QOTD: The Cars Our Readers Are Hoping Lose Value
By Collin Woodard March 6, 2025
I recently bemoaned the remarkably slow depreciation of early Nissan GT-Rs. It’s been over fifteen years since 2009, and the prospect of affording a used model—built when Obama was still in office—remains a long shot, especially when salvage titles seem to be the only bargain in town. While these cars are special, their resistance to typical depreciation trends is still frustrating.
I suspected my feelings resonated with other readers, so we posed the question:
What cars do you wish would depreciate faster?
The response was overwhelming, exceeding our ability to include everything. Here’s a look at some of the most popular answers:
Lexus LC 500
One reader expressed a strong desire for the Lexus LC 500 to depreciate significantly. They see it as a beautiful GT car with a great engine and expect it to be more reliable than many cars in the $100,000 range. However, the car’s value has held steady, which makes it less achievable.
Ford Maverick
Several readers are frustrated that used Ford Mavericks currently cost as much as new ones. Contributing factors include price increases and the vehicle’s popularity.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
One reader’s dream car is the Cadillac CT4 or CT5 Blackwing, particularly with a six-speed manual transmission. It’s one of the few newer cars they’d consider spending money on.
Lexus GX 550
Another reader has their eye on a Lexus GX 550. They’re hoping to buy a certified pre-owned model with under 50,000 miles for less than $50,000 in three years. Considering the current price of a new model (around $80,000) and a slightly higher price for used ones, they’re banking on market adjustments.
Lexus LFA
This legendary car remains a dream car, and this reader’s appreciation goes back to the original announcement. Its engineering, precision, and design make it special, even if it isn’t the fastest or highest performing.
Audi R8 V10
For one reader, the ultimate goal is an Audi R8 V10 with a six-speed gated manual shifter, or any R8 model for that matter. Even earlier models from the first model year can still fetch prices from $60,000 to over $100,000.
“All of Them”
One reader expressed a more general wish, citing the current cost of used American sedans. In the past, these cars have been available for less than Toyotas, but that’s not always the case anymore.
Teslas
This reader’s wish is for Teslas to depreciate quickly.
Porsche 991 GT3
Another reader focuses on the Porsche 991 GT3 generation, noting it’s unusual that an eleven-year-old car is selling for close to MSRP, but the current price hikes diminish the chances of achieving its acquisition.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
While S-Class vehicles already depreciate quickly, one reader would like to see this even further, highlighting the advantages of a large luxury sedan for long commutes.
Dodge Hellcat
A reader wants Hellcats to depreciate as well. They have a specific interest in models with under 50,000 miles selling for under $35,000.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
This reader would also like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio to depreciate.
Acura NSX
The first-generation NSX is also on this reader’s wish list. It initially started to depreciate then didn’t, and now remains out of reach.
Lotus Evora GT
This model is starting to depreciate from the high prices seen during the pandemic.
Alfa Romeo 4C
This reader wished that Alfa Romeo’s effort to import cars to the United States had failed, creating an abundance of the 4C coupe for a price they’d like to pay, but it never happened.
