Car depreciation calculator with the assumptions on the table
Depreciation is the ownership cost most shoppers miss. Model current value and future loss with a visible front-loaded curve instead of a black-box “your car is worth X” number.
Current estimated value
$35,000
0.0 years after purchase
Value already lost
$0
0.0% of original price
Value in 5 years
$15,316
may lose another $19,684
| Year | Projected value | Loss this year | Annual rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,000 | $7,000 | 20.0% |
| 2 | $24,080 | $3,920 | 14.0% |
| 3 | $20,709 | $3,371 | 14.0% |
| 4 | $17,810 | $2,899 | 14.0% |
| 5 | $15,316 | $2,493 | 14.0% |
Why the curve is front-loaded
The new-car premium falls immediately after purchase, so a constant straight-line decline underestimates the first year and overstates later losses. This calculator uses a higher first-year rate, then reduces remaining value each following year. Mileage and condition multiply the rates, because wear has a measurable market consequence.
A preparation number should relocate the negotiation, not replace it. Check actual listings for the model, year, mileage band, service history and option configuration. Use VIN and specification evidence to confirm that two comparables are fundamentally alike before treating the price gap as condition alone.