You’re well-aware of the woes of car depreciation if you ever bought a car. The minute your new wheels leave the floor of the shop, the value of your car will lose about 10 percent of its market value. A year on, and you can take another 10% of that off. The uncomfortable reality is that as time goes on, your car’s value will continue to dip-just look at the numbers. An average of 15 percent -25 percent per year will be lost to brand new vehicles. It will have lost 60 percent of its selling price by your engine’s fifth year! So check out this list of 35+ cars taking a retail value hit before buying a new car.
Smart ForTwo
The Smart ForTwo is hardly worth your money, despite being advertised as an environmentally-friendly vehicle. It is cramped, has a low two-gear transmission, and does not have a safety rating as high as larger vehicles to begin with. The Smart For Two’s value will have dropped by around 36 percent once the one-year mark comes around! That’s $14,000, more or less!
Smart ForTwo
Hyundai Genesis
Not to insult Hyundai, but they were surely a bit overconfident when they placed this engine in the same price range as Lexus and Mercedes. In its first year, Hyundai Genesis had a rapid depreciation of 38 percent of its retail value. Of course, this is particularly true if it is bought new and not straight off the showroom floor. The best bet for this hopeful luxury car could be second-hand. Otherwise, from its original $52,000 price, you’re talking about a $16,000 value loss.
Hyundai Genesis
Nissan Leaf
Certainly, Nissan can be proud of their electric car, the Nissan Leaf. Unfortunately, the pride can stop there because this vehicle’s value depreciates so quickly that it loses its appeal. Due to a large number of Leafs being leased, a tax credit of nearly $7,500, and other external factors, its resale price is hurt. Nissan Leaf, then? Before making this purchase, do your research.
Nissan Leaf
Nissan Rogue SV
The Rogue SV is another Nissan on our list. The Rogue proved to be a sinking ship in value, despite high hopes of this car being a sporty competitor for similar Toyota and Honda models. Its redesign cost it a depreciation of about 5%, just like that! There are many impressive models for Nissan, but maybe that’s on the lower rung of their success ladder.
Nissan Rogue SV
Mini Cooper
What could we not love about the Mini Cooper, perhaps? It’s difficult to believe with a troop of loyal followers that this vehicle has such a high depreciation rate. After purchasing it for around $20,000, buyers of the 2015 Mini Cooper will now have lost about 29.3% of their car’s value. Maybe the Mini Cooper is sleek and stylish, but it seems that its value is dipping and depreciating.
Mini Cooper
GMC Yukon
In a way, I guess we can appreciate that gas prices have calmed down, but the gas-guzzlers do come with that fact. The GMC Yukon won many SUV enthusiasts’ attention, but they were soon filled with regret when they discovered that their value would drop by approximately 33 percent within the first year of owning this car! It costs around $49,000 for a brand new Yukon, but its value doesn’t last for too long.
GMC Yukon
Chevrolet Express
Since it is a cargo van, the Chevrolet Express is not for everybody. But they will find that its depreciation is far higher than other vehicles in this category for the business owners out there who need a vehicle like this. You can expect to see a dip of 37 percent in value within the first 12 months of owning this van! Some might attribute this drop in value because this van has a new model that is almost identical, and it provides more upgrades than the Express.
Chevrolet Express
Chevrolet Impala
Since it is a popular car in the United States, many are familiar with the Chevrolet Impala. Part of the reason for the car’s high depreciation rate is that it is part of the fleet of Chevrolet cars – cars used as rentals or as company cars. Since this model has a multitude, there are no special models or unique features that make it stand out from the rest. The Impala was valued at $27,000 last year, but it is 33.5 percent lower this year.
Chevrolet Impala
Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle may be the flagship of the “cars for the people” of VW. Its depreciation rate, however, is ghastly. A 37 percent drop is sufficient to discourage any potential buyer within the first 12 months of purchase. VW has received harsh criticism due to a scandalous report released on the software cheat that VW created to fly through emission tests. Since September 18th, 2015, VW Beetles have decreased immensely – a depreciation rate of almost double!
Volkswagen Beetle
Lincoln MKS
The Lincoln MKS will soon become an obsolete model, a great option for buyers looking to get a luxury car for less than $50k. Since this model was not at any point a top seller, in just its first year, its value drops by 30.4 percent. Like the Genesis, this car isn’t a big deal to buy new, but it’s the best-case scenario for a used car buyer.
Lincoln MKS
Kia Optima
There are a lot of pros and cons to this model. The Kia Optima, on the one hand, has a spacious cabin, a clean-cut design, a good engine, and modern features. On the other hand, its fuel efficiency rating is not good, and in just one year, its depreciation rate is at 35 percent. New car buyers may want to opt for a similar model from Honda or Ford for a value-retaining car.
Kia Optima
Kia Cadenza
The Kia Cadenza is another top contender on our list. Buying used is a great deal since it drops 38 percent in value. It’s hard to justify buying it brand new for the same reason. This is not the only Kia model on our list, as there is also a way to go for their large pseudo-luxury sedan before it appeals to new car buyers.
Kia Cadenza
Jaguar XK
The Jaguar XK is about to become obsolete, just like the Lincoln MKS. Jaguar replaced this model with a newer and fancier F-type model. This model will cost around $84.5k brand new, and almost 30 percent in value will decrease only a year later. Its price was reduced by 29.2 percent in one year. This particular model is one that is best used for purchases.
Jaguar XK
Ford Mustang
This model is the original pony car’s 6th generation and an all-time performance bargain. If you look at the early prices and value of the used cars, you can see that this model has a great V8 engine and better performance. In both appearance and power, the Mustang GT is definitely worth the money. This previous model – which has a 5.0-liter V8 engine – will be a fraction of the price because the newer model is stealing the show at the moment. Its original price was around $35k, but for just over $10k now, you can get this cool muscle car.
Ford Mustang
Hyundai Sonata
This mid-size sedan has a traditional design, a good amount of power, a roomy interior, and good performance. Owing to its reliable performance, the Hyundai Sonata has become popular among families in recent years. The standard price was about $23k for a new Hyundai Sonata, and sometimes even as high as $30k. Today, you can find a 2011 Sonata for as low as $8k.
Hyundai Sonata
Lexus ES 350
Seeing as Lexus has a particular reputation when it comes to their cars, its customers tend to gravitate towards great performance, speed, luxury, and a sleek design. The Lexus ES 350 tends to be discussed as the more ‘boring’ model of Lexus. Its design is average and unremarkable, which is likely the reason why its price drops in its first year so drastically. The price of this model will be reduced by a whopping $9.1k after one year of ownership.
Lexus ES 350
Dodge Charger
They explained on Cars.com that the cost of owning a 2015 Dodge Charger is just over $41k for five years. The car originally costs $26k, and the car will drop more than $8k in value for a year – over 45 percent. The explanation is that most of their designs are not interesting and do not have many add-on functions that can generate more interest. There are also many rivals with more attractive and upgradable vehicles that can potentially lead to this high depreciation rate.
Dodge Charger
Chevrolet Camaro
While the Chevy Camaro is a sharp and sporty car, its value over the first 12 months of ownership is reduced by 39 percent. On our list, it has one of the highest depreciation rates. It would cost about $40k for five years, on average, to own a 2015 Camaro. This car will cost $23.7k after being driven from the dealership lot, and after 12 months, the price will drop by $8k. The Camaro is an American-made sports car with a fanbase as large as luxury car brands, like the Corvette or the Mustang. This could be why the Camaro has a price drop comparable to that of some luxury cars.
Chevrolet Camaro
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer has a depreciation rate of 35 percent. While it is advertised as reasonably priced, its depreciation in the first year is very low (not a good sign). The Mitsubishi Lancer costs $4,000 less than the Mini Cooper base model, but the Cooper costs $5,000 less when the expected cost of ownership is compared side by side. This is something to think about for those going back and forth between a new Lancer and an old one.
Mitsubishi Lancer
Cadillac CTS
There is a depreciation rate for the Cadillac CTS much higher than most luxury cars of its kind: 36.9%. Meaning that a brand new 2015 CTS will cost you $45,000, but if you go to sell it now, it’ll sell for about half that. This car, we have to say, is well-built, well-designed, and has strong engineering.
Cadillac CTS
Chrysler 300 C
In 2005, the Chrysler 300 C was introduced, and it certainly made a statement. The 300 C boasts a luxurious, powerful vehicle with a muscular look. This luxury sedan costs a dealer about $40,000, but a used one costs about $20,000. This model depreciated significantly after only a few years. If you love the style of a big luxury model, though, this car is for you.
Chrysler 300 C
Buick Regal
It has become a prominent option for an affordable luxury sedan since the Buick Regal was introduced. It makes sense that the MSRP is so popular with just under $30,000 and all its extras. But, for just over $10,000, you can purchase one a few years old. This price drop is being affected by the release of the new 2019 Buick Regal.
Buick Regal
Fiat 500 L
In 2015, the Fiat 500 L was introduced, promising a whole lot for buyers. When the vehicle did not deliver, its popularity decreased significantly, and so did its value. With the small engine and bad performance ratings, the trunk space and the appeal to families weren’t enough. The base price is $20,000 today, but for around $13,000, you can buy one that’s three years old. It is worth talking about a depreciation like that after only three years.
Fiat 500 L
Jaguar XF
Many luxury vehicle manufacturers face the same issue: high depreciation rates. The Jaguar XF is no exception. The mid-size luxury sedan began at $50,000 back in 2009, with many customers adding benefits, driving the average cost up to $60,000. You can purchase a ’09 or’ 10 model for less than $15,000 today. For the impeccable design, powerful engine, advanced safety features, and full leather interior, that’s a great price.
Jaguar XF
Lincoln MKZ
Ford created the Lincoln MKZ to rival the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-Series. But it was never as fast or luxurious, even with its 263 hp engine and leather interior, and the price felt that way. A 5-year-old MKZ will sell for around $15,000, although the base price is $35,000.
Lincoln MKZ
Nissan Maxima
A brand new 2016 Nissan Maxima costs around $32,000, but for about $20,000, you can get one second-hand. This means you can get a brand new Maxima for 2/3rd of the original price, and it is still under the manufacturer’s guarantee. What a steal!
Nissan Maxima
Kia K900
Kia has created the luxurious K900 in a bold attempt to provide a full-sized luxury sedan. The K900 is the traditional rival to the Mercedes S-Class or the BMW 7-Series, originating from Korea. With all the creature comforts you could wish for, slick features, and an impressive engine to match, the model is the height of luxury. The K900 has a big price tag, like most premium cars. Still, the model has also significantly depreciated. For a cool $30k, you can now expect to find a 2-year-old premium K900 in good condition.
Kia K900
VW Passat
Created for the mid-sized family sedan market, the VW Passat provides a more practical but less luxurious offering. You can now expect to find this car a fraction of its base price. Although it is equipped with advanced technology, smooth features, a good engine, and stamped with the quality and style of VW’s signature, it is a fairly good car. Maybe you’re wondering what the catch is. Well, many Passat models with a diesel engine were recalled last year due to some controversy over Volkswagen’s emission cheating scandal.
VW Passat
Kia Stinger
The Kia Stinger, a sporty and luxurious sedan, has faced unexpected depreciation due to its niche market positioning. Despite its performance and features, it has struggled to maintain value in a market dominated by more established luxury brands.
Kia Stinger
Cadillac CT6
The Cadillac CT6, a full-size luxury sedan, has experienced quicker depreciation than anticipated. Strong competition in the luxury segment and shifting consumer preferences away from sedans have contributed to its declining value.
Cadillac CT6
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe depreciates more rapidly than expected, primarily because it competes in a performance-oriented market where drivers often seek more renowned sports car brands with better resale value.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300, once a popular full-size sedan, has seen an unexpected drop in value. Changing consumer preferences, especially the shift toward SUVs and crossovers, have negatively impacted its resale value.
Chrysler 300
Acura RLX
The Acura RLX, a luxury sedan, has experienced rapid depreciation partly due to its limited brand recognition and competition from more prestigious luxury automakers.
Acura RLX
Audi A8
The Audi sedan offers a popular premium model to cater to the uber-luxury market, enticing buyers with advanced Quattro AWD, luxurious features, and a powerful engine. The model is the height of elegance, but the A8 is constructed of aluminum, making it relatively agile and light despite its stately appearance and size. Originally, the standard model with a short wheelbase version of the 372 hp engine was $80k, but now you can find a 2012 A8 model for about $30k and $40k, and the W12 model is even cheaper.
Audi A8
Cadillac XTS
Initially, the Cadillac XTS mid-sized model was released in 2013. The premium model, created with a streamlined, elegant design, comes with a host of luxurious options. Still, it failed to make such an impact, as it did not offer great driving dynamics or the same level of luxury compared to its rivals like the CTS or ATS. The Cadillac XTS was viewed by the market as somewhat of the middle child of their lineup. So while the XTS model with a 304 hp engine and the front-wheel-drive was originally priced at a whopping $45k, for half of its base price, you can now find a well-kept XTS, making it a good deal for a luxury mid-size sedan.
Cadillac XTS
Acura ZDX
The ZDX was the final product as part of Acura’s ambitious attempt to launch a sporty, all-wheel-drive crossover model. The ZDX was on the market for just four short years, from 2010-2013, although it was equipped with a low-roofline and powerful engine. Perhaps this was because, on paper, it sounded picture-perfect. However, some criticized it as ‘strange’ or ‘ugly.’ Still, the car was designed with the signature qualities of Acura and provides a luxurious interior, chic features, and an impressive engine. Originally, the standard model was launched at a $35k price tag, but now you can find one for as low as $13k.
Acura ZDX
Maybach 57/62
It sounds surprising that one of the worst depreciation rates ever exists for the Maybach, which is the embodiment of an extravagant and luxurious sedan. The Maybach 57’s base price was edging towards the $400k mark at its launch in 2006, and the 62 S model was even put on the market for as high as $500,000. That sounds a bit crazy for a car, but you can now find one for around $50km or even lower, thanks to some depreciation.
Maybach 57/62
Cadillac SRX
The Cadillac SRX offers superior performance as a stylish and premium quality SUV and a decent interior space to match. Originally, the desired model was priced at around $40k and had luxury features and a 265 hp engine. Surprisingly, for just $15k, you can now find a well-maintained SRX, making it a grand bargain.
Cadillac SRX
Chrysler Aspen
The Chrysler Aspen is an attractive option if you’re on a limited budget but still looking for a stylish SUV with sleek characteristics and an 8-seat capacity. The Aspen offers a rugged multi-purpose vehicle that has gotten lost in the realm of stylish SUV models, offering the height of comfort and style. For a high-end price of $40k, the car was launched in 2009, but now you can find a decent one for around $12-13k, which is quite inexpensive for an SUV.
Chrysler Aspen
Buick Regal
The Buick Regal has seen a quicker depreciation than anticipated because it competes in a segment where consumers often favor more well-established and upscale brands.
Buick Regal
Infiniti QX30
The Infiniti QX30, a subcompact luxury SUV, has depreciated faster than expected due to concerns about its long-term reliability and competition from more established luxury SUV brands.
Infiniti QX30
Genesis G80
The Genesis G80, a luxury sedan, has faced faster depreciation than expected as it competes with well-established luxury brands, and buyers often prefer the cachet associated with those brands.
Genesis G80
Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark, a subcompact car, has depreciated faster than anticipated due to its limited interior space and modest performance. While it’s budget-friendly, its value declines quickly as buyers often prioritize more practical and well-rounded subcompact options.
Chevrolet Spark
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid SUV, has depreciated more quickly than expected as buyers often prefer fully electric vehicles with longer electric-only ranges. The shift toward EVs has impacted the resale value of plug-in hybrids.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9, a midsize SUV, has faced faster depreciation due to its relatively small market share in the midsize SUV segment. Competition from well-established SUV brands and the preference for more recognizable names have contributed to its declining value.
Mazda CX 9
Honda Clarity
The Honda Clarity, a plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicle, has depreciated faster than anticipated due to the evolving market for alternative fuel vehicles. Buyers often seek the latest electric and hybrid technologies, which has affected the resale value of earlier Clarity models.
Honda Clarity
Hyundai Equus
The Hyundai Equus, a full-size luxury sedan, has depreciated more quickly than anticipated. Its depreciation is largely attributed to the challenge of Hyundai establishing itself as a luxury brand and gaining recognition in a competitive market dominated by more established luxury automakers.
Hyundai Equus
Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza, a midsize crossover, has experienced quicker depreciation as it faced stiff competition from other Toyota models and similar midsize crossovers. Buyers often opt for more established Toyota SUVs, affecting the Venza’s resale value.
Toyota Venza
Infiniti Q70
The Infiniti Q70, a luxury sedan, has experienced faster depreciation due to concerns about the brand’s competitiveness in the luxury segment. Buyers often gravitate toward more established luxury automakers, affecting the Q70’s resale value.
Infiniti Q70
Mercedes CL-Class
The two-door CL series offers a GT car with a powerful engine, luxurious features of top quality, and can accommodate four people as a prestigious addition to the Mercedes empire. The prestigious car also came with a heavy price tag of around $100k at its launch. Fortunately, for about $25k, you can still experience the luxury for much less now and find a good quality CL 500.
Mercedes CL-Class
BMW 5 Series
If you purchase it new, the BMW 5 Series comes with a hefty price tag. After just one year, however, its value will drop by about 18 percent. Complete with a 2.0L, 4-cylinder, 248 hp engine, the model is one of the most effective cars in the range. But what efficiency gains are, it lacks luxury. After just three years of owning this car, it will drop 52.6 percent of its value. So, for around $30,846, you should be able to find a used 5 Series.
BMW 5 Series
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen’s midsize sedan will lose a staggering 50.7 percent of its value after just three years of ownership. This means you can find a used Passat for approximately $14,906 now. Interestingly, there are great reviews of the Passat, and it is a popular choice for families. Despite this, after owning the vehicle for a few years, its value will drop considerably. In any event, since this model is a second-hand bargain, perhaps this is the reason why this family roadster can often be seen on the roads.
Volkswagen Passat
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes E-Class is possibly one of the highest-end models of the brand. Even so, if you buy it new, its value will drop by 49.9 percent quickly. While it is beautifully designed to match a great performance, its market value is an entirely different story and does not last for too long.
Mercedes Benz E Class
BMW 3 Series
One of the best-selling models in the ever-growing empire of BMW is the BMW 3 Series. However, although it is popular, its rate of depreciation has increased over time. Three Series will now drop 49.8 percent of its market value after just three years of ownership, which is not the case for some BMW models whose price increases over time. Its affordability, however, makes this model a popular option on the road.
BMW 3 Series
Ford Taurus
While Ford is better known for producing excellent sedans and trucks, the release of crossovers and even a sports car has also made it a name for itself. One of the cheapest models in the range is the Ford Taurus, but it also has one of the greatest value losses of any Ford model. The Taurus will lose a whopping 49.7 percent of its value in just three years of ownership. That is quite an insane figure for a family-friendly sedan.
Ford Taurus
Chrysler 200
Chrysler has developed a penchant for providing affordable yet luxurious vehicles. Although not as many lavish features as other brands are provided by their luxurious models, they have still considered a luxury. Maybe this is why there is such a high depreciation rate for the Chrysler 200. The model loses almost half its value in just three years, an incredible 48.4 percent to be exact, which is a huge deal.
Chrysler 200
Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta has a few similarities to the other family-friendly sedan, the Passat, from Volkswagen. However, some of the same positive as well as negative qualities are also shared by both models. The VW Jetta has dropped 48.1 percent of its market value after just three years of ownership. The Jetta is still a popular choice, however, and has great views. It has only a poor resale value.
Volkswagen Jetta
Audi A3
Nowadays, the prestigious Audi brand has jumped into the same league as BMW and Mercedes. Some similar qualities, such as German craftsmanship, beautiful engineering, and luxurious features and designs, are shared by Audi. Still, it also shares their cars’ inability to hold on to their value. While the Audi A3 is one of the brand’s more affordable models, it is also more popular as a great family-friendly sedan. However, the model also loses almost half of its value after three years, at a special 47.9 percent rate.
Audi A3
Jaguar XJL
Jaguar is one of the most esteemed and luxurious brands in the world. Nevertheless, while they are extremely popular, their models do tend to lose much of their value. On average, the Jaguar XJL will lose an amazing 66.4 percent of its value after three years of ownership.
Jaguar XJL
BMW 6 Series
The pinnacle of luxury may be the BMW 6 Series. However, the series isn’t clearly defined, as customers can take their pick from a coupe, a convertible, or a four-door sedan. This could be one reason for its largely falling value, which is actually more than the BMW 5 Series since there is no real clear-cut decision on this series’s theme. The BMW 6 Series manages to lose a spectacular 68.3 percent of its market value on average.
BMW 6 Series
Ford Fusion Energi
When it released the Fusion Energi, Ford became quite the trend-setter. The car is pitched as a luxury mid-size eco-friendly sedan and was designed to tie in with the new government’s eco-friendly guidelines. A spokesman for Ford said, “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.” Well, while it is groundbreaking, this plug-in Ford also has a major depreciation rate of 69.4%.
Ford Fusion Energi
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
When the automaker released the Mercedes S-Class, it quickly became its signature sedan. As you can imagine, if bought new, the S-Class has a full range of top-of-the-line technology features, making it an expensive purchase. With all the advanced features, we can also imagine that repairs and new parts will be costly. However, at a rate of 69.9 percent, it also happens to have an epic depreciation value.
Mercedes Benz S Class
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series, with ground-breaking features and a luxurious, streamlined design, was marketed as one of its most advanced models. So if purchased new, the car comes with a heavy price tag, understandably. However, this model also has a huge depreciation rate, at 71.1 percent over the course of five years, compared with its BMW counterparts like the 5 Series.
BMW 7 Series
Chevrolet Volt
When the Chevrolet Volt was first announced, the concept car sent shock-waves across the automotive industry. A fusion of an electric car with a gasoline-powered engine was offered in the revolutionary model. The engine was also able to charge the batteries while driving, which was a ground-breaking concept at the time of its release. Still, since the car has been on the market for some time now, at an unprecedented rate of 71.2 percent, its value is rapidly depreciating.
Chevrolet Volt
Ford Focus
While Ford models don’t seem to have too much luck in the value game, their cars do provide a solid, dependable, and affordable option. The Ford Focus offers a trendy, compact family hatchback, and it is a popular choice on the road. The model drops a staggering 45% of its value after just three years, which is as cheap as if you’d bought it used. It keeps its value slightly better than the other Ford models but still has a significantly higher depreciation rate.
Ford Focus