Car Depreciation Calculator
Estimate your car's future value year by year — up to 10 years — using typical depreciation curves. Pick a vehicle category preset or set your own annual rates.
Your car
Category presets are typical category averages, not real price data for any specific make or model. Adjust the rates below to model your own curve.
Typical: ~20% of purchase price lost in year 1.
Typical: ~10–15% per year on the remaining value.
Estimated value over time
| Year | Est. value | Lost this year | Total lost | Retained |
|---|
FAQs
How much does a car depreciate in the first year?
As a general rule of thumb, a typical new car loses roughly 20% of its purchase price in the first year, then around 10–15% per year on the remaining value.
What formula does this car depreciation calculator use?
Declining balance: year 1 = price × (1 − first-year rate); each later year = previous value × (1 − subsequent rate). Defaults 20% / 15%.
How does the 'by model' or vehicle-category option work?
It applies a typical depreciation preset for a vehicle class (e.g., luxury depreciates faster than pickup trucks). These are generic category averages — not real market price data for any specific make or model.
Do luxury cars depreciate faster than other vehicles?
Generally yes — the luxury preset uses roughly 28% in year one and 18% after, versus about 15% and 12% for pickup trucks.
Which type of vehicle holds its value best?
Historically, pickup trucks and certain SUVs retain the highest share of original price; luxury sedans typically retain the least. Individual makes and models vary widely.
Is this calculator's estimate the same as a valuation or appraisal?
No. This tool gives planning estimates from typical curves. Real values depend on mileage, condition, accident history, options, and local demand.
Does mileage or condition affect the estimate?
Not in this calculator — it models an average vehicle. Adjust the result for your car's actual mileage and condition.
How many years can I project depreciation for?
Up to 10 years. Curves get less realistic far out — very old cars flatten toward a floor rather than declining to zero.
Related tools
Free tool by NRTechStudio