When it comes to the cost of owning a car, expenses like fuel, road tax, and insurance may seem significant, but the biggest financial hit comes from depreciation.
This refers to the difference between the price you pay for a brand-new vehicle and the amount you can recover when selling it later.
The resale value of a car, often called its residual value, can make a huge impact on your finances if not carefully considered.
In this article, we’re highlighting the fastest depreciating cars on the market, evaluating both their percentage of retained value and the total monetary loss over time.
Many factors influence a car’s residual value. Vehicles that are rare or have long waiting lists tend to hold their value well, whereas those with heavy discounts or high availability often see their worth decline rapidly.
Electric cars dominate the list of the fastest depreciating models, with factors like increasing supply, falling new car prices, and manufacturer discounting driven by compliance with the ZEV mandate all contributing to their sharp depreciation.
Below, we explore the vehicles that experience the biggest losses in value, based on expert market data.
10. Jaguar I-Pace
Variant: 90kWh 400 R-Dynamic
Retained Value: 30.75%
Average New Price: £69,995
Average Retained Value: £21,525
Jaguar’s upcoming brand transformation, which includes the introduction of the high-end Type 00 in 2026, will likely have buyers hoping for better resale values than those seen with the outgoing I-Pace.
While this luxury EV was once ahead of its time, competitors quickly caught up, and its 292-mile range has been surpassed by even more affordable models.
As a result, the I-Pace holds just over 30% of its original value after three years. However, for used car shoppers, picking up a three-year-old model for just over £20,000 may be an attractive prospect.
9. Maserati Ghibli
Variant: 3.8 V8 580 Ultima
Retained Value: 30.68%
Average New Price: £159,625
Average Retained Value: £48,975
At its launch, the Maserati Ghibli seemed poised to become a strong contender in the executive sports saloon segment.
However, despite its promising looks and sound, it struggled due to high pricing, inconsistent quality, and a decade-long production run with minimal updates.
If you opt for the powerful V8-powered Ultima version, be prepared for significant depreciation the car loses nearly 70% of its value in just three years.
This means that from an initial purchase price of almost £160,000, you’ll recoup only around £49,000 when it’s time to sell.
8. Audi S6
Variant: S6 3.0 TDI
Retained Value: 30.42%
Average New Price: £87,925
Average Retained Value: £26,750
The diesel-powered Audi S6 often finds itself overshadowed by the aggressive styling and V8 performance of the RS6, which likely contributes to its steep depreciation.
Over a three-year period, more than £61,000 vanishes from its value, making it one of the more heavily depreciating models in Audi’s lineup.
In most cases, this financial hit is absorbed by leasing companies or PCP agreements rather than individual cash buyers, but it serves as a reminder that not all Audis retain their value as strongly as the brand’s reputation might suggest.
However, for those in the market for a used luxury performance saloon, the S6 presents an excellent opportunity to grab a bargain.
7. Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Variant: 51kWh 156 GS
Retained Value: 30.34%
Average New Price: £32,625
Average Retained Value: £9,900
Built on the same platform as the Peugeot e-208, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric faces even steeper depreciation while the Peugeot ranks as the 22nd worst depreciating model, the Corsa Electric takes the 7th spot on this list.
Designed to feel familiar to drivers transitioning from petrol to electric, this supermini offers a more conventional driving experience compared to some EV rivals.
The major drawback is its price. A brand-new Corsa Electric costs over £10,000 more than its entry-level petrol counterpart unless buyers manage to negotiate significant discounts.
However, the depreciation figures show that those in the market for a used electric car could make substantial savings by opting for a three-year-old model instead.
Also Read: 10 Electric Cars That Have Better Performance Than a Tesla Model S
6. GWM Ora 03
Variant: 48kWh 171 Pure+
Retained Value: 30.24%
Average New Price: £31,995
Average Retained Value: £9,675
China’s automotive industry has been rapidly advancing, with some even arguing that it has surpassed European manufacturers in certain aspects.
However, when it comes to electric vehicle depreciation, the GWM Ora 03 (previously known as the Ora Funky Cat) is proof that it’s not immune to the same challenges faced by other EVs.
Despite having a price tag exceeding £30,000 when new, this model is expected to be worth less than £10,000 after just three years.
With relatively low demand for this uniquely styled vehicle from a lesser-known brand, prices may fall even further as it spends more time on the market.
5. Audi A8
Variant: 50 TDI V6 Sport Technology Pro Pack
Retained Value: 30.16%
Average New Price: £96,165
Average Retained Value: £29,000
How about a luxury vehicle at the price of a brand-new high-end supermini? That’s precisely what buyers of a three-year-old Audi A8 can expect, as this premium sedan retains just over 30% of its original value after three years.
While the A8 itself is a highly capable car, large German luxury sedans have historically suffered from steep depreciation.
Many owners prefer to upgrade to newer models after a few years, while second-hand buyers often shy away due to the substantial fuel and maintenance costs associated with vehicles in this segment.
4. Maserati Levante
Variant: 3.8 V8 Trofeo
Retained Value: 29.13%
Average New Price: £143,225
Average Retained Value: £41,725
It’s no surprise to find another Maserati on this list. Just like the Maserati Ghibli, the range-topping version of the Levante SUV the Trofeo experiences the steepest depreciation over three years, losing more than £100,000 in value.
Yes, that figure makes us wince too. Powered by a 523bhp V8, the Trofeo delivers an engaging driving experience and certainly boasts a distinctive look and premium feel.
However, high-performance SUVs from brands still struggling to cement their place in today’s market appear to have fleeting appeal among buyers, contributing to this massive depreciation.
3. DS3 E-Tense
Variant: E-Tense 54kWh Pallas
Retained Value: 28.32%
Average New Price: £39,200
Average Retained Value: £11,000
If you’re treating this article as a guide to bargain used cars, here’s another model worth considering. A three-year-old DS3 E-Tense can be purchased for just £11,000 on average only 28% of its original price.
While the DS3 may not be the best compact electric SUV on the market today, its high new-car price has always been one of its biggest drawbacks.
For used buyers, that obstacle is significantly reduced. The 54kWh version listed here offers a claimed range of 250 miles, and it provides a smooth, refined driving experience. The interior is stylish, though some may find the dashboard layout a bit confusing.
2. Vauxhall Mokka-E
Variant: 54kWh Ultimate Long Range
Retained Value: 28.30%
Average New Price: £42,045
Average Retained Value: £11,900
If the bold styling of the DS3 isn’t quite to your taste, its Stellantis counterpart, the Vauxhall Mokka-E, might be a more appealing option at least if you’re buying second-hand.
For new buyers, or more accurately their finance providers, the Mokka-E suffers a staggering £30,000 loss in value over three years, retaining just 28.30% of its original price in the high-spec Ultimate trim.
Much like the DS3, the Mokka-E is a competent small electric SUV, offering eye-catching design and a well-thought-out cabin.
However, if you’re set on purchasing one new, it’s wiser to opt for a lower trim level, as they tend to hold their value slightly better.
1. Nissan Leaf
Variant: 39kWh Acenta
Retained Value: 26.97%
Average New Price: £29,290
Average Retained Value: £7,900
The Nissan Leaf’s days are numbered. As one of the pioneers of mass-market electric vehicles when it debuted in 2011, it paved the way for accessible EVs.
The second-generation model, introduced in 2017, brought meaningful improvements, but with its discontinuation set for 2026, it will soon be replaced by a new offering.
Its declining popularity in favor of more advanced, longer-range, and better-value electric cars has likely contributed to its position at the very bottom of the depreciation rankings for 2025.
After just three years, the Leaf loses nearly three-quarters of its original value, retaining only 26.97%.
However, for used buyers, this steep depreciation could make it an attractive budget-friendly EV option though its 239-mile range now lags behind newer rivals.
Also Read: 10 Classic Cars That Were Once Popular but Are Now Forgotten