HOW DOES VEHICLE DEPRECIATION WORK
Depreciation is the largest factor that impacts the value of your car. First, let’s define what vehicle depreciation is. Vehicle depreciation is, simply put, the rate at which your vehicle will lose value as time passes. It’s important to know that, with the exception of some limited production, immediately collectible examples, all vehicles depreciate over time—there’s simply no way around it. But while every car loses value over time, the rate at which a car depreciates varies by vehicle. It is largely impacted by age, mileage, make, and model of the vehicle in question.
01.
Vehicle Depreciation of New Cars
Unfortunately, new vehicles depreciate faster than used vehicles. A newly purchased vehicle immediately loses 10% of its value the moment you drive it off a dealership’s lot. It can lose another 10% to 20% by the end of the first year of ownership. And afterward, you can expect a 15% to 25% depreciation year over year. Some sources state that a new car may depreciate up to 60% in value by the fifth year of ownership. However, other sources state that a car may reach this same depreciation value as early as the third year of ownership.
02.
Vehicle Depreciation of Used Cars
A used vehicle depreciates just like a new one. However, choosing to buy a car that is a year old could save you 20% to 30% of the vehicle’s original MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price). If you buy a car that’s older than one year, your saving’s will increase even further—it will retain a value closer to what you paid for it, should you choose to sell it later.
03.
Vehicle Depreciation of Leased Vehicles
Leasing a vehicle is also an interesting option, as the dealer includes the projected depreciated value in the lease price. It also has a set buyout price at the end of the lease, which means that, should you choose to buy it, you might make a profit by selling it afterward. This may be the case if the buyout price is lower than the vehicle’s present value. Additionally, you can return the car to the dealership a once the lease is up and you will not have to worry about the vehicle’s depreciation rate at all!
Now that you know how vehicle depreciation works, you can better understand why you shouldn’t trade-in your car. As such, if you’re ready to get rid of your vehicle, contact the Don’t Trade It In® team.
Ready To Sell Your Vehicle?
REQUEST A QUOTE
GET AN OFFER
AGREE TO TERMS
WE COME TO YOU
Contact info
We want to talk to you today!
Drop us a line
Any questions or need an offer? We are looking forward to hearing from you!
(855) 480-9300
info@donttradeitin.com
5201 Grisham Dr. Rowlett, TX 75088