We don’t want to take away from the excitement of purchasing a new car, but it’s essential to consider how much your shiny new investment will be worth when it’s time to sell.
The speed at which a car loses its value commonly referred to as depreciation varies significantly depending on the model you choose.
While depreciation isn’t usually a primary concern for most buyers, it should be. Alongside expenses like fuel, servicing, and road tax, depreciation is a crucial factor in overall ownership costs.
Even if you’re purchasing a used car instead of a new one, depreciation remains relevant. While a high depreciation rate can be bad news for the original owner, it could work in favor of those buying second-hand.
Using our latest resale data, we’ve identified the models that experience the steepest decline in value over a standard three-year ownership period or 36,000 miles.
If any of these cars catch your interest, you can click the provided links to read our in-depth reviews or check out our free New Car Deals service to explore potential savings.
1. Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Strengths
- Competitively priced
- Respectable charging speeds
- Generous standard equipment
Weaknesses
- Disappointing Euro NCAP safety rating
- Rivals offer a more engaging drive
- Reliability could be improved
Model: Design 50kWh | List price: £29,045 | Resale value after 36k miles/3 years: £8,300 | Total depreciation: £20,745 | Retained value: 28.6%
The standard Vauxhall Corsa is among the UK’s best-selling new cars, and this fully electric variant retains many of its key advantages offering an attractive price and a well-equipped standard specification.
However, it also ranks as the new car with the highest depreciation over a three-year, 36,000-mile ownership period.
The Corsa Electric supports relatively fast charging, helping to reduce time spent at public charging points, and boasts an official range of up to 246 miles per charge.
This figure puts it on par with the Peugeot e-208, one of its closest competitors. However, the MG4 presents a compelling alternative, offering a longer range, competitive pricing, and a more engaging driving experience.
Moreover, the MG4 retains a greater proportion of its value after three years and 36,000 miles than both the Corsa Electric and the Peugeot e-208.
Also Read: 11 Affordable Electric Cars That Are Actually Worth Buying for Range, Performance, and Value
2. DS 9
Strengths
- Generally comfortable ride
- Minimal road and wind noise
- Well-appointed interior
Weaknesses
- Slow and unintuitive infotainment system
- Rear headroom could be better
- Significant depreciation
Model: 1.6 E-Tense 4×4 Opera | List price: £61,800 | Resale value after 36k miles/3 years: £18,200 | Total depreciation: £43,600 | Retained value: 29.4%
The DS 9 was designed as a distinctive alternative in the luxury car segment, with this plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version promising the potential for low running costs while offering the comfort, technology, and quality expected of a premium cruiser.
Unfortunately, the DS 9 falls short of expectations. While it delivers a smooth ride and boasts a well-crafted interior, it lags behind competitors in terms of infotainment usability, rear passenger headroom, and overall practicality.
Despite being priced similarly to many German luxury models, the DS 9 experiences a much steeper decline in value.
However, this depreciation makes it an attractive option for used car buyers seeking a high-end vehicle at a more affordable price.
3. Mazda MX-30
0-62mph: 9.1 sec, MPG/range: 282.5mpg, CO₂ emissions: 21g/km,
Seats: 5, Boot capacity: 350 litres, Insurance group: 22E
Strengths
- Well-balanced ride and handling
- Stylish interior with an intuitive infotainment system
- Generous standard equipment
Weaknesses
- Extremely limited driving range
- Rapid depreciation
- Cramped rear-seat space
Model: Makoto | List price: £32,395 | Resale value after 36k miles/3 years: £9,900 | Total depreciation: £22,495 | Retained value: 30.6%
Mazda’s debut electric vehicle comes with a premium price tag, making it even more disappointing that it depreciates faster than many of its competitors, losing over £20,000 after three years and 36,000 miles.
Unfortunately, the MX-30 doesn’t compensate for this with an exceptional driving experience.
Its limited range of just 124 miles likely dropping to around 115 miles in real-world conditions can be restrictive, and performance on faster roads feels underwhelming.
On the positive side, the cabin is stylish, and the infotainment system is user-friendly.
However, accessing the interior via the rear-hinged doors requires some adjustment, and practicality takes a hit with a relatively small boot. In contrast, the Kia Niro EV provides significantly more cargo space.
4. Jeep Compass
Strengths
- Impressive off-road capability
- Decent passenger space
- Solid equipment levels
Weaknesses
- Engine lacks refinement
- Small boot for its segment
- Disappointing cabin quality
Model: 1.3 T4 GSE PHEV Summit | List price: £44,655 | Resale value after 36k miles/3 years: £13,875 | Total depreciation: £30,780 | Retained value: 31.1%
Jeep has built its reputation on off-road prowess, and the Compass SUV stays true to that legacy with strong capability away from paved roads.
However, its on-road manners leave much to be desired, with excessive noise, overly light steering that lacks feedback, and performance that feels underpowered for a vehicle of its size.
The cabin does have some positives, including a straightforward infotainment system and the elevated driving position that many SUV buyers favor.
However, some materials feel cheap, and the layout of various controls can be confusing. While rear-seat space is adequate for passengers, the boot is on the smaller side compared to most family SUVs.
The plug-in hybrid variant sacrifices even more boot space to accommodate its battery, but the trade-off is an official all-electric driving range of 32 miles.
5. Audi A8
0-62mph: 3.8 sec, MPG/range: 24.6mpg, CO₂ emissions: 261g/km,
Seats: 5, Boot capacity: 505 litres, Insurance group: 50E
Strengths
- Exceptionally comfortable ride
- Spacious cabin and generous boot space
- Best-in-class interior quality
Weaknesses
- High depreciation makes it costly to own
- Plug-in hybrid version has a shorter electric range than the Mercedes S-Class
- Automatic gearbox can feel sluggish
Model: 55 TFSI quattro Sport Tiptronic | List price: £82,485 | Resale value after 36k miles/3 years: £25,900 | Total depreciation: £56,585 | Retained value: 31.4%
Some might argue that if you’re in the market for an Audi A8 luxury limousine, concerns about running costs or depreciation aren’t a priority.
However, even those with deep pockets prefer a wise investment and with this version of the A8 shedding enough value in three years to buy a Range Rover Evoque, its depreciation is hard to overlook.
That said, there’s a lot to appreciate if you focus on the experience rather than the numbers. The 55 TFSI petrol engine delivers power with exceptional smoothness and revs more eagerly than its diesel counterpart.
While refined, it doesn’t quite match the Mercedes S-Class in S500 form.
Like the S-Class, the A8’s standard air suspension leads to noticeable body roll through corners, but the upside is an incredibly plush ride arguably one of the most comfortable of any car, regardless of category.
Inside, the A8 offers a truly premium experience, packed with advanced technology designed to enhance convenience. There’s also plenty of room to relax, especially if you opt for the long-wheelbase version.
Also Read: Why the Popularity of Diesel Trucks in the U.S. Is Still a Problem
6. BMW 8 Series
Strengths
- Thrilling performance
- Best-in-class infotainment system
- Well-priced for its segment
Weaknesses
- Cramped rear seats
- Some rivals are sportier…
- …while others offer more comfort
Model: M850i xDrive | List price: £117,975 | Resale value after 36k miles/3 years: £37,975 | Total depreciation: £80,000 | Retained value: 32.2%
Previously, the semi-sensible 840i petrol version of the BMW 8 Series was the worst-performing model in terms of depreciation.
However, today, it’s the range-topping M50 model with its impressive 523bhp V8 engine that finds itself in this position.
The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre engine is incredibly powerful, responding instantly to throttle inputs.
When switched into Sport Plus mode, it produces a deep, aggressive exhaust note that ensures everyone around you knows you’re coming. However, as expected, its running costs are significantly higher than those of other 8 Series models.
Inside, there’s ample space to stretch out, and the infotainment system is intuitive, featuring a user-friendly rotary dial controller.
That said, some competitors offer a sportier drive, while others provide superior comfort and crucially, they depreciate at a slower rate over three years.
7. Lexus UX300e
0-62mph: 8.1 sec, MPG/range: 56.4mpg, CO₂ emissions: 113g/km
Seats: 5, Insurance group: 24E
Strengths
- Generously equipped as standard
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Proven reliability
Weaknesses
- Shorter driving range compared to competitors
- Slower charging speeds than rivals
- Tight rear seat space and limited boot capacity
Model: 150kW Takumi | List price: £50,995 | Resale value after 36k miles/3 years: £16,550 | Total depreciation: £34,445 | Retained value: 32.5%
The fact that the all-electric Lexus UX300e appears on this list of the fastest-depreciating cars only adds to its challenges.
Beyond its steep depreciation, buyers must contend with a modest real-world range of just 170 miles, limited practicality, and an unexciting driving experience.
On the positive side, Lexus ensures that even this entry-level UX300e is loaded with standard features.
The top-of-the-line Takumi trim further enhances the offering, including a larger 10.3-inch infotainment display, advanced LED headlights, an upgraded sound system, and a head-up display.
It’s also worth noting that the UX300e doesn’t provide the commanding driving position that many SUV buyers expect.
Instead, the seating position is quite low, which might disappoint those looking for a higher vantage point. If a raised driving position is a priority, alternatives like the Tesla Model Y or Volkswagen ID.4 would be better options.
8. DS 3
0-62mph: 9.0 sec, CO₂ emissions: 0g/km, Seats: 5,
Boot capacity: 350 litres, Insurance group: 29E
Strengths
- Premium and stylish interior
- Quiet and refined at cruising speeds
- Comes with plenty of standard features
Weaknesses
- High initial purchase price
- Below-average electric range
- Cramped rear seating area
Model: E-Tense Pallas | List price: £31,200 | Resale value after 36k miles/3 years: £10,200 | Total depreciation: £21,000 | Retained value: 31.69%
Competing against the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and MG ZS EV, the DS 3 falls short in terms of value retention, losing more money over 36,000 miles than its key rivals.
Although it’s not the quickest in its class, the DS 3’s 154bhp electric motor delivers a 0-62mph time of 9.0 seconds, which should be sufficient for most drivers.
Where the DS 3 excels is in ride comfort its soft suspension absorbs road imperfections well, making for a smoother drive compared to the firmer and more jarring Hyundai Kona Electric.
As for range, the DS 3’s 50.8kWh battery offers an official range of 250 miles. In real-world conditions, a range of approximately 200 miles between charges is a more realistic expectation.
9. Audi A6
Strengths
- Exceptionally quiet engines
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- High-quality construction
Weaknesses
- Limited customization options
- Automatic gearbox can feel sluggish
- Infotainment system is tricky to use while driving
Model: 50 TFSIe quattro Sport S Tronic | List price: £60,585 | Resale value after 36k miles/3 years: £19,825 | Total depreciation: £40,760 | Retained value: 32.72%
Not every version of the Audi A6 suffers from significant depreciation, but this plug-in hybrid variant is an exception, shedding over £40,000 in value after just three years of ownership.
With that in mind, it’s important to take full advantage of its lower running costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel alternatives.
Thanks to its official electric range of up to 34 miles, you might be able to complete your daily commute, school run, or both before the 2.0-litre petrol engine is required.
When both power sources are in use, the A6 accelerates from 0-62mph in a brisk 6.2 seconds.
The A6 also provides excellent visibility, particularly when checking over your shoulder an area where it outshines the rival Mercedes E-Class.
While its touchscreen infotainment system isn’t as intuitive as the rotary controller found in the BMW 5 Series, it compensates with crisp graphics and a wealth of features.
One trade-off with the plug-in hybrid version is the reduced boot capacity due to the battery placement, leaving you with 360 litres of luggage space. However, for most families, that should still be more than sufficient.
10. Peugeot e-208
Strengths
- Stylish and modern interior
- Engaging to drive
- Well-equipped even in base trims
Weaknesses
- Higher price compared to alternatives
- Limited rear-seat space
- Unconventional driving position may not suit everyone
Model: Allure | List price: £29,950 | Resale value after 36k miles/3 years: £9,925 | Total depreciation: £20,025 | Retained value: 33.1%
Looking beyond depreciation, there’s plenty to admire about this compact electric hatchback. Even the entry-level models boast an official range of up to 224 miles on a single charge outperforming competitors like the Fiat 500 Electric.
While its 134bhp electric motor won’t set any speed records, it delivers enough punch for everyday driving, though faster alternatives like the BYD Dolphin and MG4 are available.
Inside, Peugeot’s distinctive i-Cockpit layout takes some getting used to, as it requires you to look over a small steering wheel to view the instrument cluster rather than through it.
However, once acclimated, you’ll likely appreciate the high-quality materials and solid build. Standard equipment levels are generous as well.
Unfortunately, the e-208’s appeal is diminished when you consider its price. It’s more expensive than most of its direct rivals except for the Fiat 500 Electric and depreciation hits harder than in competing models, meaning it loses more of its value over three years.