Car Depreciation Calculator
Straight-line or declining-balance depreciation. Most cars lose 15-25% year 1, 50%+ by year 5.
Result
Loading calculator…
—
How to use this calculator
- Enter purchase price.
- Pick method (declining-balance more realistic).
- Pick rate (15-25% common).
- Read year-by-year value.
About this calculator
Cars typically depreciate 15-25% in year 1 (declining-balance), and 10-15% per year thereafter. Luxury cars and EVs depreciate fastest (the EV used market is volatile). Trucks and Toyota/Honda hold value best — Tacoma and 4Runner often retain 60-70% after 5 years. Declining-balance is more realistic than straight-line because it captures the front-loaded depreciation pattern. KBB / Edmunds residual value tools give brand-specific data.
Frequently asked
Why "off the lot" depreciation?+
Buying new vs. used is a category change. Same car: ~15% drop on day 1, then ~10% per year.
Best for resale?+
Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner; Honda CR-V; Subaru Outback. ~60-70% retained after 5 years.
Worst for resale?+
Luxury sedans (BMW 7-series, Audi A8): often <40% after 5 years. EVs: volatile but trending bad in 2024-2025.
Mileage impact?+
High mileage (>15k/yr) cuts value 5-10% extra. Low-mileage (<10k/yr) gains 5-10%.
How to slow depreciation?+
Pristine condition, full service records, popular color (white/black/silver), no accidents reported.
Related calculators
Car Loan Payment Calculator
Auto loan payment via amortization. Principal, APR, term → monthly + total interest.
Lease vs Buy Car Comparison
Compare 36-mo lease total cost vs. 5-yr purchase + resale. Same out-of-pocket cash basis.
Car Affordability Calculator
Max car price = (monthly budget × loan factor) using 20/4/10 rule and DTI cap.
Total Cost of Ownership (Car)
Purchase + insurance + fuel + maintenance + depreciation over N years.
Oil Change Interval Calculator
Miles since last × interval-miles → next due date and miles. By oil type.
ROI on Renovation Calculator
ROI = (post-value − pre-value − reno cost) / reno cost. Factor in regional appreciation to separate true ROI from market gains.