Calcvers
Car Depreciation Calculator
Vehicle Costs & Sizing
Generated
September 24, 2026
Estimated current value
$19,440
$10,560 (−35.2%) lost over 3 years
Your inputs
- Currency
- USD ($)
- Purchase price
- 30,000
- Current age
- 3 years
- First-year depreciation
- 20 %
- Depreciation after year one
- 10 %
Breakdown
- Total depreciation
- $10,560
- Value at year one
- $24,000
- Value at next whole year
- $19,440
Value over time
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Year 0 | $30,000 |
| Year 1 | $30,000 |
| Year 2 | $24,000 |
| Year 3 | $21,600 |
| Year 4 | $19,440 |
| Year 5 | $17,496 |
Estimated resale value by year
| Age | Value | Lost |
|---|---|---|
| 0 yr | $30,000 | $0.00 |
| 1 yr | $30,000 | $0.00 |
| 2 yr | $24,000 | $6,000.00 |
| 3 yr | $21,600 | $8,400.00 |
| 4 yr | $19,440 | $10,560 |
| 5 yr | $17,496 | $12,504 |
| 6 yr | $15,746 | $14,254 |
| 7 yr | $14,172 | $15,828 |
| 8 yr | $12,755 | $17,245 |
Estimates using your entered depreciation rates.
What this means
Depreciation is the fall in a car's resale value over time. New cars lose value fastest in the first year — often around 20% — because they leave the forecourt with a used-car markdown. After that the fall typically settles to a steadier annual rate. This calculator applies your first-year and ongoing rates year by year, then linearly within the current year, to estimate what the car is worth now.
Recommendations
- If you buy new and plan to sell, a larger down payment or lower trim can reduce early 'sticker-to-value' loss.
- Keep mileage and condition good — both are strong drivers of resale value independent of age.
- Consider buying a 2–3 year old car: you skip the steepest first-year depreciation.
Watch out
- Depreciation is an estimate; actual resale value depends heavily on brand, condition, mileage, and market demand.
- Luxury and EV models can depreciate faster than average; some classics appreciate.