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Car Depreciation Calculator

Depreciation is the biggest cost of owning a newer car. Project what a vehicle will be worth year by year — new or used — under three realistic value curves.

Car depreciation calculator

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How it works

01

Enter the vehicle

Today’s price (or purchase price), the vehicle’s current age, and how long you’ll keep it.

02

Pick a curve

Average, holds-value-well, or fast-depreciating — three realistic scenarios.

03

See the projection

Estimated value year by year, and the total value lost over your ownership.

Depreciation questions

How much does a car depreciate per year?

A typical new car loses around 20% of its value in the first year and roughly 15% of its remaining value each year after — about half its value by year five. Segments differ widely: popular trucks and some Toyota/Honda models hold value much better, while many luxury sedans and EVs fall faster.

Why does depreciation matter more than fuel or insurance?

For most newer cars, depreciation is the single largest ownership cost — often more than fuel, insurance, and maintenance combined in the early years. Two similar-priced cars can differ by thousands of dollars in real cost purely because one holds value and the other doesn’t.

Do used cars depreciate slower?

Yes. The steepest drop happens in year one, which the first owner absorbs. A 3-year-old car has already taken that hit, so its future decline follows the gentler later-year curve — one reason lightly used cars are often the best value play.

How accurate is this estimate?

It’s a population-level model, not an appraisal — real value depends on mileage, condition, trim, options, accident history, and local demand. Use the three curves as scenarios, and check the market value and history for a specific VIN before you buy or sell.

Checking a specific car?

Decode the VIN free — factory build, options, and open recalls, plus market value.

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