Based on 911,206 used cars listed for sale across the U.S. (May 2026–October 2026), a typical vehicle loses roughly 44% of its value in its first 5 years and about 72% within 10 years. The steepest drop is up front — around 18% gone in the first year alone. In dollars, on today's ~$42,500 near-new median that's roughly $7,650 lost in year one and about $18,700 over five years.
Median price by model year
Median asking price of used cars on the market today, by model year — the shape of depreciation. Hover or drag to scrub.
| Model year | Median price | Avg mileage | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,204 mi | 12,087 | |
| 2025 | 19,276 mi | 20,704 | |
| 2024 | 34,264 mi | 24,518 | |
| 2023 | 49,977 mi | 29,002 | |
| 2022 | 73,185 mi | 29,243 | |
| 2021 | 81,418 mi | 31,851 | |
| 2020 | 94,390 mi | 36,711 | |
| 2019 | 101,058 mi | 50,493 | |
| 2018 | 106,297 mi | 53,494 | |
| 2017 | 113,445 mi | 59,697 | |
| 2016 | 119,170 mi | 58,857 | |
| 2015 | 126,395 mi | 63,554 | |
| 2014 | 129,965 mi | 56,092 | |
| 2013 | 134,370 mi | 52,111 | |
| 2012 | 138,785 mi | 45,169 | |
| 2011 | 142,511 mi | 35,580 | |
| 2010 | 145,376 mi | 29,247 | |
| 2009 | 145,085 mi | 21,892 | |
| 2008 | 149,766 mi | 30,341 | |
| 2007 | 152,775 mi | 27,500 | |
| 2006 | 149,883 mi | 25,556 | |
| 2005 | 150,629 mi | 20,715 |
Which brands hold their value best
Over five years, Honda holds the most — about 76% of its value — while Landrover keeps just 19%. Which badge is on the hood moves the money more than almost anything else.
Share of value kept after five years — median price of a 1-year-old car vs a 5-year-old, by brand.
The models that hold value — and the ones that don't
At the model level the gap is brutal: a Toyota Land Cruiser keeps 231% of its value after five years, while a Cadillac Escalade holds barely 22% — a five-figure difference on the same-age car.
Models that hold value best — 1-year-old vs 5-year-old median price.
…and the fastest to lose it:
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How much value is gone by each age
Cumulative loss from new, by age — the first year is the cliff, then it eases.
The math points to buying at 2–3 years old: the first-year cliff (about 18%) has already been paid by the original owner, yet the car is still nearly new — low miles, often with factory warranty left.
Body style matters: Coupe vs pickup
Coupes hold about 94% of their value over five years, while pickups keep only 48%.
Do pricier cars lose more?
Average value kept over five years, grouped by a car's price when near-new.
How mileage drives the price down
Independent of age, a used car sheds roughly $1,635 for every 10,000 miles on the odometer. Low-mileage cars command a steep premium — which is why a garage-kept commuter and a road-warrior of the same year can be worlds apart in price. Check current used-market prices to see the spread for yourself.
Median asking price by odometer reading, all model years pooled — the shape of mileage-based depreciation.
How a salvage or rebuilt title cuts value
A salvage or rebuilt title knocks roughly 18% off a car's price versus an identical clean-title car of the same year. A vehicle that's been totaled and repaired sells for far less — even when it looks and drives fine.
Share of listings by title status — the vast majority are clean, but branded (salvage + rebuilt) titles trade at a steep discount.
Car depreciation — frequently asked
How much does a new car depreciate in the first year?
Based on 911,206 current U.S. used-car listings, a typical vehicle loses about 18% of its value in the first year — the single steepest drop.
How much is a car worth after 5 years?
On average a 5-year-old car keeps roughly 56% of its value — about 44% is gone. By 10 years the loss is around 72%.
Which car brands hold their value best?
In our data Honda holds the most — about 76% of value over five years — while Landrover keeps roughly 19%.
Do luxury cars depreciate faster?
Yes. Cars priced over $70k when near-new kept the least value over five years in our data, while mid-priced mainstream cars held up best.
How does mileage affect a car's value?
A used car loses about $1,635 for every 10,000 miles on the odometer, on top of age-based depreciation.
Is it better to buy a car that's 2–3 years old?
Often yes: the first-year depreciation cliff (~18%) is already absorbed by the original owner, yet a 2–3-year-old car is still nearly new with low miles.
How much does a salvage or rebuilt title lower a car's value?
A salvage or rebuilt title cuts a car's price by about 18% versus an identical clean-title car of the same year, based on our listings. Branded-title cars are cheaper to buy but harder to insure and resell.
Methodology
Cite this study
Journalists and writers are welcome to use these findings with attribution and a link to this page.
ForCar Research, “How Fast Does a Car Lose Value?.” ForCar.org. https://forcar.org/car-depreciation/Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.