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Car Depreciation Calculator
Estimate how much value a car loses over time to plan a purchase, a sale or a trade-in.
Car Depreciation
Predict the future resale value of your vehicle over time
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Estimated Resale Value
Total Loss
$0
Value Retained
0%
Monthly Loss
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Value Depreciation Curve
A new car starts losing value the day it leaves the lot, fastest in the first three years. This calculator projects that decline year by year, so you can judge the true cost of owning a car, or the right price for a used one.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the car's purchase price (or its current value).
- Set the number of years you want to project.
- Choose an annual depreciation rate, or use the typical 15 to 20% for most cars.
- Press calculate to see the value at each year and the total loss.
What the numbers mean for buyers
Depreciation is the largest cost of a new car, larger than fuel or maintenance. Buying the same car at three years old lets the first owner absorb the steepest drop — one reason nearly-new cars are often the sweet spot of value.
Frequently asked questions
How fast does a car lose value?
A typical new car loses around 20% in the first year and roughly 15% a year after that, keeping about 40% of its value after five years. Popular models with strong demand depreciate more slowly.
Which cars hold value best?
Reliable brands, popular trucks and SUVs, and cars with full service histories tend to hold value. High mileage, accidents and unpopular options pull value down.
Is depreciation the same for electric cars?
Early EVs depreciated quickly as battery technology improved; newer models are closer to petrol cars. Battery health reports increasingly decide used EV prices.