FOUR-wheel drive specialist Subaru is achieving some of the best residual values on the market, according to used car price guides CAP and Glass's. A short supply of new models and a racing pedigree have helped push up the price of used models, especially the Impreza Turbo.

Anyone who spent between £11,000 and £13,000 on a new Impreza three years ago should get more than half their money back today. A three-year-old Subaru Impreza 1.8GL 4WD four-door is worth £6,725, 53.82% of its new value. That compares well with an Alfa Romeo 146 1.6 five-door (£4,775 - 40.83%), a Ford Mondeo 1.6i LX five-door (£4,800 - 37.80%) and a Renault Laguna 1.8RN five-door (£5,150 - 46.19%).

CAP publishing director Andrew Wilkinson said: 'Car dealers having to pay a lot for the cars can be confident they won't lose money standing as stock on the forecourt. Their customers can buy with the confidence they won't see their money evaporating away.'

Adrian Rushmore, editor of AutoProVision, Glass's residual value forecasting product, said: 'The residual values are high relative to the competition. The Impreza Turbo is a particularly desirable car. The models seem to be evergreen.'