Vehicle owners know the significance of car depreciation better than anyone else. Basically, it refers to the process by which the value of a car goes down. The moment that one drives off their new car, it immediately loses about 10 percent of the original value. When a year passes, it loses yet another 10 percent at the very least. Furthermore, car models coming from unattractive brands will experience an even bigger impact since the value can go down as much as half of its original price in only a matter of years. When the manufacturer retires the model, the value of the units can plummet. Depreciation is incredibly important for people who buy used cars.
As you can see, depreciation does not stop after the first year. For brand new cars, it will keep going on for four more years and the loss is estimated to be 15 – 25% per year. If you do the math, you can see that most vehicles lose 60% of the original price after only five years. If you are thinking of buying a car, it is important to check the market first. After all, this is the best way to ensure you are getting a good deal. There are many decent units available on the used car market and you can get a bargain when you know what to look for. Here are 35 cars with quickly plummeting retail value and here are the reasons for their decline.
Smart ForTwo
A year after buying a Smart ForTwo car, the value drops heavily. As many people know, it is an environmental car and plenty of people actually bought it for this very reason. However, the low gas consumption is pretty much the only benefit of driving the vehicle. First of all, the car comes with a two-speed transmission and this feature puts off many drivers. Next, the inside is pretty small and cramped. Even though it has passed all the necessary safety tests, most buyers still prefer a bigger vehicle with a better safety rating. After buying a Smart ForTwo vehicle, it only takes one year before it loses 36 percent or $14k of its original value.
Smart ForTwo
Hyundai Genesis
Up next, we have the Hyundai Genesis which depreciates the fastest and the most. This model was designed to competing with other luxury vehicles. Although its price comes close to cars from Mercedes and Lexus, it simply does not have the brand appeal of high-end brands. It is easy to see how it loses 38 percent of the retail value in only a year. If you want to buy a new one, you might want to reconsider. People who like luxury will get a one-year-old Genesis for cheap since it has already lost $16,000 of its $52,000 retail value.
Hyundai Genesis
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf was Nissan’s successful entry into the electric car craze. However, interested buyers should know that it has a bad depreciation rate. There are many reasons for its low resale price and the list includes the leasing of many Leafs, tax credit nearing $7.5k, and various discounts courtesy of the dealer. Buying a new one might not be such a good idea so make sure to look at other options.
Nissan Leaf
Nissan Rogue SV
Toyota and Honda cars are best known for their square shapes and practicality. The Nissan Rogue departed from this image when it was introduced as a sporty vehicle. Nonetheless, the value of the car dropped by 5 percent after it was redesigned. Not unlike the Nissan Leaf, the Rogue has been suffering from high depreciation rates.
Nissan Rogue SV
Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is considered a classic car and it has plenty of fans among us. Unfortunately, it has higher depreciation rate than other compact cars. On average, a Mini Cooper will set you back by $20k. If you bought the 2015 Mini Cooper, you should know that it has already lost 29.3 percent of the retail price by now. Don’t forget to keep the residual value in mind, because the drop in value often ends up costing the most.
Mini Cooper
GMC Yukon
Now that the gas price hike is over, more and more people are getting attracted by the gas-guzzling SUVs. The GMC Yukon is yet another vehicle that has been victimized by a redesign. Potential buyers should know that a brand-new unit will cost them $47k outright but a cost-to-own scheme can price it at $70,000 in the first 5 years! Potential buyes should also know that after the first year, the value of the SUV drops by almost 33 percent.
GMC Yukon
Chevrolet Express
Not a lot of people own the 2015 Chevrolet Express since it is a cargo van. If you are a business owner looking for a delivery vehicle, you should know that owning it costs nearly double the retail value. Moreover, the depreciation rate for the first year is around 37 percent. The reason behind this is that it is nearly identical to its previous model. When you pair that with a limited buying audience, the resale value will definitely suffer.
Chevrolet Express
Chevrolet Impala
There is no denying that the Chevy Impala is a well-established car with loyal fans. Unfortunately, this does not make it immune to high depreciation rates. It’s considered one of the brand’s fleet vehicles that serve as a company or rental car. Basically, cars like this are oversupplied. The Chevy Impala does not have rare features and they do not look as dashing as other luxury cars out there. The lowering demand for middle size sedans and wide availability of the model cause its value to drop. So, an Impala that costs $27,000 new, will suffer a 33.5% depreciation rate the following year.
Chevrolet Impala
Volkswagen Beetle
After only a year, a Volkswagen Beetle will already suffer a depreciation rate of 37%. Apart from this, the MSRP and resale value of the diesel models suffer an even higher rate of depreciation, compared to the gasoline counterparts. Apparently, this is because of reports that the manufacturer used a software cheat to ensure that the diesel models perform well during emission tests. The Beetle has since experienced a depreciation rate double that of the gasoline ones. A used Beetle will make for a great bargain.
Volkswagen Beetle
Lincoln MKS
It will not take long before the Lincoln MKS goes obsolete. Its sales did not do very well but it appeals to buyers looking for a luxury car on a $50k budget. Because it was never that popular, it loses 30.4 percent of its original price in only a year. Just like the Genesis, it would be better to buy a used unit instead of a brand new one.
Lincoln MKS
Kia Optima
The Kia Optima boasts of many pros and many cons. For the former, it has a sharp design, a roomy cabin, a great engine, and a couple of upgradable features. Sadly, it also has an unsatisfactory fuel efficiency rating and a 35 percent depreciation rate after a year. If you are concerned with getting the bang for your buck, there are other models that might be a better fit.
Kia Optima
Kia Cadenza
Another car on our list is the Kia Cadenza. If you are fine with used cars, you will definitely find a great deal on the market since it has a depreciation rate of 38 percent after the first year. There are other Kia vehicles on the list and this is primarily because the brand still has to win over buyers.
Kia Cadenza
Jaguar XK
Like the Lincoln MKS, this car is also on the verge of obsolescence. The Jaguar XK has been replaced by an F-type model, a fancier version of this vehicle. Just a year ago, you could buy it from the dealer for $84.5k. However, it has since lost nearly 30 percent of the original value.
Jaguar XK
Ford Mustang
Bargain hunters will adore the 6th generation of this iconic pony car. A quick look at the market and you will probably notice that its V8 engine and excellent performance make it a good deal. The Mustang GT has suffered a high depreciation rate because a newer model came out and made it everyone forget about it. Nonetheless, it still boasts of a dashing design and a 5.0-liter V8 engine. You can now buy it for a little over $10,000 even though it originally sold for $35,000.
Ford Mustang
Hyundai Sonata
If you are interested in mid-sized sedans, you are probably familiar with the Hyundai Sonata. It has plenty of power, a conventional appearance, a reasonable performance, and a roomy interior. There is no better family car than this solid and dependable vehicle. It has a standard price of anywhere from $23,000 to $30,000. However, a 2011 Sonata can go for as low as $8,000 in the used car market.
Hyundai Sonata
Lexus ES 350
Lexus has made quite a name for itself over the years. Lexus owners usually have a preference for smooth handling, speed, luxury, and good design. Unfortunately, it does not look like the Lexus ES 350 met their expectations. With its unremarkable appearance, it can be considered one of the more ‘boring’ models. Perhaps this is why its resale value goes down by $9,100 after just one year.
Lexus ES 350
Dodge Charger
Cars.com has reported that owning the 2015 Dodge Charger will set you back by $41,000 for 5 years. It costs $26,000 from the dealer but its value drops by more than $8k after a year. That is around 45 percent of the original price! Yikes. This typically happens to unattractive vehicles without any noteworthy and unique features. With better and more popular competitors on the market, this is bound to happen.
Dodge Charger
Chevrolet Camaro
It might be sharp and sporty but the Chevy Camaro experiences a depreciation of 39 percent in the first year. It has one of the highest depreciation rates on the list. On average, it costs around $40k to own a 2015 Camaro for five years. It is for sale at a price tag of around $23.7k but it loses more than $8k after only one year. Like the SS, Mustang and Corvette, the American-made sports car nonetheless has many loyal followers.
Chevrolet Camaro
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer has an average depreciation rate of around 36 percent. It is a pretty affordable car, though that does not make it safe from losing its value. It costs around $4,000 less than a base model of the Mini Cooper, though it still costs $5,000 more to own! This is a good tidbit to keep in mind if you are debating whether to buy a new or used one.
Mitsubishi Lancer
Cadillac CTS
The CTS is one of the most popular models of Cadillac. The luxury sedan is well-constructed and well-designed so you can rest assured that it is reliable. Unfortunately, it suffers a high depreciation rate of 36.9 percent, which is higher than many luxury cars. If you paid $45k for a 2015 CTS, it is now valued at nearly half of the original price. Ouch.
Cadillac CTS
Chrysler 300 C
When it comes to luxury sedans, you cannot go wrong with the Chrysler 300 C. It debuted in 2005 and this was when the American sedan renaissance began. It boasts of numerous powerful engines like the V6 and V8. For many people from different parts of the globe, this was a huge selling point of the stylish vehicle. Bought brand new, it will set you back by around $40k. An older sedan will only cost you $20k or less, however.
Chrysler 300 C
Buick Regal
The Regal helped bring back Buick into the luxury compact sedan game. This car is basically an Americanized European Opel Insignia with the Buick badge. It has drivetrain options, numerous turbocharged engines, and a variety of add-on features. There was no doubt that the Regal was going to make a name for itself in the world of affordable luxury sedans. The original price is somewhere below $30,000 but it is interesting to learn that you can buy an older one for a little above $10,000.
Buick Regal
Fiat 500 L
The Fiat 500 L was introduced in 2014 but it did not meet the expectations the buyers had. This affected the reputation of the model as well as its price. This family car might be spacious and have a good truck, though its engine and performance are rather disappointing. The good visibility and easy handling did not make up for its flaws since there are other similar cars with more power and better performance. Its base price is around $20k but a 3-year-old 500 L will only cost you $14k.
Fiat 500 L
Jaguar XF
The cars released by Jaguar is not immune to significant depreciation rates either. Take the Jaguar XF for example. This mid-sized sedan was introduced at the price of $50k but add-ons can cost an additional $10k. The base model boasted of a V6-300hp engine but there is also a V8-420hp engine option. Nonetheless, you can get a 2009 or 2009 model for around $15k these days. It’s a great bargain when you consider the powerful engine, all-leather interior, fantastic design, and great safety features.
Jaguar XF
Lincoln MKZ
Ford entered the executive sedan competition with its Lincoln MKZ. Despite its powerful engine and high-level equipment, the MKZ was not able to beat the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. The MKZ came with a leather interior and 263hp engine but it was not as refined or as fast as its competitors. It has a base price of $35k so it is a little surprising to find a 5-year-old unit for below $15k.
Lincoln MKZ
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is a luxury vehicle that can give you the bang for your buck. It is big, comfortable, powerful, and well-equipped. Nissan released a new generation in 2016 that came with new technology, good styling, and a V6-300hp engine. Brand new, it will set you back by $32k. However, you can find second-hand ones at around $20k on the used car market. With a third of the retail price slashed off, you can get a Maxima that is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Nissan Maxima
Kia K900
Kia released the K900 in an effort to compete with luxury sedans. It is basically the Korean competitor of the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes S-Class. It goes without saying that it a powerful engine, luxury features, and creature comforts. Like all luxury vehicles, it has a hefty price tag that eventually drops like dead weight. The 2015 model came with luxury features and a 420hp engine. It is relatively affordable at $60k but this was definitely not the standard price of most Kia cars. A 2-year old unit will cost just above $30k, which is not bad at all when you consider how big and premium it is.
Kia K900
VW Passat
The VW Passat is not exactly a luxury vehicle and it would be more accurate to call it a mid-sized family sedan. It has excellent features, state-of-the-art technology, a variety of engines, and great quality. However, people have yet to forget about the emission cheating controversy. This is why many diesel Passats have been recalled the previous year. It is also the reason for its significant depreciation. A 2014 unit initially went for $25k but now costs $12k to $13k in the used car market.
VW Passat
Audi A8
The luxurious Audi A8 made waves as a premium model with Quattro AWD, luxury features, and powerful engines. One thing that makes it stand out is that it was constructed with aluminum which makes it light and agile. The current model was released quite some time ago but it continues to impress with its short wheelbase and 372hp engine. Its base price is around $80k but you can get a 2012 model for approximately $30k to $40k.
Audi A8
Cadillac XTS
The Cadillac XTS is a mid-sized car that was first introduced in 2013. It comes with an elegant design and plenty of luxury features. Unfortunately, its front-wheel drive and a 304hp engine did not make a lot of impact. For starters, it did not come with excellent driving dynamics and topnotch features of other models by the brand. It goes for about $45k but you can find a used one at half the price. Not bad!
Cadillac XTS
Acura ZDX
The Acura ZDX was the brand’s attempt at an all-wheel drive crossover that has a sporty look, low roofline, and a powerful engine. Unfortunately, it was only on the market from the years 2010 to 2013. Although it sounds good in theory, the ZDX could have done better in the aesthetic sense of the word. It has a base price of $35k but you can get an older ZDX for $13k these days.
Acura ZDX
Maybach 57/62
This luxury car is pretty much the embodiment of a super sedan but it has suffered extremely high depreciation rates. In 2006, the Maybach 57 was for sale at a whopping $400k. Meanwhile, the 62 S model went for as high as $500,000. Can you believe used units only go for approximately $50k now? That is basically the same price as a brand-new SUV!
Maybach 57/62
Cadillac SRX
This fancy SUV has great performance, quality, and interior. We don’t think you can go wrong with the Cadillac SRX! With a 265hp engine and luxury features, it is not unreasonable to pay the base price of $40k on it. However, you can find a good deal for only $15k. That’s a hard price to beat if you want to buy a luxury SUV.
Cadillac SRX
Chrysler Aspen
Look no further if you want something with plenty of features, decent towing capacity, and 8-seating capacity on a budget. It is comfortable and multi-purpose, making the Aspen a rugged vehicle that has been left behind with the advent of the stylish SUVs. In 2009, it was on the market for $40k. These days, you can find a secondhand unit for $12k to $13k. We’d jump on that deal if we were you.
Chrysler Aspen
Mercedes CL-Class
When it comes to the two-door Mercedes models, the most prestigious has got to be the CL series. While we cannot deny that the SL is sportier, the CL is a powerful GT car that comes with topnotch luxury features and a roomy cabin. Of course, such a prestige comes with an expensive price tag. The base price used to be $100k, though you can find a secondhand one at around $25k. Some people pay the same price for an economy sedan!
Mercedes CL-Class
Mercedes R-Class
When Mercedes first designed the R-Class, it was an ambitious attempt to dive into the luxury crossover market. Although it was a good try, unfortunately the target audience wasn’t large enough and the model failed to take off in terms of sales. So just two years after the release, Mercedes discontinued it. When the van was first launched, it started at around $50,000. However, you can now find one for around $19,000, and customers who did invest in the model have raved about it’s features, advanced engines and comfy interior.
Mercedes R Class
Dodge Magnum
Any car fanatics in the crowd might be quick to point out that the Dodge Magnum looks very similar to the Dodge Charger. And they would be correct. The Magnum also boasts the same RWD, incredible build quality and great engines, just like the Charger. The only difference between the two is that the Magnum does have a slightly sleeker design. However, the only downside is that the Magnum station wagon was released into the market at the wrong time, since SUV’s were rapidly becoming more popular than station wagons. So today you can find the model with all the trimmings for just $7k.
Dodge Magnum
BMW 5 Series
If you buy a brand new BMW 5 Series, it comes with a hefty price tag. However, you can get a far better deal if you buy a used model, since their value depreciates by a staggering 18% after the first year. The majestic model boasts more advanced features than it’s predecessor and it’s more efficient with a 2.0 Liter, 4-cylinder, 248 hp engine. However the car isn’t more luxurious than the previous model, so after just three years, the 5 Series will drop by a whopping 52.6%. You can find a used one today for around $31k.
BMW 5 Series
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Another high-end car that’s doomed to lose it’s value rapidly is the luxurious Mercedes E-Class. Even though the car is exquisitely designed and offers excellent performance, after just a few years the car will depreciate by 49.9%. So you’ll be much better off scouring the second hand market for one of these beauties.
Mercedes Benz E Class
BMW 3 Series
One of the bestselling models in the BMW branded-empire is the 3 Series, which is mainly down to the fact it has a lower price tag. What’s more, the car has a high depreciation rate, so if you own it for just three years, it will lose around 39.8% of its value. So if you look around, you can score a great deal on one of these high-performance models.
BMW 3 Series
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus is one of the cheaper-end models in the Ford range, and it also offers one of the largest depreciation rates. After just three short years of ownership, the model will drop 49.7% of its value, which is actually surprising for a luxuriously-designed family sedan. The Taurus also continues to receive incredible customer reviews, so it’s well worth looking around for a second-hand model.
Ford Taurus
Chrysler 200
Chrysler has earned a reputation on the market as an “affordable luxury” car brand. Still, their models can still be a little more pricey than affordable, and don’t provide all the cutting-edge features as other luxury or high-end brands. So whilst the Chrysler 200 is popular with customers, the car also has a staggeringly high depreciation rate, and after just three years it can drop by 48.4%.
Chrysler 200
Volkswagen Jetta
Thanks to it’s sleek design and affordable price tag, one of the most popular cars in the Volkswagon range is the Jetta model. Loyal customers have even argued that the Jetta is better than its competitive counterpart, the Passat. Still, while the family Sedan does have raving reviews, the Jetta is still destined to drop 48.1% of its value within three years.
Volkswagen Jetta
Audi A3
In the high-end game, it does seem that Audi has now reached the same level playing field as BMW and Mercedes Benz. All of these brands share a penchant for luxurious features, smooth performance, exquisite German engineering, and ultimately, high depreciation rates. In the Audi franchise, the A3 is one of the cheaper models, and a best-seller on the family car market. Still, the luxury car also suffers a high-end depreciation rate, and will drop in value by 47.9% after just three short years.
Audi A3
Jaguar XJL
Jaguar has made a name for itself as a more exclusive luxury car manufacturer, with world-class engineering and distinctive, sleek designs. However, this isn’t enough to save these models from the same high depreciation fate as the other luxury brands. So if you buy the Jaguar XJL brand new from the dealer, it will still drop drastically and lose 66.4% of its value in just three years.
Jaguar XJL
BMW 6 Series
When BMW first released the 6 Series, the exquisitely-designed models caused a stir on the market. The 6 series boasted all the latest lavish features and slick performance that you would expect from BMW. The unique selling point was that the range was available as a convertible, a coupe, or as a four-door sedan. However, perhaps the market wasn’t ready for this ambitious identity crisis yet, or maybe the 6 series just suffered the same natural depreciation fate as other luxury cars. Still after just a few years of ownership, the BMW 6 Series loses a little more than the 5 Series at around 68.3% of its value.
BMW 6 Series
Ford Fusion Energi
It seems like no luxury car is safe from this depreciation crisis, even the eco-friendly luxury cars, like the Ford Fusion Energi. This hybrid model was designed to combine electric features with the luxury of a midsize sedan. While the model is electric, surprisingly the Energi’s depreciation rate is a staggering 69.4%. A spokesperson explained the reason for this as “Government incentives play a role in the steep depreciation of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as their resale value is based on their lower effective post-incentive sticker price.”
Ford Fusion Energi
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class is the signature Sedan in the high-end Mercedes range. The model offers the full range of advanced top-of-the-line features and a beautiful streamlined design. So as you can imagine, the model comes with a hefty price tag and the fittings are just as expensive. Still, despite this, the luxuriously designed Mercedes Benz has a pretty hefty depreciation rate and will lose a shocking 69.9% in just a few short years.
Mercedes Benz S Class
BMW 7 Series
In the competitive luxury market, the BMW 5 and 7 will Series will actually depreciate at a faster rate than their Mercedes counterparts. The BMW 7 Series is also one of the highest on the list, and will lose a staggeringly high amount of 71.1% over 5 years. You might want to keep that in mind when you’re in the market to buy the latest and most expensive model.
BMW 7 Series
Chevrolet Volt
When Chevrolet first released the Volt, it actually made history as the first electric car, designed with a gasoline-powered engine. The unique selling-point about it was that the engine was so powerful it was able to charge the battery while driving. However, it seems that the electric car market became fiercely competitive too, and there are now so many more advanced models out there. So, after just a few short years, the Chevrolet Volt depreciated by a whopping 71.2%.
Chevrolet Volt
Ford Focus
Ford has developed a reputation for providing a range of reliable cars at affordable prices. And their cars have received great reviews. In fact, in 2018, the Ford Focus shot to the top of the popularity polls for providing a compact and stylish family hatchback that was great for road trips. However, their cars can’t boast the same in the depreciation game, and after just three years of ownership, the Ford Focus will lose an average of 45% of its selling price.
Ford Focus
Infiniti Q50
Infiniti is a spin-off brand from its parent-company Nissan, and has really made a name for itself as a leading provider of luxury sedans, crossovers and SUVs. The brand manages to combine a cutting-edge, sporty style with advanced Nissan engines andhas proven to popular with customers. However, the Infiniti Q50 hasn’t managed to maintain it’s value so well and after just three years of ownership, it will drop by an estimated 46.9%.
Infiniti Q50
Cadillac ATS
The Cadillac ATS has been designed the a host of distinct and unique features that set it apart from other luxury models. Boasting two engine options, a remote start via smartphone and 4G WiFi, this super cool car seems to have it all. However, despite all of these great perks, the Cadillac ATS will still drop in value by a massive 50.4% after three years.
Cadillac ATS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0
Alfa Romeos are one of the most prestigious Italian brands you can find, and most of the cars in their range have been able to maintain their value pretty well. The Giulietta 2.0 hatchback model is beautifully designed, with gorgeous curves and all the top of the range features. However, the Giulietta 2.0 also happens to be the only model in the range with a huge depreciation rate. So if you’re looking to buy it new from the dealership, then you should keep in mind that after driving it for just three years it will lose an incredible 73.9% of its value.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0
Fiat Panda 0.9 Twinair
With the compact 4×4 design of the Fiat Panda 0.9 Twinair, weekends can be a breeze. Finding parking can also be extra breezy with a compact model. However, it seems the Fiat Panda follows the same trend as the other models in the Fiat range, and after cruising around in it for just a few years, it can drop by a massive 73.3%.
Fiat Panda 0.9 Twinair
Fiat Punto 1.4
Fiat seems to be in a league of its own, and is really leading the way in the compact car market. The Fiat Punto has become one of it’s staple models over the years and known as a practical, reliable and affordable compact family car. The Punto 1.4 model is just as stylish as it’s predecessors, and was only released in certain countries. However, before you think of heading to buy a brand new model, you should probably be aware that after just three years of ownership, the Punto will lose a staggering 73.8% of its value.
Fiat Punto 1.4
Buick Enclave
Buick has been gradually attempting to cross-over from the affordable market to a luxurious brand. And the Buick Enclave does look like an impressively-designed luxury SUV. However, perhaps the downside of releasing a luxury car is that it will follow the same trend as other luxury brands. So if you’re looking to buy this new, this crossover model will shed 46.8% off it’s value in just three years.
Buick Enclave
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry =boasts a sportier design than it’s predecessors and is still one of the best-selling sedans in the US. However, as newer models have saturated the market, buyers have been more likely to buy the newer models than this one, which has negatively affected the depreciation rate of this model.
Toyota Camry
Mercedes-Benz C250
The Mercedes C250 was one of the earliest series in the brand’s history. So over time it has become of the cheapest models and popular with customers looking for an affordable car with luxurious features. However, the model also has a high depreciation rate of 34.4%, so after the first year of ownership, it will drop 34.4% or $15,247! Mercedes does try to help it’s loyal customers though and offers buyers the option to upgrade older models rather than buying a brand new car.
Mercedes Benz C250
Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is another luxury car that bites the dust. The luxurious sedan can be bought new for between $34,000-$60,000, but is likely to lose $14,204 off it’s value in the first year alone! So it’s well worth looking around the used car market for this model.
Volvo S60
Audi A6
After just three years of ownership, the Audi A6 loses over 53% of its value. That’s a significant amount. The average price for a 3-year-old used Audi A6 is $29,941, which isn’t so bad compared to other luxury brands. All the same, this car maintains its value slightly better than its primary competitors.
Audi A6
Acura RLX
The Acura RLX has a depreciation rate of 55.8% over the span of three years. “With an average new car starting price of $62,658, shoppers who opt for a three-year-old Acura RLX can save a whopping $34,000 by purchasing a used version at $28,259,” said Ly. The average price of a used 3-year-old Acura RLX is $28,259.
Acura RLX
BMW X1
Over the span of five years, this luxurious BMW SUV lost over 60% of its value according to a 2018 study of depreciation. If you compare that to Toyota models like the Rav4, 4Runner, and Highlander, they all have a lower starting price and they retain around 17% more of their original cost. If you’re determined to own a BMW, don’t count on resale or trade-in value.
BMW X1
Toyota Prius
Yet again, a high-tech, eco-friendly car is on a list of fast-depreciating cars. This is because of the yearly advancements in fuel efficiency and technology. The Prius, as well as the Prius C, have an average depreciation rate of over 50% over the course of 5 years.
Toyota Prius
Audi S4
This Audi luxury sports car ranks with some of the worst cars when it comes to decreasing values. Maintaining an Audi can get really expensive really fast, which leads to depreciation since customers looking for used cars always hope to avoid large repair bills. As Consumer Reports said, “Audis are a sinkhole of service problems.”
Audi S4
BMW 4 Series Convertible
When it comes to owning a luxury vehicle, depreciation rates tend to be high due to the costs of maintaining it. This BMW 4 Series Convertible starts at $57,367 but loses as much as $17,357 within three years of ownership. That amounts to around 30% of its value. While the car is well-equipped and comfortable, it can be a bit tight in the back in terms of space. Not to mention that when the roof is down, cargo space is limited.
BMW 4 Series Convertible
Hyundai i40
The Hyundai i40 was designed to take on everything from the Ford Mondeo to the Audi A4, with lots of standard equipment and decent cargo space. However, with a starting price of $30,915 it loses $9,178 within three years. That amounts to approximately 29.7% of its value, preventing the i40 from being among the class best.
Hyundai I40
Jaguar XJ
With a starting price of $84,244, the Jaguar XJ loses around $24,217 from its value in the first three years of ownership, amounting to 28.7%. That’s a serious drop, which isn’t all that surprising for a luxury car. However, the XJ is great to drive, has excellent handling, and a punchy range of engines. The only downsides are that the interior quality isn’t the best and there isn’t much headroom for rear passengers.
Jaguar XJ
Peugeot 308 SW
The Peugeot 308 SW has a starting price of $28,203, but loses $7,922 of it by the third year of ownership, leaving its depreciation rate at 28.1%. This car would be the right choice for you if you’re looking for a spacious car with a range of frugal engines and a classy interior.
Peugeot 308 SW
Vauxhall Astra
The Vauxhall Astra initially costs $34,438. However, after three years of ownership, it loses around 28% of its value which comes out to about $9,628. All the same, the estate version of the Astra family hatchback has plenty of interior space, and if you opt for a diesel version, it can get competitive for car buyers. If you’re looking for something more practical, however, you might be better off with a Skoda Octavia Estate.
Vauxhall Astra
Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte is quite an expensive choice, with a starting price of $95,734. After just three years of ownership, it loses about 27.7% of its value which amounts to roughly $26,503. All the same, this car is a smooth, luxurious, and powerful ride. Not to mention that its Italian design is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Maserati Quattroporte
Fiat Tipo
Fiat’s plan was to take on the popular Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf with the Tipo family hatchback. It has a starting price of $26,419 and loses as much as $7,277 over the first three years of ownership. That comes out to about 27.5% of its original value. While it impresses consumers with a good price tag and a generous standard kit, the Tipo disappoints when it comes to driving.
Fiat Tipo
Renault Zoe 65kW
It’s starting price is $37,703, but the Renault Zoe 65kW loses about $10,047, or 26.6%, in value within the first three years. If you’re looking for a small electric car, this can be the one for you. Just keep in mind that the Q90 version of this car managed 132 miles between charges in Real Range tests. It offers very low running costs and is quiet to drive. To top it off, you can always lease its battery to lower the price.
Renault Zoe 65kW
Fiat Doblo XL
The Fiat Doblo XL has a $33,727 price tag but loses as much as 26.1% of its value in three years which can amount to $8,791. This electric car is fairly good to drive and it even rides well for a car of its size and shape. It has plenty of space on the inside seeing as it’s based on Fiat’s Doblo van, making it a great choice for large families.
Fiat Doblo XL
Ford F-150
It’s no surprise that the Ford F-150 is the most popular selling car in the United States. With a $30,979 starting price, the reliable truck can last for years on end and still maintain its reliability. However, just like all cars, it does lose some of its value in the first few years of ownership. In fact, the F-150 loses about 41.44% of its value over the first five years, amounting to $12,838.
Ford F 150
Jeep Wrangler
While its depreciation drop isn’t the most significant on this list, it’s significant enough to bring it here. The Jeep Wrangler costs $37,512 but loses as much as 31.23% of its value over the first five years. Its price tag drops by 411,714.
Jeep Wrangler
Subaru Forester SUV
Despite having a good reputation, the Subaru Forester SUV drops 47.16% of its value over five years of ownership. Its starting price is $27,665 and after five years, it loses $13,046. All the same, this SUV has more interior room in both rows of seats, a wider rear opening for better cargo loading, and a full 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Subaru Forester SUV
Lexus RX
Generally speaking, the Lexus RX handling isn’t as sharp as can be, but if you want a comfortable and reliable crossover that will last you a good while, this car is an easy choice. Just keep in mind that is has a 53.5% depreciation rate. With a starting price of $51,734, it loses $26,059 in a matter of five years.
Lexus RX
BMW X5 SUV
BMW vehicles tend to be known as cars that don’t hold onto their value well. The BMW X5 SUV is no exception. Over the course of 3 years, it can lose up to 44.1% of its value. In fact, it has a starting price of $70,638 but it lowers by $39,704 in the first five years of ownership.
BMW X5 SUV
Hyundai Santa Fe SUV
Hyundai has stepped up their game with the Santa Fe SUV. The car is said to have a high level of comfort and is said to have a smooth ride and quiet cabin. However, it does lose 52.27% of its value over the course of five years. Its price begins at $33,374 and loses as much as $17,445 after five years.
Hyundai Santa Fe SUV
Ford Ka
Seeing as the Ford Ka is hardly seen around anymore, it only makes sense that its value dropped so low. Its starting price was $12,610 but it lost as much as $8,037 off its value. That amounts to around 36.2% of its initial value. The Ford Ka was based on the same platform as the Fiat 500, only without the cuteness or badge appeal of that car.
Ford Ka
SEAT Mii
The SEAT Mii is a genuinely great small car. It has a roomy interior, low running costs, and it’s great to drive. The only explanation we can think of that would cause the Mii a high depreciation rate is that it has an identical sibling that people seem to prefer: the VW up. The up offers all the same things for slightly more money and with a more desirable badge. Having said that, the Mii has a starting price of $11,751 but loses $7,500 – 36.1% – of its value over the first few years.
SEAT Mii
Alfa Romeo Mito
It seems that there were high hopes for the Mito. A tiny but stylish car, its starting price is $18,439 but after a few years, it loses $11,902 which amounts to 35.3% of its value. The Mito was created with a cheap, plasticky interior, an uncomfortable ride, and a lack of practicality. Consumers are aware that as a general rule, Alfa isn’t really known for building cars that last, so it only makes sense that used buyers avoid the Mito.
Alfa Romeo Mito
Vauxhall Cascada
The Cascada is the only convertible in Vauxhall’s range and it’s had some success overseas. However, there are still places where it’s not very desirable. Consumers find it unremarkable to sit in and drive. Together with the fact that it loses 35% of its value over a few years, it only makes sense that people wouldn’t rush to buy it. Its starting price is $36,487 but it loses $23,752 in just a few years.
Vauxhall Cascada
Vauxhall Meriva
The Vauxhall Meriva costs $24,483 on average and loses $16,249 over the few first years of ownership, amounting to 34.1%. While it can make a decent small family car, the back doors can put some people off. Not to mention, it’s price tag runs high for a 1.6-liter car.
Vauxhall Meriva