The Fastest-Depreciating Cars: Your Guide to Smart Used Car Buying
Buying a new car is a big investment, and savvy buyers know that resale value is a crucial factor. Unless you are among the ultra-wealthy who don’t mind the rapid loss of value from a brand-new vehicle, understanding depreciation is key. Fortunately, the cars that depreciate fastest become the best deals on the used market.
iSeeCars conducted a study of over 800,000 five-year-old used cars sold between March 2024 and February 2025. The results show that, in 2025, nearly every vehicle type is losing value faster than they did in 2023. This is bad news for those purchasing new cars, but great news for those looking to buy used.
Trucks and hybrids retain the most value of the different types of new cars. Trucks lose 40.5% of their value over five years, and hybrids lose 40.7%. Electric vehicles, as a category, lose the most value, depreciating a staggering 58.8% over five years.
At the other end of the spectrum, sports cars and small SUVs hold their value the best. The Porsche 911 tops the list in this category, followed by the Porsche 718 Cayman, the Toyota Tacoma, the Chevrolet Corvette, and the Honda Civic.
Most of the cars on the fastest-depreciating list are luxury vehicles that already have high prices when new, so they won’t necessarily become affordable for those on a tight budget. However, if you are looking for a luxury car at a discount, or want to have a luxury car look on a budget, you can potentially get a great deal on a used car.
Here are the ten car models that depreciate the fastest over a five-year period, according to the iSeeCars study.
10. Cadillac Escalade ESV
The Cadillac Escalade ESV, which stands for Escalade Stretch Vehicle, rounds out the list at number 10. These SUVs lose an average of 62.9% of their original value after five years, a loss of approximately $56,996. The standard-length Escalade ranks 16th on the list, losing a still-significant 61% of its value over the same period. If you’re interested in getting an Escalade, buying used is the way to go.
9. Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X comes in at number nine on the list, losing 63.4% of its value over five years, which translates to an average loss of $53,846. The Model X has been on the market with only minor updates for a decade, and better and more reliable options have entered the market.
8. Maserati Levante
Maserati models have struggled with depreciation, and that continues this year. The Levante loses an average of 63.7% of its value over five years, amounting to a loss of $64,991. Maserati has ended production of the Levante, but some new examples may still be on dealer lots. If you really want a Levante and can’t find a good deal on a new one, there are plenty of deals on used Levantes if you’re brave enough to buy a used Italian car.
7. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is the only non-luxury car on the list. Leafs lose 64.1% of their value over five years, with an average loss of $18,043. There are great deals on new Leafs, but you might find even better ones on the used market. Keep in mind that they can suffer from EV battery degradation, so checking battery health is essential.
6. BMW 5 Series Hybrid
The BMW 5 Series Hybrid loses an average of 64.7% of its value over five years, equaling a loss of $47,457. The rest of the 5 Series line fares slightly better, but still appears at number 13 on the list. Used 5 Series models are impressively affordable. Driving enthusiasts on a budget might find an excellent deal in a used 5 Series.
5. Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli has a notorious reputation for poor resale values, and that hasn’t changed this year. Used Ghiblis lose an average of 64.7% of their value over five years, leading to the highest dollar amount lost on this list at $70,874. However, if you’re brave enough to buy a used Italian exotic, you will likely find great deals.
4. Infiniti QX80
The large and luxurious Infiniti QX80 loses an average of 65% of its value over five years, or $53,571. Its platform mate, the Nissan Armada, fares slightly better but is still at number 24 on the list, losing 60% of its value, or $33,914 over five years. The QX80 is the fastest-depreciating large SUV on the list, which means some great deals are out there.
3. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S, Tesla’s longest-running model, comes in at third place on this list. The average Model S loses 65.2% of its value, or $52,165 over five years. It has been on sale without a major redesign for 13 years and now faces stiff competition from numerous competitors. You might want to buy a used one if you must, or go for one of the many superior competitor models.
2. BMW 7 Series
BMW’s flagship sedan depreciates rapidly. Over five years, the average 7 Series loses 67% of its value, or $65,249. Other German luxury sedans also appear on this list. Buying a new large German luxury sedan is not a wise investment, and buying a used one can be risky because of complex and costly repairs. If you’re looking for a great deal, the 7 Series may be to your liking.
1. Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace, an electric SUV, was an innovator when it was first introduced in 2019. The I-Pace loses an average of 72.2%, or $51,953, of its value over five years. It is no longer in production, and you might find a reasonable deal on a used I-Pace.
