Car Depreciation Calculator
Depreciation is the single biggest cost of owning a used car — usually more than fuel, servicing and insurance combined. Enter what you’d pay and the car’s year to see what it’s likely to be worth when you sell, and how much value you’ll lose along the way.
Estimated resale value each year if you buy at €20,000 today. Model-agnostic — a reliable, in-demand model holds value better than this curve; a depreciation-heavy one worse.
How it works
The calculator applies a standard age-based depreciation curve: a car loses roughly 20% in year one, about 35% by year three, and around half its value by year five, then depreciates more slowly as it ages. From the price and model year you enter, it projects the resale value across the years you plan to keep it.
It’s a deliberately model-agnostic estimate — it doesn’t know that a Toyota Land Cruiser holds value while an equivalent luxury saloon craters. Treat it as a realistic baseline, not a quote. A reliable, in-demand model will beat this curve; a depreciation-heavy one will do worse.
Before you buy, also check
Frequently asked questions
How much does a car depreciate per year?+
On average a new car loses around 20% of its value in the first year, roughly 35% by year three, and about half by year five, then depreciates more slowly. Actual rates vary by make, model, mileage and demand — this calculator uses a standard age-based curve as a baseline.
Is car depreciation really the biggest cost of ownership?+
For most cars in the first several years, yes — the value lost to depreciation usually exceeds fuel, servicing and insurance combined. That is why the price you pay and the model you choose matter more to total cost than the headline running costs.
Which cars depreciate the least?+
Reliable, in-demand models with strong reputations hold value best — several Toyota, Lexus and select Porsche models are known for it. Depreciation-heavy segments include large luxury saloons and EVs affected by fast-moving new-car pricing. Check the specific model’s reliability before buying.
Is this calculator accurate for my exact car?+
It is a model-agnostic estimate, not a valuation. It gives a realistic baseline from the price and age; a reliable, sought-after model will retain more than the curve suggests, and a weak one less. Use it to understand the scale of depreciation, then check the specific model.