Car depreciation is a source of intense consternation when purchasing a new or used vehicle. All cars lose their value, and this process begins sharply. The average new car loses approximately 10 percent of its value as soon as it’s driven off the dealer’s lot. At the end of the first year, the car will lose an additional 10 percent on average – and often much more.
Vehicles from an unappealing brand or with few options will feel the biggest impact, depreciating as much as half their purchase price in the first one or two years. If the manufacturer is retiring a vehicle, then the value can drop like a lead weight. This loss in value is relevant to any used car buyer.
What’s more is that depreciation doesn’t necessarily slow much after the first year. New cars continue to depreciate for another four more years, averaging a value loss of 15-25 percent each year. By the time it is five years old, the average car has lost 60 percent of its retail value.
If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle soon, it pays to know the market. Below is a list of 20 vehicles that are currently losing their value the fastest and why.
50 – Hyundai Genesis
The Hyundai Genesis is at the top of the list of vehicles that depreciate the most and quickest. The Genesis competes with other luxury cars, but lacks the brand appeal of an established luxury vehicle. Its price tag is comparable to Mercedes or Lexus models, but it will lose 38 percent of its purchase value within the first 12 months. This is a drawback if buying brand new, but could be considered a benefit if buying used. Car buyers looking for luxury can buy a 1-year-old Genesis for $16k less than a brand new one (which starts at around $52k).
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