Car Depreciation Calculator
Find out how much your vehicle loses in value each year — and what it'll be worth when you sell.
0 = brand new
Current Value
Value After X Years
Total Loss Projected
% Value Retained
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Year | Est. Value | Depreciation | % of Original |
|---|
Value Retained Over Time
Average Depreciation by Vehicle Type
| Type | Year 1 | Year 3 | Year 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Compact | 15–20% | 40–45% | 55–60% |
| SUV / Crossover | 12–18% | 35–40% | 50–55% |
| Pickup Truck | 10–15% | 30–35% | 45–50% |
| Luxury Car | 20–25% | 45–55% | 65–70% |
| Sports Car | 15–25% | 40–50% | 55–65% |
| Electric Vehicle | 18–25% | 45–55% | 60–65% |
| Minivan | 15–20% | 40–45% | 55–60% |
Figures represent cumulative depreciation from original purchase price. Actual values vary by make, model, condition, mileage, and market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new car depreciate in the first year?▼
A new car typically loses 15–25% of its value in the first year alone, with the steepest drop happening the moment you drive it off the lot (sometimes called 'drive-off depreciation'). By year 3, most cars have lost 40–50% of original value. By year 5, it's often 50–65% gone. This is why buying a 2–3 year old used car can be significantly better value — someone else absorbs the initial drop.
Which vehicles hold their value best?▼
Trucks (especially Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150) historically depreciate slowest — 40–50% retained at 5 years. Japanese brands (Toyota, Honda) generally outperform German luxury in residual value. Luxury cars (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) depreciate fastest — sometimes 60–70% in 5 years. EVs have had high depreciation due to rapid battery tech improvements, though this varies by model. Rare/limited production cars can actually appreciate.