Auto Depreciation Calculator
See how mileage, condition, brand, and vehicle type impact resale value. Compare depreciation curves and total cost of ownership over 1-10 years.
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Vehicle Inputs
Select the segment that best aligns with your vehicle.
Baseline retention (~54% value kept at 5 years per iSeeCars study).
Uses resale strength data to adjust the depreciation curve for your make.
Minor wear, well maintained, no major dents or dings
Most in-demand colors; boost resale stability.
Depreciation Snapshot
Purchase Price
$42,000
Original MSRP entered for this analysis.
Current Value
$42,000
Retained 100.0% of purchase price at age 0 years.
Value in 10 Years
$16,670
Year 10 projection using midsize suv trend.
Depreciation Over Forecast
$25,330
Drop from today's value after 10 years of ownership.
Value typically stabilizes around year 10, reaching roughly 20% of the original price.
Resale Value Projection
Total Cost of Ownership (Depreciation Focus)
Depreciation is the largest component of ownership cost. Estimated depreciation over your forecast is $25,330 (10 years outlook), or $0.21 per mile assuming 12,000 miles/year.
Depreciation Strategies
If Buying New
- Plan to keep the vehicle at least 5 years to absorb the initial drop.
- Pick brands/trims with high reliability scores for better resale value.
- Choose neutral colors and keep mileage under 12k/year when possible.
If Buying Used
- Certified pre-owned (2-3 years old) balances warranty and depreciation.
- Verify accident history; even minor collisions can cut value by 10-20%.
- Negotiate price using projected future value as leverage.
When to Sell
- Sell before major mileage milestones (60k, 100k) to avoid value cliffs.
- Trucks/SUVs with high demand may retain more value during shortages.
- Consider seasonal demand—convertibles sell higher in spring/summer.
Maintenance Matters
Document oil changes, services, and repairs. Vehicles with complete maintenance records can command 5-10% higher resale value versus those without history.
Key Financial Terms
Understand the essential concepts behind this calculator
🚗 Transportation & Vehicle Data Sources
• Average annual cost: $12,297 ($1,025/month) for 15,000 miles/year
• Small sedan: ~$8,500/year
• Medium SUV: ~$12,000/year
• Pickup truck: ~$13,500/year
• Includes depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, registration, financing
→ Source: AAA - Your Driving Costs
• New vehicles typically lose 20-30% of value in the first year
• Average 5-year depreciation across all vehicles: ~45-50%
• Trucks and SUVs with high demand retain closer to 55-60%
→ Source: Car and Driver - Depreciation Analysis
• Hybrids average 40.7% depreciation after 5 years (best retention)
• Gasoline & mixed powertrains average 45.6% depreciation after 5 years
• Battery electric vehicles average 58.8% depreciation after 5 years (worst retention)
→ Source: iSeeCars 5-Year Depreciation Study (2025)
• Historical trend: Plug-in vehicles depreciate faster than conventional vehicles
• Improvements in battery tech are narrowing the depreciation gap
• Used EV pricing is heavily influenced by federal tax credits and rapid tech cycles
→ Source: Argonne National Lab - Residual Value Trends
→ Source: Recurrent Auto - Used EV Buying Report
• Up to $7,500 tax credit for new EVs
• Up to $4,000 for used EVs (price cap $25,000)
• Income limits apply: $300k joint, $225k head of household, $150k single
• Vehicle must meet domestic assembly and battery component requirements
→ Source: IRS - Clean Vehicle Credits
• Regular gasoline: $3.10-3.60/gallon (national average)
• Diesel: $3.50-4.20/gallon
• Electricity for EVs: $0.11-0.16/kWh (home charging), equivalent to $0.80-1.20/gallon
• At 12,000 miles/year: Gas car (25 mpg) = $1,680/yr | EV (3.5 mi/kWh) = $620/yr
→ Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
• Full coverage: $2,008/year ($167/month) national average
• Minimum liability: $622/year ($52/month)
• Varies significantly by state, age, driving record, and vehicle
→ Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
• Average annual maintenance/repairs: $1,186 per vehicle
• EVs: ~40% lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer brake repairs)
• Luxury vehicles: 1.5-2x higher maintenance than economy cars
→ Source: AAA - Vehicle Maintenance Costs
• ~30% of new vehicles are leased (down from 35% pre-pandemic)
• Average lease: $578/month for 36 months
• Typical lease mileage allowance: 12,000-15,000 miles/year
• Excess mileage fees: $0.15-0.30 per mile over limit
→ Source: Edmunds - Leasing Statistics
Note: Transportation costs vary widely by location, vehicle type, and usage. Urban dwellers may save significantly by using public transit or rideshare instead of owning.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This Auto Depreciation Calculator provides estimates for educational and informational purposes only. Actual results may vary significantly based on individual circumstances, market conditions, regulatory changes, and other factors beyond the scope of this calculator.
The calculations and projections provided are based on assumptions and historical data that may not reflect future performance.Past performance does not guarantee future results.
This tool is not financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or investment advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult with qualified professionals including:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for tax matters
- Licensed attorney for legal matters
- Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for investment decisions
Data Accuracy: All data sources, statistics, and rates were verified as accurate as of October 2025. Tax rates, market conditions, and other financial data change over time. Always verify current rates and consult official sources.
No Warranties: While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Use this tool at your own risk.