Free Car Depreciation Calculator
Estimate your vehicle's loss in value based on its age, mileage, fuel type, and overall condition. Instant and free results.
Results are for informational purposes only. Data comes from public government databases and manufacturer records. Always verify critical information independently before making a purchase decision.
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4 factors
Age, km, fuel, condition
How does car depreciation work?
Understanding how your vehicle loses value over time
A car starts losing value the moment it's first registered. On average, a new vehicle loses 22% of its value in the first year, then between 10% and 15% per year after that.
Mileage plays a key role. Beyond 15,000 km per year, depreciation speeds up. Conversely, low mileage can help preserve value.
Fuel type also affects the resale price. Diesel cars have seen steeper depreciation since urban driving restrictions came into effect. Electric and hybrid vehicles tend to hold their value better in the early years.
Depreciation rates by year
Average depreciation rates observed on the French market for a standard-use vehicle (12,000 - 15,000 km/year).
| Year | Annual rate | Cumulative depreciation |
|---|---|---|
Year 1 | 22% | 22% |
Year 2 | 15% | 34% |
Year 3 | 12% | 42% |
Year 4 | 10% | 48% |
Year 5 | 8% | 52% |
Year 6 | 6% | 55% |
Year 7 | 6% | 58% |
Year 8 | 6% | 60% |
Year 10 | 6% | 65% |
The 4 factors that impact depreciation
Each factor affects your vehicle's residual value differently.
Vehicle age
The biggest depreciation driver. Loss is steep in the first 3 years (up to 42%), then slows down gradually.
Mileage
Beyond 15,000 km/year, each additional 10,000 km adds 2% to 3% in depreciation.
Fuel type
Diesels lose more value due to low-emission zone restrictions. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles hold their value better.
Overall condition
Bodywork, interior, maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle with a full service history can reduce depreciation by 5% to 10%.
Frequently asked questions about depreciation
How is car depreciation calculated?
Depreciation is calculated by combining the vehicle's age, mileage, fuel type, and overall condition. Our tool applies average French market rates, adjusted with specific coefficients for each criterion.
Why do diesel cars lose more value?
With the rollout of Low Emission Zones (ZFE) in major French cities, diesel vehicles face increasing driving restrictions. This trend pushes buyers toward petrol or electric options, lowering demand and resale values for diesels.
How does mileage affect the value?
Standard mileage is around 12,000 to 15,000 km per year. Below that, your car holds its value better. Above it, each additional 10,000 km can reduce the value by an extra 2% to 3% on top of age-related depreciation.
Do electric cars hold their value better?
Generally, yes. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles benefit from stronger residual values, especially in the first 5 years. This is driven by growing demand, purchase incentives, and low-emission zone advantages. Keep in mind, though, that battery technology evolves quickly, which can impact older models.
How can I reduce my car's depreciation?
There are several ways: keep up with regular maintenance and service records, limit mileage when possible, choose popular colors and options when buying, and hold on to all documents (invoices, MOT certificates). A car in excellent condition can be worth 5% to 10% more than an equivalent poorly maintained one.
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Data based on average depreciation rates observed on the French car market. Results are indicative and may vary depending on the model, brand, and local market conditions.
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