What is your car actually worth today? This free car depreciation calculator estimates your vehicle’s current value using typical first-year and ongoing depreciation rates, so you know roughly where you stand before selling or trading in.
Uses a general estimate: ~20% depreciation in year one, ~15% each following year.
Actual depreciation varies significantly by make, model, mileage and condition. Check a valuation service for a precise figure before selling.
What This Car Depreciation Calculator Shows You
A car depreciation calculator estimates how much value a vehicle has lost since purchase, using typical industry depreciation curves. New cars lose value fastest in the first year, then depreciate more gradually.
Typical Depreciation Timeline
| Year | Typical value lost |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | ~20% |
| Year 2 | ~15% of remaining value |
| Year 3 | ~15% of remaining value |
| Year 5 | Often 40-60% total lost |
Why New Cars Lose Value So Fast in Year One
The moment a new car is driven off the lot, it’s no longer “new” – it becomes a used car in the eyes of the resale market, which triggers a steep initial value drop regardless of actual condition or mileage.
Factors That Change Your Actual Depreciation Rate
- Make and model: some brands and models hold value far better than others.
- Mileage: higher-than-average mileage accelerates value loss.
- Condition: accident history and wear affect resale value beyond age alone.
- Market demand: popular models in short supply can depreciate slower than this general estimate.
Comparing a new purchase? See the full cost with our Auto Loan Calculator or Loan Calculator.