TU, with regard to depreciation, if you buy any of the US produced vehicles or Jaguar, some of the Range Rovers and the cheaper Far Eastern models, you are right, depreciation is on a par with the rest of the world-precipitous. However the high end Toyotas and Nissans keep their price really well, they have a strong local appeal and don't break (unless you do a hand-brake turn on the beach with your friend sitting in the open sun roof). I bought a Toyota Land Cruiser basic model from the local Toyota dealer previously owned and lost 20% in three years. All I had to change in that time was 1 radio aerial and two batteries (expect a 12-18 month life on batteries).
Like any other major expenditure, do your research and stay away from the people with two fours in their name.