Car Depreciation Calculator

A new car loses an average of 15-25% of its value per year.

What this calculator does

A $35,000 car is worth approximately $21,000 after 3 years at 15%/year.

When to use this calculator

Reach for this tool whenever a financial decision hinges on this type of calculation. Small differences in rate or term become large differences in total cost or return over multi-year horizons — differences that only become visible when you run the actual numbers.

Common mistakes

The most consequential mistake is comparing financial figures that are not on the same basis — gross versus net, before-tax versus after-tax, or nominal versus inflation-adjusted. Always check whether figures you are comparing use the same definition.

Real-world scenarios

A first-time buyer models three scenarios before making an offer: 10%, 15%, and 20% deposit on a £280,000 property. The calculator shows exactly how the monthly payment and total interest cost change with each deposit level, making the decision visible rather than speculative.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a car depreciate per year?

Average 15-25% per year, with the most in the first year.

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