while unpopular models have low resale values. Cars with high resale values are advantageous when replacing your car in the future or selling it while still paying off the loan. If you can sell it for a high price, you can use the money to purchase your next car or reduce the remaining loan balance.
Resale value is determined by various factors, such as the popularity and brand power of the car model, year and mileage, body color, equipment, and condition of the car.
Important factors that affect resale value
In order to maximize the resale value of your Alphard, the choice you make at the time of purchase is extremely important. Choosing a popular grade is the most basic of basics. Specifically, the “2.5Z” grade of gasoline vehicles and the “Z” grade of hybrid vehicles are in high demand on the used market and tend to fetch high prices.
Body color also has a significant impact on resale value. Classic colors such as “Platinum White Pearl Mica” and “Black” are popular throughout the ages and can be expected to sell for a consistently high price. These colors also have a high turnover rate in the used car market, making them attractive to buyers.
However, in recent years, the supply of used cars has increased, changing the environment surrounding resale value. As delivery times for new cars have become longer, the supply of vehicles on the used car market has increased, leading to a downward trend in overall market prices. Furthermore, the addition of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models and the more affordable X grade in the January 2025 upgrade has also increased supply in the used car market and intensified competition. Furthermore, with the rapid evolution of safety features and driver assistance systems, consumers are increasingly seeking the latest models, which could lead to a relative decline in demand for older models. When considering future resale value, it’s important to carefully assess market trends in addition to popular grades and colors.
The benefits of choosing a car with high resale value
A car with a high resale value is likely to fetch a high price when sold. This means that it can significantly contribute to the funds needed to purchase your next car or help reduce the remaining loan balance. Reducing the burden of purchasing a new car and expanding your future options is a major benefit of resale value.
- If you are considering replacing your car in the future, this can make a significant contribution to the funds needed to purchase your next car.
- Even if you sell while still paying off your loan, you may be able to keep your remaining debt low.
- It’s a popular model, so it’s easy to find a buyer when selling.
- It will greatly contribute to the funds needed to purchase your next car. Even if you sell it while still paying off the loan, you can keep the remaining balance low. It is a popular car model, so it is easy to find a buyer when selling.
Estimated resale value by age
On average, a car’s resale value is around 50-60% after three years .
| Number of years passed | Estimated resale value |
|---|---|
| 3 years after new car | 50% to 60% |
| 5 years later | 40% to 50% |
| 7 years later | 20% to 30% |
| 10 years later | 5% to 10% |
Source: Navikuru
The Alphard has the highest resale value among Japanese minivans
The Alphard and Vellfire are synonymous with luxury minivans and are extremely popular not only in Japan but also throughout Asia. Their spacious interior, luxurious interior, and comfortable ride are popular with families and business travelers. In particular, the 40-series Alphard/Vellfire, which was released in 2023, is so popular that it commands a premium price on the used car market. Sales of new cars are also struggling.
| Ranking | Car model name | Residual value rate (after 5 years) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Toyota Land Cruiser 70 | 104.36% |
| 2nd place | Land Rover Defender | 89.20% |
| 3rd place | Toyota Land Cruiser 250 | 82.71% |
| 3rd place | Toyota Land Cruiser | 82.71% |
| 5th place | Toyota Corolla Cross | 81.88% |
| 6th place | Toyota Alphard | 81.05% |
| 6th place | Lexus LM500h | 81.05% |
| 6th place | Lexus LBX | 81.05% |
| 9th place | Toyota Vellfire | 80.78% |
| 10th place | Toyota Dynavan | 78.65% |
| 10th place | Toyota Hiace Van | 78.65% |
| 12th place | Toyota Harrier | 78.64% |
| 13th place | AMG G | 78.50% |
| 14th place | Suzuki Jimny | 78.02% |
| 15th place | Toyota Raize Hybrid | 75.04% |
| 16th place | Toyota Dyna | 74.21% |
| 17th place | Toyota Raize | 73.75% |
| 18th place | Toyota Voxy | 72.64% |
| 19th place | Daihatsu Copen | 71.48% |
| 20th place | Toyota Crown Crossover Hybrid | 71.45% |
| 21st place | Suzuki Spacia Custom | 71.43% |
| 22nd place | Toyota Hilux | 70.00% |
| 23rd place | Suzuki Spacia Gear | 69.58% |
| 24th place | Daihatsu Taft | 69.22% |
| 24th place | Daihatsu Move Canvas | 69.22% |
| 26th place | Honda Vezel Hybrid | 69.00% |
| 27th place | Honda Freed | 68.96% |
| 28th place | Daihatsu Rocky eSmart Hybrid | 68.37% |
| 29th place | Honda WR-V | 68.12% |
| 29th place | Honda Vezel | 68.12% |
Source: Ucarpack
What factors affect the resale value of the Alphard?
There are several possible reasons why the resale value of the Alphard is beginning to decline.
1. The arrival of a new model
The arrival of the 40-series Alphard, which underwent a full model change in June 2023, had a major impact on the used car market. The new model, which features a completely redesigned interior and exterior and a full range of advanced safety and comfort features, is affecting the used car prices of the older model (30-series). In particular, the price difference between the later 30-series model and the new model has narrowed, so the impact on resale value cannot be ignored.
2. The rise of rival vehicles
In recent years, the Alphard has seen an increase in attractive competitors in the luxury minivan market. Models such as the Toyota Vellfire, Nissan Elgrand, and Honda Odyssey have appeared that offer comfort and functionality comparable to the Alphard but at more reasonable prices, and the Alphard’s dominance is currently being challenged.
3. Oversupply
The Alphard has enjoyed great popularity for many years, and there is a large supply of it on the used car market. In particular, the 30-series Alphard, which was sold from 2015 to 2023, is available in large quantities on the used car market. When supply exceeds demand, prices fall, as is the market principle, and the Alphard is no exception.
4. Deteriorating economic conditions
The effects of global inflation and the economic recession are also casting a shadow over demand for the Alphard, a high-priced item. The worsening economic situation is leading to a decrease in new car sales and a decline in demand in the used car market, which is likely to lead to a decline in resale value.
5. Discounts on end-of-life models
It is common for manufacturers and dealers to offer large discounts at the end of a model’s life, just before a new model is released. When new car prices drop due to discounts, this also affects used car prices. Since Alphards at the end of their lifespan tend to have larger discounts, their resale value may fall.
6. The spread of residual value loans
In recent years, an increasing number of people are purchasing Alphards using residual value loans. While residual value loans have the advantage of lowering monthly payments, they require the car to be returned at the end of the contract, which could lead to a flood of Alphards on the used car market. This could lead to an oversupply and a decline in resale value.
What will be the resale value of the 30 series Alphard?
The 30-series Alphard remains a highly popular model. Its popularity is particularly strong in Southeast Asian countries, supporting its high resale value. The 2.5SC package, hybrid model, and popular colors such as black and white pearl maintain particularly high resale value.
However, prices begin to decline after five years, and resale value is expected to drop significantly after the seventh year. If you own a 30-series Alphard, it would be wise to consider selling it within three to five years.
What will be the resale value of the 40 series Alphard?
The 40 Series Alphard is expected to have a very high resale value immediately after its release . It is not uncommon for the resale price to exceed the new car price for one to three years. The popularity of new models and high demand both domestically and internationally are pushing up resale prices.
Z-grade gasoline and hybrid 4WD models, as well as popular colors like white pearl and black, are expected to have particularly high resale values. However, as supply stabilizes over the next few years, resale values may gradually settle down. Selling within three years is likely the best time to reap the benefits of resale.
Alphard sales and auction prices
The selling price of an Alphard varies greatly depending on the model year, mileage, and grade. A 2023 Alphard (one year old) is trading for approximately 5.36 million yen, while a 2021 model (three years old) is trading for approximately 4.51 million yen, maintaining a high resale value. However, the market price tends to drop sharply for vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers on the clock or older models.
According to the most recent data, the auction market price for the Alphard ranges widely from 280,000 yen to 10,900,000 yen. High-value transactions have been confirmed, with a 2022 model with approximately 4,700 km on the odometer fetching approximately 3,880,000 yen, and a 2020 model with approximately 24,000 km on the odometer fetching 4,970,000 yen. However, as the mileage increases or the model year increases, prices tend to drop significantly.
Switching from an Alphard?
Considering a next step from the Alphard would be a minivan or luxury SUV in the same class. In the same minivan class, the Vellfire and Toyota GranAce are good candidates. The Vellfire is a sibling of the Alphard and offers similar comfort, but the GranAce is appealing in its larger size and luxurious equipment.
Popular luxury SUVs include the Harrier and Land Cruiser Prado. SUVs have become a trend in recent years, and are suitable for those who prioritize off-road performance and outdoor use.
Recommended models for switching from the Alphard include the Toyota GranAce and Nissan Elgrand. The GranAce is even larger than the Alphard and is equipped with electric reclining seats and ottomans for all three rows, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort. The Elgrand is a pioneer of minivans and offers a different design and handling feel than the Alphard.
If you are considering an imported car, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is also an option. It combines luxury and practicality while also offering the status that only an imported car can offer.
Basic information and appeal of the new Alphard/Vellfire
The 40-series Alphard and Vellfire were partially redesigned in January 2025, adding the Executive Lounge Plug-in Hybrid and X grades, and their prices were also revised. The Vellfire is generally more expensive than the Alphard, due to differences in equipment such as a turbo engine, large-diameter aluminum wheels, and genuine leather upholstery on all grades. On the other hand, the Alphard’s Z grade comes with synthetic leather seats, but owner reviews suggest that they are quite satisfying.
The Alphard’s body dimensions are 4,995mm in length, 1,850mm in width, 1,935mm in height, and a 3,000mm wheelbase. The minimum turning radius is 5.9m. The Vellfire’s height is slightly different, but the rest is the same. The hybrid model boasts excellent fuel efficiency, with a WLTC mode fuel economy of 16.5-17.7km/L, and the gasoline model 10.3-10.6km/L.
There were several clear reasons why this owner chose the 40 Series Alphard. First, the 30 Series Alphard he previously owned was a car he was extremely satisfied with. The reduced fatigue during long-distance driving, comfortable living space in the second row, and ample cargo capacity even when fully loaded made it the ideal car for the owner. The only complaints he had were fuel economy and the hassle of washing the car.
Next is the high resale value of the Alphard. From his experience selling the 30-series Alphard, he was able to sell it for more than he bought it for, and he was confident that this trend would continue with the 40-series. Also, since the family often has six people in the car, they often use the third-row seats on a daily basis, and the Alphard’s spacious third-row space and the ability to maintain comfort without moving the second-row seats too much were the deciding factors. The third-row seats’ forward/backward sliding function can be adjusted to suit the amount of luggage being carried, so they find it extremely useful.
Owner talks about the behind-the-scenes story of purchasing a 40 Series Alphard
One owner was initially considering purchasing a Land Cruiser 250, but unexpectedly found himself with an additional slot in an Alphard, and quickly decided to switch to the 40 series Alphard. This owner was of course aware of the Alphard’s high resale value, but was keenly aware of the reality that “just choosing it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to sell it for a high price.”
When signing the contract, he carefully planned out the options that would affect resale value, the actual on-road price, and how much he could sell his existing new Voxy for. Because a single choice of equipment or grade could make a difference of hundreds of thousands of yen in the future resale price, he felt it was essential to make a choice while always keeping the latest resale information in mind. In particular, his experience of seeing a large difference in price between “trade-in” and “bulk appraisal” when selling his existing car seems to have been a valuable lesson in how to avoid losing money when switching vehicles.
Choosing the Alphard after much deliberation: Comparing the Vellfire and Land Cruiser 250
Before deciding to purchase the Alphard, there was serious debate between the two strong rivals, the Vellfire and the Land Cruiser 250. The Vellfire’s design was very attractive, and the exterior appearance of the front and rear in particular suited the owner’s preferences. However, after making a comprehensive judgment based on resale value and price, the Alphard ultimately won out. While there is not much difference between the Vellfire and the Alphard in terms of interior design and usability, it was concluded that choosing the Alphard, which offers a higher resale value, was the wisest decision.
Also, based on my experience of previously owning a Prado, the newly redesigned Land Cruiser 250 was also a strong option. However, the design of the 250 that was announced had a stronger off-road feel than I expected, and at the same time, I received a call from the dealer about an additional slot for the Alphard, so I ultimately decided to buy the Alphard. This story shows how the purchase of a popular car model can be influenced by timing and information.
Contract terms and on-board prices when purchasing a 40 series Alphard
Because the 40-series Alphard is so popular, it’s not uncommon for conditions to be attached to the purchase, such as a “no short-term sale” rule. On the Internet, even stricter conditions, such as a ban on cash purchases, dealer retention of ownership, and mandatory coating and maintenance packages, are sometimes discussed. These are due to strengthened anti-resale measures following the Land Cruiser 300 resale scandal. However, the dealer the owner contracted with only prohibited short-term sales, and the contract was relatively smooth. However, it has been pointed out that some sales conditions may violate antitrust laws, so it’s important to carefully consider the terms when purchasing.
The 40 Series Alphard he actually signed up for was a Z Hybrid FF black (202). He had previously driven a gasoline model, but was so impressed with the comfort of the Sienta Hybrid that he switched from gasoline to hybrid. While gasoline models tend to have an advantage in terms of resale value alone, he chose this model because he prioritized quietness and smooth acceleration.
As for manufacturer options, the car has chosen those that are often standard equipment on the Vellfire, such as the “independent moonroof (with electric shade),” “Toyota Teammate Advanced Park,” and “color head-up display .” These enhance the sense of luxury and convenience, and are thought to be advantageous for resale. The moonroof in particular is a must-have option, and it has been pointed out that cars without the digital inner mirror may be rated lower in the future. The recommended strategy for selecting options is to stick to either “full options” or “minimum options,” avoiding half-hearted choices. The car apparently prioritized cost performance by not adding any dealer options, and using aftermarket or body coatings for the floor mats and body coatings.
The 40 series Alphard is in high demand, so discounts cannot be expected. There are hardly any large discounts like the late 30 series, and the purchase price is close to the list price of the vehicle itself. However, this “no discount” situation also means that the resale price is unlikely to drop, which is actually reassuring for buyers who prioritize resale.
The on-road price for the 40 Series Alphard Hybrid Z Grade that the owner contracted was approximately 6.77 million yen in total (approximately 7 million yen after adding the rear seat display). When considering a hybrid model, it is realistic to expect a minimum of around 6.5 million yen, and around 7 million yen if you select the full equipment.
Latest Resale Information: Purchase Price Trends as of Late May 2025
Looking at the purchase price as of late May 2025, the resale value of the 40 series Alphard remains high, but there are some fluctuations.
Z Grade
- Reiwa 6-7 (unused car): 6.3 million to 6.6 million yen
- 2023 (mileage): 5.8 million to 6.1 million yen
- 2024 (mileage): 6 million to 6.3 million yen
Z Hybrid
- Reiwa 5-7 (unused car): 7.3 million to 7.6 million yen
- 2023-2024 (mileage): 6.5 million to 6.8 million yen
Two manufacturer options that have a significant impact on resale value are the “independent moonroof” and the “digital inner mirror.” These are installed on most vehicles, and prices are determined on the assumption that they are “naturally included.” In particular, the digital inner mirror has become standard equipment on all grades since the partial improvement in January 2025, so it is possible that cars without it may be valued lower in the future.
The current trend is that the market prices of both unused and mileage vehicles are on a downward trend, and the premium price for one-year-old gasoline vehicles exported to Malaysia has also ended. Given this trend, it is likely that it will become more difficult to sell a vehicle for more than the purchase price.
The key to selling at a high price is mileage. The price of an Alphard varies greatly depending on mileage, and currently, one of the deciding factors is whether it has more than 5,000 km on the odometer. If you are selling with less than 5,000 km on the odometer, you can expect to negotiate aggressively, adding around 200,000 yen above the estimated purchase price. While black is slightly more popular as a body color, the price difference with pearl white is narrowing. Additionally, cars equipped with Modellista aero parts can be expected to see an increase in appraisal value of 200,000 to 350,000 yen, depending on the year of manufacture.
In order to sell a popular car model like the Alphard for as much as possible, it is very important to compare and consider multiple bulk appraisal services. Each service has its own area of expertise, so choosing the best service that suits your car model and selling situation will be the shortcut to selling at a high price.
What is the secret to increasing the resale value of the Alphard?
To maximize the resale value of your Alphard, keep the following points in mind.
1. Choose the grade and color
Z grades, hybrid 4WD models, and popular colors such as white pearl and black tend to have high resale values. It is important to choose a grade or color that is in high demand in the used car market.
2. Expand your options
Factory options such as twin moonroofs and digital inner mirrors have a significant impact on resale value. By installing these options, you can expect to sell your car for a higher price.
3. Keep your car in good condition
When assessing a used car, the condition of the car is of the utmost importance. By performing diligent maintenance on a daily basis and keeping your car clean, you can increase the appraisal value. Regularly washing and waxing your car, cleaning the interior, changing consumables such as engine oil and tires, and repairing any accidents or breakdowns are essential for selling at a high price.
4. Consider the timing of the sale
By carefully considering when to sell your Alphard, you can expect to sell it for a high price. We recommend selling during periods of high demand, such as March to April (new home season), July to August (bonus season), and December (year-end sales). Also, if you sell before April 1st, before automobile tax is levied, you can avoid unnecessary tax burdens.
5. Request appraisals from multiple buyers
Use a bulk appraisal site to request appraisals from multiple buyers. Since appraisal values vary depending on the seller, getting quotes from multiple sellers will increase your chances of selling at the highest price.
6. Use a buyer instead of a dealership trade-in
Generally, dealers often buy cars at higher prices than dealers. Dealers need to secure a profit when selling trade-in cars, but dealers sell cars at used car auctions and other venues, so they can buy cars at higher prices than dealers.
If you are considering buying a new car, check the price online beforehand.
MOTA New Car Quote
MOTA’s new car quotes (inquiries) are the answer! Compare quotes from multiple manufacturers for free and negotiate discounts. If you want to buy a car at a good price, it’s important to get quotes for cars with the same specifications from rival manufacturers. One technique is to negotiate the price while quoting the other car during the sales negotiations.
If you want a used car, you should check in advance.
Gulliver
You can search for used cars from unlisted vehicles. Gulliver operates approximately 460 stores nationwide, so you can search from a large inventory of approximately 500 cars arriving every day. Once you register, you can find your ideal car.
If you want to sell your beloved car at a high price
Ucarpack
Ucarpack is a new type of used car appraisal service that utilizes an auction system. Through this system, you have the chance to sell your beloved car at a high price to a dealer who understands its value. Ucarpack has 8,000 participating dealers, and the large number of bidders is one of the reasons you can expect a high purchase price. Also, unlike typical bulk appraisal sites, there are no price negotiations with multiple dealers or sales calls. This means you can sell your beloved car without any hassle.
ENG (High-value purchase of Alphard and Vellfire)
ENG usually buys cars at auctions and exports them overseas. If you sell directly to ENG, we can buy your car at the auction price. In other words, ENG is able to offer high prices by passing on intermediate costs such as the expenses and profits of the dealership and the auction listing costs to you.
Rakuten Car
After applying, all you need to do is a phone call and a one-time vehicle inspection. Sell your car easily and hassle-free! The key to selling your car at a high price is to compete for the purchase price. Rakuten Car Buyback features over 2,000 carefully selected used car dealerships. In typical buying systems, the costs of middlemen can lead to lower purchase prices. However, Rakuten Car Buyback achieves significant cost savings by eliminating middlemen. This is why we are able to offer high purchase prices.
summary
The resale value of the Alphard is declining due to several factors, but it remains a highly popular car. By keeping your car in good condition and carefully choosing the right time to sell and the right dealer, you have a good chance of selling it for a high price.
We hope this article will help Alphard owners to allay their concerns about resale value and help them sell their car at a high price.
