The Top 20 Cars With The Worst Resale Values: Avoid These Depreciation Pitfalls

1. **BMW 7 Series**: Priced at $107,657 when new, but with a resale value of just $50,297 after five years, the BMW 7 Series experiences a depreciation of 53.3%. It’s a flagship sedan with a handsome design and a range of powerful engines. However, its high initial cost and the rapid depreciation make it a less-than-ideal choice for those concerned with resale value.

2. **Mercedes-Benz GLS**: The GLS is touted as the S-Class of SUVs, boasting a luxurious design and a starting price of $116,680. After five years, its value drops to $44,047, reflecting a depreciation of 62.3%. While it’s large and stylish, its high cost of ownership and depreciation make it a poor investment if resale value is a priority.

3. **Land Rover Range Rover**: With an original price of $131,111 and a resale value of $57,623, the Range Rover loses 56% of its value over five years. Known for its luxury and off-road capabilities, it can be expensive to maintain, contributing to its steep depreciation.

4. **Mercedes-Benz GLE**: Initially priced at $90,322, the GLE’s value decreases to $39,642, a depreciation of 56.1%. This midsize luxury SUV offers a range of model choices, but its resale value is not one of its strong points.

5. **Infiniti QX80**: This full-size SUV’s price starts at $77,337, dropping to $36,642 after five years, which amounts to a depreciation of 52.6%. Although it offers comfort and off-road capabilities, its large size and fuel consumption contribute to its declining value.

6. **Jaguar XF**: Originally priced at $59,086, the Jaguar XF’s resale value falls to $29,289 after five years, reflecting a 50.4% depreciation. Despite its luxurious interior and classic styling, the XF struggles to hold its value in a market dominated by SUVs and electric vehicles.

7. **Audi A8**: The Audi A8, a large and comfortable sedan, starts at $95,553 and drops to $46,286, a depreciation of 51.6%. Its impressive tech features and all-wheel drive are attractive, but they don’t prevent a substantial drop in resale value.

8. **Porsche Cayenne**: This sporty SUV costs $103,367 new and depreciates to $55,219, equating to a 46.6% depreciation over five years. While it offers Porsche’s performance DNA, its resale value doesn’t measure up to its initial price.

9. **Audi A7**: The stylish Audi A7, with a new price of $79,684, depreciates by 48.8%, resulting in a resale value of $40,774. Its unique Sportback design may appeal visually, but it doesn’t keep its value as well as some other models.

10. **Audi SQ5**: Starting at $63,754, the Audi SQ5 depreciates to $32,744, a loss of 48.6%. It’s the sportiest version of the Q5 compact SUV, yet its resale value is not as robust as one might hope.

depreciation vehicle ownership — Accounting Treatment of Depreciation | Calculation and Example, Photo by financestrategists.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Understanding how depreciation affects vehicle ownership can save you from potential financial pitfalls. It’s essential to weigh the initial allure of luxury vehicles against their long-term value retention. By focusing on the cars that depreciate the least, such as certain sports cars and economy models, you can potentially mitigate the financial impact of depreciation.

11. **Ford Expedition**: The Ford Expedition, with a new price tag of $61,302, sees its value drop dramatically to $34,200 after five years, amounting to a depreciation of 44.2 percent. Despite being a reliable SUV with plenty of passenger and cargo space, the high fuel consumption and running costs take a toll on its resale value.

12. **Volvo S90**: Starting at $64,289, the Volvo S90 depreciates to $35,308 over five years, reflecting a depreciation rate of 45.1 percent. Known for its sleek design and innovative safety features, the S90 fails to retain its value due to competition from established luxury brands and its less thrilling performance.

13. **Audi A6**: This midsize luxury sedan, originally priced at $83,503, depreciates to $45,701 after five years, resulting in a 45.3 percent loss. The Audi A6 is appreciated for its smooth ride and tech-savvy interior, but its depreciation rate shows it struggles to hold its value amidst fierce competition in its segment.

14. **Lincoln Navigator**: With an initial price of $73,122, the Lincoln Navigator’s resale value drops to $39,625, a reduction of 45.8 percent after five years. This full-size luxury SUV offers ample space and robust performance, yet its hefty depreciation is influenced by high maintenance costs and fuel expenses.

15. **Mercedes-Benz S-Class**: Priced at $142,700, the S-Class falls to a resale value of $77,058 over five years, marking a 46.0 percent depreciation. Renowned for its luxury and advanced technology, the significant depreciation reflects the high costs of ownership and the rapid development of new technology in this class.

16. **Porsche Panamera**: Initially priced at $127,503, the Panamera depreciates to $68,852, losing 46.0 percent of its value in five years. This four-door sports car offers exhilarating performance, but the luxury sedan segment’s competitiveness contributes to its substantial depreciation.

17. **Cadillac Escalade ESV**: The Escalade ESV, costing $66,377 new, depreciates to $35,744 after five years, a loss of 46.2 percent. While it is a symbol of American luxury and power, the Escalade ESV’s depreciation reflects the challenge of maintaining its status against more fuel-efficient and modern competitors.

18. **Infiniti QX80**: Starting at $59,086, the QX80’s value decreases to $29,289 after five years, equating to 50.4 percent depreciation. This full-size luxury SUV is valued for its comfort and capability, yet its steep depreciation is influenced by its high fuel consumption and evolving market trends.

19. **Maserati Ghibli**: The Maserati Ghibli, priced at $38,839 when new, sees its value decline to $21,575, marking a 44.5 percent depreciation over five years. Known for its Italian flair and performance, the Ghibli’s depreciation rate points to the high costs of maintenance and the niche appeal of the brand.

20. **Chevrolet Bolt**: Introduced at $61,302, the Chevrolet Bolt depreciates to $34,200 over five years, experiencing a 44.2 percent depreciation. Despite being a pioneering electric vehicle, its resale value is impacted by rapid technological advancements and recent recalls related to battery issues.