Car Depreciation Calculator
See how fast your car loses value — 10-year projection by make & model
The average new car loses 20–25% of its value in the first year alone — that's $7,000 off a $30,000 car before your first oil change. Over 5 years, most cars retain only 40–60% of their original price. Our depreciation calculator projects your car's value year by year using real-world rates by make and model.
Whether you're deciding between new vs. used, planning a trade-in, or calculating your current equity, these projections give you the numbers you need. Toyota and Honda depreciate far slower than BMW or Volvo — the difference can be tens of thousands of dollars over 5 years.
How to Use the Car Depreciation Calculator
- 1 Select your car's Make, Model, and Year from the dropdowns.
- 2 Enter the original purchase price — use the price you actually paid, not MSRP.
- 3 Enter your current mileage — higher mileage accelerates depreciation.
- 4 Click Calculate Depreciation for a 10-year projection table and depreciation curve chart.
The steepest depreciation happens in years 1 and 2. Buying a 2-year-old certified pre-owned vehicle lets someone else absorb the worst depreciation while you get a nearly-new car — often saving $5,000–$12,000 vs. buying new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cars hold their value best?
Toyota and Honda consistently retain 55–65% of their value after 5 years. Trucks — especially Toyota Tacoma and Ford F-150 — also hold value exceptionally well. Luxury European brands (BMW, Volvo, Land Rover) typically retain only 35–45% after 5 years despite their higher original prices.
How does mileage affect car value?
Each mile above 15,000 per year typically reduces value by $0.10–$0.15 per mile. A car at 90,000 miles (vs. 60,000) on the same model year is worth roughly $2,000–$4,000 less. Depreciation also accelerates at certain mileage thresholds — especially 60K and 100K miles.
Should I buy new or used?
From a financial perspective, buying a 2–3 year old used car avoids the steepest part of the depreciation curve. New cars offer full factory warranties, the latest safety tech, and financing incentives. Our calculator helps you quantify the cost difference so you can make an informed trade-off.
When is the best time to trade in a car?
Trade-in value drops sharply at 60,000 miles and again at 100,000 miles. Trading in before these thresholds, and before the car is 5 years old, usually maximizes your equity. Avoid trading in during the first 2 years — you may owe more than the car is currently worth.