Interactive Tool
Car depreciation calculator
Estimate what a car will be worth in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years. Enter a purchase price and pick a vehicle type — the projection is anchored to the average five-year depreciation we observe for that type in real used-car listings.
| Age | Estimated value | Value lost | Retained |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $37,150 | −$2,850 | 93% |
| 3 years | $32,050 | −$7,950 | 80% |
| 5 years | $27,650 | −$12,350 | 69% |
| 7 years | $23,850 | −$16,150 | 60% |
| 10 years | $19,100 | −$20,900 | 48% |
Estimates use the observed average five-year depreciation for the selected vehicle type and project a smooth curve from it. A specific car's value also depends on trim, mileage, condition, options, and local demand — open its model page for a vehicle-specific estimate.
Want an exact estimate for one car?
This tool uses vehicle-type averages. For a specific model, each model page has a value estimator built on that model's own fitted depreciation curve, plus year-by-year prices and the best year to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a car depreciate in 5 years?
Across the vehicles in the CarResaleValue dataset, a typical car loses about 31% of its value over five years, keeping roughly 69%. The exact figure depends heavily on the make, model, and vehicle type — pick a vehicle type above to project a specific price.
What type of vehicle holds its value best?
In our data, pickup trucks retain the most value on average over five years. Trucks and body-on-frame SUVs often depreciate more slowly than sedans, while luxury and electric models can lose value faster. Use the vehicle-type selector for a segment-specific estimate.
How does this depreciation calculator work?
It anchors to the observed average five-year depreciation for the vehicle type you choose, then projects a smooth retention curve from your purchase price across 1 to 10 years. It is an estimate based on real used-car listing data, not a guaranteed appraisal — a specific car's value also depends on trim, mileage, condition, options, and local demand.