Car Depreciation Calculator - Project Value & Yearly Rate
Car Depreciation Calculator
See how fast your car loses value
Value Year by Year
A table of the value, and the share lost, at the end of each year.
Steep First Year
New cars lose most in the first year, so it has its own rate.
Find the Rate
Turn a price and a current value into the average yearly rate.
Full Privacy
Everything is calculated in your browser.
How Cars Lose Value
Cars depreciate fastest when new. A common rule of thumb is a drop of around 20% in the first year and roughly 15% of the remaining value each year after, so a $30,000 car is worth about $24,000 after one year and about $12,500 after five. The calculator applies your first-year rate once and your yearly rate to the value at the start of each later year.
Real depreciation depends on the make and model, mileage, condition, fuel type and the market, so these rates are estimates to plan with rather than a valuation. Electric vehicles, luxury cars and some models lose value faster; trucks and some sports cars hold it better. For an actual price, check current listings or a valuation guide.
Key Takeaways
- Two ways: Project forward, or measure the rate from a real value.
- Up to 30 years: Project as far ahead as you like.
- An estimate: Not a valuation of a specific vehicle.