Car Depreciation Calculator
Calculate vehicle value depreciation and resale estimates over 1 to 10 years based on car type, price, and mileage.
- 100% free
- Private in browser
- No signup
- No watermarks
Depreciation & Resale Projection
Projected Value in 5 Years$19,314Retains 50.8% of purchase price
Total Value Lost (Depreciation)$18,686Loss of 49.2% over 5 years
Average Annual Loss$3,737 / yr
Cost Per Mile (Depreciation)$0.31 / mile
Initial Outlay$38,000
Year-by-Year Residual Value Schedule
| Year | Estimated Value | Annual Depreciation | Total Lost | Value Retained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $31,160 | -$6,840 | -$6,840 | 82% |
| Year 2 | $26,798 | -$4,362 | -$11,202 | 70.5% |
| Year 3 | $23,582 | -$3,216 | -$14,418 | 62.1% |
| Year 4 | $21,224 | -$2,358 | -$16,776 | 55.9% |
| Year 5 | $19,314 | -$1,910 | -$18,686 | 50.8% |
Rate this tool
Be the first to rate — helps others and improves this page.
About Car Depreciation Calculator
Buying a new or used vehicle and wondering what it will be worth in 3, 5, or 10 years? The Car Depreciation Calculator predicts resale values and cumulative depreciation based on real automotive market data. Tailor your projection by vehicle class (Sedan, SUV, Truck, Luxury, or EV), purchase condition, and annual driving mileage to uncover the true cost of car ownership.
How to use Car Depreciation Calculator
- Enter the vehicle purchase or sticker price.
- Select the vehicle category (SUV, Sedan, Pickup Truck, Luxury, or EV).
- Specify whether you are buying brand new or used, along with your annual mileage.
- View the future resale value, average annual loss, and full year-by-year residual schedule.
Key features
- Empirical category depreciation curves for SUVs, Trucks, Sedans, Luxury, and EVs
- Adjusts loss rates dynamically based on annual driving mileage above or below average
- Calculates depreciation cost-per-mile to gauge true commuting expenses
- Detailed 1 to 10-year residual value and cumulative loss breakdown schedule
- 100% free and private client-side calculator without ads or data collection
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does a new car lose value in the first year?
- A brand new car typically depreciates 15% to 25% within the first 12 months as soon as it leaves the dealership lot, depending on the make, model, and vehicle class.
- Which vehicle types hold their value best?
- Pickup trucks and reliable compact SUVs generally hold value best, while luxury vehicles and early-generation electric vehicles tend to depreciate more rapidly.
- Does buying a 2-to-3-year-old used car save money on depreciation?
- Yes. By purchasing a used car after the steepest first-year cliff, the previous owner absorbs the biggest depreciation loss while you enjoy flatter subsequent depreciation curves.
- How does high mileage affect vehicle depreciation?
- The national average is roughly 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. Driving significantly more increases mechanical wear and tear, reducing trade-in and resale value.
- Is any of my car financial data saved or transmitted to a third party?
- No. All calculations are evaluated locally in your web browser. No information is stored on or sent to remote servers.
Related In-Depth Guides
Learn practical workflows, real-world examples, and expert tips in our comprehensive guides: