WHAT’S in a badge? The Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS are essentially the same car. Same engine, same running gear, same steering wheel.

One wears an American premium badge, the other a Swedish one. And yet the difference in predicted residual values is large – the Saab is better value by nearly £1,200 over three years/60,000 miles, despite not having the strongest residuals itself when compared to the likes of BMW or Audi.

It goes to show that Cadillac just isn’t a brand that resonates on this side of the pond, especially with used buyers, and it is going to have its work cut out in what is a very competitive sector.

Saab 9-3 TiD Vector 120
PRICE NEW £21,342

Mileage		Age (months)		Predicted value		Money lost
20,000		12		£11,750/55%		£9,592
30,000		18		£10,225/48%		£11,117
40,000		24		£8,900/42%		£12,442
50,000		30		£7,775/36%		£13,567
60,000		36		£6,850/32%		£14,492

Source: CAP Motor Research

Cadillac BLS 1.9D SE
PRICE NEW £21,300

Mileage		Age (months)		Predicted value		Money lost
20,000		12		£9,900/46%		£11,400
30,000		18		£8,600/40%		£12,700
40,000		24		£7,450/35%		£13,850
50,000		30		£6,475/30%		£14,825
60,000		36		£5,675/27%		£15,625

Source: CAP Motor Research