Depreciation is a factor many car buyers tend to overlook. While other ownership costs, such as fuel consumption, servicing, and road tax, are important considerations, they often don’t compare to the financial impact of depreciation.
A new car can lose a significant portion of its value within the first few years, making it one of the biggest expenses of ownership.
That being said, depreciation isn’t entirely a bad thing especially for those looking to buy a used car. If you choose wisely, you can get a high-value vehicle at a much lower cost.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that a car that depreciates quickly at the start is likely to continue losing value at a faster rate than its competitors.
With that in mind, we’ve analyzed the latest resale value data to highlight the 10 cars expected to lose the largest percentage of their original price within the first three years.
These figures are based on the trade-in value of vehicles that have been driven 36,000 miles.
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1. DS 3
- 0-62mph: 9 sec
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- Seats: 5
- Boot capacity: 350 litres
- Insurance group: 29E
Strengths:
- Premium and stylish interior
- Quiet and smooth on the road
- Generous standard equipment
Weaknesses:
- Expensive to purchase new
- Limited electric range
- Tight rear seat space
Model: E-Tense Espirit De Voyage | List price: £39,825 | 36k/3yr resale value: £11,350 | Price drop: £28,475 | Retained value: 28.5%
Topping the list for the steepest depreciation is the DS 3 E-Tense, a compact electric SUV that competes with models such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and MG ZS EV.
While the DS 3 may not be as quick as some of its rivals, its 154bhp electric motor allows for a 0-60mph acceleration time of 9.0 seconds, which should be sufficient for most drivers.
The DS 3 also provides a comfortable ride, thanks to its soft suspension, which absorbs road imperfections better than the firmer Hyundai Kona Electric.
In terms of battery life, the 50.8kWh unit offers an official range of 250 miles. However, based on real-world usage, a more realistic range of around 200 miles per charge can be expected.
2. Maserati Ghibli
- 0-62mph: 5.7 sec
- Fuel economy: 34.9mpg
- CO2 emissions: 183g/km
- Seats: 5
- Boot capacity: 500 litres
- Insurance group: N
Strengths:
- Powerful V6 and V8 engine options
- Spacious and adjustable front seats
- Eye-catching design
Weaknesses:
- Lacks refinement on long journeys
- Rivals offer better ride and handling balance
- High running costs
Model: Hybrid GT Ultima | List price: £90,600 | 36k/3yr resale value: £26,100 | Price drop: £64,500 | Retained value: 28.8%
It may not come as a shock to see a performance-focused V6 sedan on this list, but the Maserati Ghibli’s depreciation is significant, with a value loss of more than £64,000 in just three years.
That means if you plan to own one, you’d better enjoy every drive.
Despite its hybrid badge, this model is only a mild hybrid, meaning the 2.0-litre petrol engine gets minimal electrical assistance just enough to slightly improve fuel efficiency but not by a significant margin.
With 325bhp under the hood, however, the Ghibli delivers the kind of performance expected from a Maserati-badged sports saloon.
On the downside, long-distance comfort could be better, and if practicality is a priority, the significantly cheaper BMW 5 Series offers a larger boot and better overall usability.
3. Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Model: Design 50kWh | List price: £32,445 | 36k/3yr resale value: £9,400 | Price drop: £23,045 | Retained value: 29.0%
Strengths:
- Competitively priced
- Respectable charging speeds
- Well-equipped as standard
Weaknesses:
- Disappointing Euro NCAP safety rating
- Rivals offer a more engaging drive
- Reliability could be improved
The Vauxhall Corsa is consistently one of the UK’s best-selling cars, and the fully electric version carries over many of the same appealing traits.
Among its strongest selling points are an attractive price and a generous list of standard features.
Another advantage of the Corsa Electric is its decent charging speed, allowing for quicker top-ups at public charging stations.
Its official range of up to 246 miles is comparable to that of the Peugeot e-208, though it’s worth mentioning that the MG4 offers an even greater range, is similarly affordable, and provides a better overall driving experience.
Moreover, the MG4 also retains more of its value over three years and 36,000 miles, making it the stronger option in terms of depreciation resistance.
4. Nissan Leaf
- 0-62mph: 7.9 sec
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- Seats: 5
- Boot capacity: 435 litres
- Insurance group: 24E
Strengths:
- Comfortable ride in 39kWh models
- Well-equipped with standard features
- Large boot space
Weaknesses:
- Limited rear headroom
- Awkward driving position
- Safety concerns in crash tests
Model: Acenta 39kWh | List price: £28,995 | 36k/3yr resale value: £8,525 | Price drop: £20,470 | Retained value: 29.4%
The Nissan Leaf was among the first small electric cars to achieve widespread popularity, and the latest version builds upon that success.
The entry-level 39kWh variant remains one of the most affordable options in its segment, delivering a respectable 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds and an official range of up to 168 miles per charge.
Passenger space inside the Leaf is comparable to most competitors, but when it comes to boot capacity, the Renault Zoe has the edge. In our tests, the Zoe accommodated six carry-on suitcases, whereas the Leaf managed five.
Despite its budget-friendly pricing, the 39kWh Leaf depreciates at a rapid rate, losing over £20,000 in value over three years. In fact, with a projected resale value of just £8,525, it holds the lowest residual value on this list.
5. Vauxhall Mokka Electric
Model: GS | List price: £39,985 | 36k/3yr resale value: £12,000 | Price drop: £27,985 | Retained value: 30.0%
Strengths:
- Comfortable ride
- Quiet at high speeds
- Generous standard equipment
Weaknesses:
- Shorter range than the Kia Niro EV and Volkswagen ID.3
- Interior feels cheap
- Lacks quick acceleration for an EV
The Vauxhall Mokka Electric, the larger sibling of the Corsa Electric, is the second Vauxhall to make this list.
It has an official range of 209 miles, which falls short of what the Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Performance can achieve.
Meanwhile, its 134bhp electric motor enables a 0-60mph time of 8.6 seconds, which, while decent, isn’t especially quick by EV standards.
Inside, the Mokka provides a reasonable amount of rear seat space, though passengers will find more comfort in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
While it does come with a good amount of standard equipment, the quality of materials inside is disappointing compared to rivals like the Peugeot e-2008 and Kia Niro EV.
6. Maserati Quattroporte
- 0-62mph: 5.0 sec
- MPG/range: 26.2mpg
- CO2 emissions: 244g/km
- Seats: 5
- Boot capacity: 530 litres
- Insurance group: N
Strengths:
- Engines produce an incredible sound
- Straightforward interior layout
- More agile than some rivals
Weaknesses:
- Uncomfortable driving position
- Not the most spacious in its class
- Neither as sporty nor as luxurious as expected
Model: V8 Trofeo | List price: £142,745 | 36k/3yr resale value: £43,300 | Price drop: £99,945 | Retained value: 30.3%
The Maserati Quattroporte is the second Maserati to appear on this list, this time in its larger, V8-powered form.
While the engine sounds phenomenal and delivers thrilling performance, even that isn’t enough to offset the massive depreciation it suffers.
Over three years and 36,000 miles, the Quattroporte loses nearly £100,000 in value, making it the biggest depreciator on this list amounting to a staggering £2.77 lost per mile driven.
Despite feeling nimble in corners and featuring a user-friendly interior, the awkward driving position and the fact that several rivals offer a better driving experience prevent it from earning a higher rating.
7. Renault Zoe
Model: Iconic R135 Boost Charge | List price: £29,995 | 36k/3yr resale value: £9,375 | Price drop: £20,620 | Retained value: 31.26%
The Renault Zoe experiences significant depreciation over three years, which is bad news for those buying new, but a potential advantage for second-hand buyers.
As one of the first mass-market electric cars, the Zoe is widely available on the used market, offering plenty of choice.
Equipped with a 134bhp electric motor, the Zoe performs adequately for city driving, though rivals like the MG4 deliver quicker acceleration for motorway speeds.
Passengers especially taller adults will find more space inside the Zoe than in some competitors, and its large boot surpasses the Nissan Leaf in terms of luggage capacity.
However, the Zoe lacks key safety features, including Automatic Emergency Braking, which led to it receiving a zero-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in its 2021 crash tests.
8. DS 9
Model: 1.6 E-Tense 4×4 Esprit De Voyage | List price: £74,415 | 36k/3yr resale value: £23,325 | Price drop: £51,090 | Retained value: 31.34%
Strengths:
- Comfortable ride quality
- Minimal road and wind noise
- High-quality interior materials
Weaknesses:
- Infotainment system is slow and unintuitive
- Limited rear headroom
- Loses value rapidly
The DS 9 was designed as a distinctive alternative in the luxury car segment, with its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup aiming to deliver both efficiency and comfort.
However, it falls short of expectations in some areas. While it does offer a smooth ride and premium interior, the infotainment system is frustrating to use, rear-seat headroom is limited, and overall practicality lags behind competitors.
Despite being priced similarly to German luxury rivals, the DS 9 suffers from steep depreciation, making it a poor choice for long-term resale value.
9. Peugeot e-2008
Model: Active | List price: £36,500 | 36k/3yr resale value: £11,525 | Price drop: £24,975 | Retained value: 31.6%
Strengths:
- High-quality, stylish interior
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Efficient use of its smaller battery
Weaknesses:
- Some competitors offer longer range
- Unconventional driving position may not suit everyone
- Limited space in the rear seats
The Peugeot e-2008 is a family-friendly electric SUV that competes with models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Smart #1.
Powered by a 154bhp electric motor, it delivers decent performance, though its 0-60mph time of 8.5 seconds isn’t particularly quick. However, braking can feel inconsistent, which may take some getting used to.
On the plus side, the e-2008 proves to be efficient, achieving 183 miles per charge in real-world range tests.
The interior boasts premium materials, with soft-touch plastics enhancing the cabin’s appeal.
However, Peugeot’s i-Cockpit design, which places the instrument cluster above the steering wheel instead of behind it, may not be comfortable for all drivers.
10. BMW 8 Series
Model: 840i M Sport | List price: £83,905 | 36k/3yr resale value: £26,650 | Price drop: £57,255 | Retained value: 31.8%
Strengths:
- Exceptional performance
- Best-in-class infotainment system
- Well-priced for its segment
Weaknesses:
- Tight rear seating space
- Some rivals offer a sportier drive
- Others provide greater comfort
Previously, the M50 version of the BMW 8 Series, featuring a potent V8 engine, was the biggest depreciator in the lineup. However, the 840i model now takes that spot, despite still offering strong performance.
Similar to the 840d diesel variant, the 840i ensures smooth power delivery and stands out as the only rear-wheel-drive version in the range, whereas other models feature four-wheel drive.
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Inside, there’s plenty of room to stretch out, and BMW’s intuitive infotainment system with its rotary dial controller remains one of the best in its class.
However, some competitors offer a sportier driving experience or superior ride comfort, and they also hold their value better over three years.